For the second consecutive quarter, economic uncertainty and access to capital continue to rank as major obstacles preventing small business growth, according to fourth quarter results from the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Index Survey.
According to the survey, 35 percent of small businesses believe their business is worse off today than six months ago – up from 25 percent in June - while 28 percent believe their business is better off. 31 percent of respondents plan to hire employees during the next six months -- the same as in June 2012 -- and only 4 percent plan layoffs, yet 39 percent cited economic uncertainty as a major concern. 17 percent of respondents said they would stop their current hiring plans, and 39 percent said they were unsure of their hiring plans if Congress does not act to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax certainty by the end of the year.
Of respondents needing financing during the last six months, 22% were able to obtain it, down from 27% in June. About 78% were not able to get the neded financing – up 5% from June. 54% believe it will be harder to obtain over the next six months compared to just 12% who believes it will be easier.
The Florida Chamber’s Small Business Index Survey was conducted electronically Sept. 10-28, 2012 and received 525 unique responses.