Small Business Startup News
Globally, Small Business Optimism Increasing
Written by Jenna Weiner
Published: 2/23/2011
The Sage Group reports that 41 percent of small businesses in six Western nations believe this year to be better than last year.
While rates of small business optimism in the United States may no longer be breaking entrepreneurial news, a recent survey approaches the measurement from a new, global angle.
New research from The Sage Group has found that in six countries across North America and Europe business optimism is increasing. Compiling data from 6,455 companies in the U.S., the UK, Germany, France, Canada and Spain, the survey found that 41 percent of businesses are feeling more confident about business for the coming year.
However, not all the results were positive. Government bureaucracy and legislation was unanimously marked as the least favorable aspect of doing business in their respective countries.
"They are clearly stating that they have the appetite and drive to succeed, but whilst confidence appears to be slowly returning bureaucracy and legislation are holding them back. This, in combination with a lack of access to funding, is impacting how entrepreneurs feel about doing business right now," said Gary Berruyer, chief executive of The Sage Group.
Government officials, at least in the U.S., are taking steps to remedy these concerns, though. Earlier this year, President Barack Obama announced a government-wide review to identify regulations and red tape that are holding back small business success.
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