SmallBusinessNewz

This week Constant Contact released findings from a survey, indicating that 79% of small business have a confident to neutral outlook for the U.S. economy over the next year.

Some Key findings from the survey:

- Small businesses anticipate growth in 2010

- Small businesses are doing more with less

- Small businesses look for new efficiencies as costs increase

- Small businesses question government support

"Small businesses across the country were among the most heavily impacted by the economic downturn. However, the results of our survey suggest that we are starting to see a leveling-off effect that has these determined small business owners feeling more optimistic," said Gail Goodman, CEO and chairman, Constant Contact. "The improving sentiment among small businesses is particularly encouraging, as these passionate and innovative small businesses are the organizations that have led the U.S. economy out of past recessions. I encourage everyone to do their part and help support small businesses in their neighborhood."

The firm says survey respondents' generally optimistic outlook for growth is highlighted by the fact that 70 percent of surveyed businesses expect their business to grow in 2010. Of those respondents anticipating growth, 39 percent expect to hire additional employees.