SmallBusinessNewz

Opinion Research Corporation revealed results from an interesting study that indicate most small businesses would recommend their geographic location to others looking to set up shop, but they also think their local governments could do more to support them.

According to the infor retreived, 7 out of 10 businesses think tax breaks would be the most effective way their governements could do this. Here are some other highlights from the study:

- Business owners in the Midwest cite customer loyalty (31 percent) as the most important advantage, compared to just 16 percent of those in the South and 19 percent in the West.

- One-third of business owners in the West cite location as the primary advantage, compared to just 16 percent in the Midwest and 19 percent in the Northeast.

- 62 percent of business owners in the Northeast think that their local government could do a better job of promoting their town, compared to 44 percent of those in the West.

- The South is the only region in which a majority of business owners (53 percent) indicated that improving the quality of the work force would be most effective. By comparison, only 38 percent of those in the West agree.

- Nearly a third (30 percent) of business owners in the West say that they would definitely not or probably not recommend their town to someone looking to start or relocate a business. By contrast, more than three-quarters (78 percent) of those in the South would probably or definitely recommend their town.

- In the Midwest, 75 percent rank tax breaks as their highest priority, compared to the West at 64 percent.

"The majority of small businesses are looking to their local governments to help them succeed, with tax cuts, fewer regulations and better marketing," says Rebecca Elmore-Yalch, Senior Vice President, Opinion Research Corporation. "At the same time, most municipalities are strapped, with declining revenues and increasing demand for services. One solution may be to focus on reducing red tape to support businesses without adding new strains to local budgets. These businesses just want to see that local government is on their side."

"Local governments can do a lot to facilitate entrepreneurial growth by helping to create conditions and policies that make it easier for small businesses to succeed," Yalch added.

What is your opinion of your own local governement's small business support? Would you recommend your region to others? Discuss it with other SmallBusinessNewz readers.