Despite the recent economic turbulence and a survey that shows 61
percent of small business owners aren't optimistic about the economic
outlook, new data shows a 27 percent increase in new business activity
in the second quarter of 2011 versus the same quarter last year. The
findings are part of the first Manta SMB Wellness Index, a quarterly
index on the state of small business released by Manta, an online
community dedicated to small business.
The index shows business activity is surging in many parts of the
country. California tops the list as the state with the most activity
in the second quarter of this year, and Maine saw the biggest growth
year-over-year. The survey found businesses focused on extending the
life of existing products are on the rise and repair businesses have
seen an increase year-over-year. In addition, there's momentum in the
e-commerce/IT outsourcing category, and the electronics industry has
also seen a lift in activity compared to Q2 2010.
"Despite the challenging economic conditions, small business owners
are charging ahead; in fact, our survey found 37 percent of small
business owners expect their profits will increase this year," said
Pamela Springer, president and CEO of Manta. "As a company focused on
helping the small business community, Manta sees the entrepreneurial
spirit is very much alive and well."
California, Florida and Texas had the biggest boost in businesses
activity in Q2, while Maine, Colorado and Arizona saw the most gains
year-over-year. Bangor, Maine, and Portland, Maine, were the cities
with the biggest increase in activity compared to Q2 2010. Oregon, Utah
and New Hampshire had the sharpest declines in activity year over year,
while Portland, Oregon, and Houston were the cities with the lowest
growth in business activity compared to Q2 2010.
As the small business community begins to expand again,
Manta's survey found that more than one third of small business owners
(38 percent) want politicians to focus on unemployment and job creation
as key initiatives. However, in a separate survey, an overwhelming
majority of small business owners polled (68 percent) say President
Obama's recent jobs proposal doesn't impact their plans to add
employees -- and they still don't intend to hire.
The survey found two-thirds of those polled (63 percent) felt the
Obama administration has hurt small business, but when asked which
political party best supports them, 35 percent say "none of them."
Although small business owners favor conservative parties two-to-one,
23 percent believe the Republican party best supports them and 17
percent feel the Tea Party has their back. Twenty-one percent feel the
Democratic party is the political party they feel best supports small
business.
Manta's survey also revealed a majority of small business owners (67
percent) say they're highly unsatisfied with the effectiveness of
government. The index examines nationwide data collected from multiple
business resources and takes a "pulse" of small business owners on hot
topics. Manta's latest survey polled more than 2,300 small business
owners about their feelings on the political environment and its impact
on the SMB community.
Midmarket News & Reviews 
