SmallBusinessNewz

As you probably know, the typical outlook for the small business economy is not very positive, but while business owners tend to be pessimistic about the economy as a whole, they are generally optimistic about their own businesses.

Nevertheless, the picture painted today is still a bit dreary. The National Small Business Association (NSBA) released the results of a survey detailing the opinions of small business owners about the economy and topics related to or affected by it.

  "Our survey shows plain and clear how the economic slowdown is affecting small business. When asked last year about their economic outlook, a majority of small-business owners responded positively," says NSBA President Todd McCracken. "This year, a whopping 71 percent have a negative outlook on the economy -- clearly small business is feeling the pinch."

Factors such as rising fuel costs are having a big impact on small business owners. Many are increasing their own prices, reducing their business travel, cutting production schedules, and reducing their workforce just to compensate.

"Economic uncertainty" as a whole was cited by exactly half of the business owners surveyed as one of the most significant factors impeding business growth and survival. Other big factors named were the cost of health insurance and lack of available capital.

 "Small businesses are buckling down, with nearly a quarter reporting no growth strategies planned for the coming year," NSBA Chair Marilyn Landis pointed out. "Sales and profits are down, and fewer jobs are being created in 2008 than at any period since 1993 when the survey began."

Have you been forced to make any drastic changes to compensate for rising fuel costs? Do you have a growth strategy?