Apr 1, 2013

SB Owners Believe Economy Stuck in Washington Gridlock

With a portfolio of over 100,000 business accounts, NewtekOne today announced the findings of its SB Authority Market Sentiment Survey, a monthly window into the concerns of independent business owners. Based on a poll of over 1,800 respondents, one of the key findings from the March survey is 60 percent of business owners believe uncertainty in Washington has had the greatest negative effect on the economy. Of the remaining, 22 percent believe income tax increases have had the greatest negative effect on the economy and 18 percent believe payroll tax increase had the greatest negative effect on the economy. The full March 2013 results showed the following:

Poll Question	Poll Answer	Percentage
Which of the following items has had the greatest negative effect on the economy?	Payroll Tax Increase	18%
	Income Tax Increase	22%
	Uncertainty in Washington	60%

Barry Sloane, Chairman, President and CEO of The Small Business Authority® commented, "With all of the data obtained in today's society, our independent business owners are still most concerned over the confusion and uncertainty in Washington. Despite payroll tax increases, healthcare, and a weak economy, the uncertainty over what the Federal Government is doing to the business climate is our small business clienteles' biggest worry. The uncertainty and lack of confidence in Washington continues to put a damper on future decision making, risk taking, and economic forward thinking."