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Janel Knight Trulear
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(617) 875-66581

SURVEY: As lawmakers once again work to avoid shutdown, small business owners eager for stability

A new national survey of small business owners overwhelmingly shows entrepreneurs think stability in government is important to the health of the economy and Main Street

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024—As lawmakers again labor to reach a deal to avoid a government shutdown this year, a new national survey of small business owners reveals bipartisan concern among entrepreneurs about the government’s ability to make timely decisions that impact small businesses—and an overwhelming desire for stability for the sake of the economy.

The national survey conducted from  Nov. 8-Dec.4, involving 1,015 small business owners, had a nearly equal representation from Republican (25%) and Democrat (28%) respondents, revealing that small business owners are united in their concern about decision making in Congress despite party affiliation.

“Reports of a deal to pass a resolution giving lawmakers until March to pass a budget are both a relief to small business owners who worry about the economic chaos a government shutdown could cause, but also a demonstration of why 56% of small business owners are worried that our leaders cannot make timely decisions on matters that affect Main Street,” said Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Shaundell Newsome, Co-Founder of Sumnu Marketing, in Las Vegas. “I hope this deal can get done, but as a business owner I know short term budgeting is not efficient. Our survey shows small business owners want political leaders to stop the political gamesmanship and pass a budget that supports the economy.”

Key Survey Findings:

• 56% of small business owners are not confident at all in the government’s ability to make timely decisions that positively impact small businesses in light of the leadership transition in the House of Representatives
• 95% believe stable government leadership is important to the overall health of the economy and small business

This sentiment comes as the small business boom continues with a record 5.5 million small businesses launching in 2023. Within the past three years, 16 million new small businesses have started. There’s also optimism about the economy as revealed in a recent SBAF survey but 78% of small business owners believe if Congress fails to create a budget, a federal government shutdown would negatively impact small business.

“The first few years of business can be the most challenging for entrepreneurs. Government stability is one of the main ingredients needed to help them succeed,” said Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Anne Zimmerman, owner of the Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc.

View the survey report here.

To schedule an interview with SBAF Co-chairs or other small business owners contact: Janel Knight Trulear at janel@emccommunications.com or (617) 875-6581.

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a coalition of small business owners and leaders nationwide working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing a just and equitable economic framework that works for small business owners, their employees and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF