NAM/NFIB Survey: Businesses, Manufacturers Say They Are Worse Off Than Three Years Ago
On behalf of the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the National Association of Manufacturers, Public Opinion Strategies conducted a survey of 800 small business owners and manufacturers, owners, or C-level decision makers at companies with between 2 and 499 employees. Of the 800 interviews, 453 were conducted among small business owners and 347 were conducted among manufacturers and owners or C-level decision makers.
The interviews were conducted August 13-September 4, 2012. Half were conducted by telephone and half on the internet.
- More than two-thirds say there is too much uncertainty in the market to expand, grow or hire new workers.
- 69 percent say the Obama administration’s regulatory policies have hurt businesses.
- 55 percent say they would not start a business today given what they know now and in the current environment.
- Two of the three biggest challenges are government spending: 58 percent called it a significant challenge, while 49 percent said the same about federal, state and local taxes.
“The findings of this survey show that manufacturers and other small businesses have a starkly negative outlook for their future—with good reason,” said NAM CEO Jay Timmons. “There is far too much uncertainty, too many burdensome regulations and too few policymakers willing to put aside their egos and fulfill their responsibilities to the American people.”
