SmallBizResource Blog -- Economy

Discover Small Business Watch Index Shows Signs Of Warmth

Posted by Gayle Kesten Tuesday, Mar 31, 2009, 11:32 AM ET

Attitude is everything, right? An optimistic one certainly can't hurt, even when things are far from perfect. In my little part of the country, the sky is blue and it looks like spring, but one step out my front door, and I'm back in the house grabbing my gloves. Still, I know the cold days are dwindling, and maybe, just maybe, small-business owners' confidence in the economy is starting to thaw, as well.

According to the March Discover Small Business Watch, the numbers -- though still pretty dismal -- are (for now) moving in the right direction: True, nine out of 10 small-business owners held steady in their February view that the economy is "fair" or "poor," and cash flow issues continue to plague 41% of them, but fewer think the overall economy is worsening (60% vs.69% in February and 79% in June 2008), and more say conditions are improving for their own businesses (24% vs. 19% and the highest response since August's 30%).

"Small business owners are far less bleak about the direction of the overall economy than they have been in months," said Ryan Scully, director of Discover's business credit card.

Some other interesting findings, especially with Tax Day right around the corner:

• 77% of small-business owners find the tax preparation and documentation process very or somewhat time consuming -- slightly up from 75% a year ago.

• 46% say finding and organizing the documents they need to prepare their taxes is very or somewhat difficult -- up from 41% a year ago.

• 69% of small-business owners turn to professionals for tax help, though 21% plan to use do-it-yourself tax software -- up from 15% a year ago.

• 32% lacked confidence that they will receive all of the deductions to which they are entitled, no matter who handled their taxes.

• 32% are most frustrated by self-employment taxes, followed by federal income taxes (24%).

• Of the 38% of small-business owners expecting a refund, 41% say they will use it to repay debts, 22% will use if for their businesses, 21% will save for the future, and 14% will use it for personal purposes.

Two questions for you: Any change in your level of economic confidence? And if you're expecting a tax refund, then what will you do with that money?

Economy