Issue #9 DECEMBER 2008

The Top 9 from 411SmallBusinessFacts.com

Data for the Credit Access Poll have been collected, prepared and posted on 411.  The news from this Poll issue is bleak, a particularly disturbing point being the too common incidence of mortgages (seconds, typically) on residences used to finance the business.  Little has appeared on the tie between real estate and business financing in either the popular or the academic press.  But small business owners hold considerable real estate beyond that directly associated with operation of their primary business.  About one in ten currently own property that is upside-down.  So, while the consequences of real estate ownership in the past may have bolstered and reinforced business finances, they could prove to be a real drain on them in the current climate.

 

Two new Polls, Independent Contractors and Crime, should be posted on 411 prior to the next newsletter.  That will be followed by Owners and Managers, a little different look at the world of smaller businesses.

 
Regards,
 
The NFIB Research Foundation
 
The TOP 9 Questions for December 2008 
 
1. RECESSION – What is the greatest problem small business now faces resulting from the nation's current financial difficulties? (Vol. 8, Iss. 7, Q#2).
 
2. RETIREMENT – At what age do small, employing business owners expect to retire? (Vol. 5, Iss. 4, Q#4).
 
3. TAXES – How well do small business owners understand depreciation for tax purposes?  (Vol. 6, Iss. 6, Q#4B).
 
4. HAZARDOUS WASTE – How many small businesses store, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including acids, solvents, pesticides, used oil, heavy metals such as lead or mercury, chemicals, combustibles and similar substances?  (Vol. 7, Iss. 2, Q#4).
 
5. TIME ALLOCATION – As the United States entered the recession in early 2008, how many small business owners were spending more time in the business than they did just six months before, how many less, and how many did not change?  (Vol. 8, Iss. 1, Q#2).
 
6. BUDGET – How often do small business owners with a written budget compare their budget projections to what is actually happening?  (Vol. 7, Iss. 4, Q#12).
 
7. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS – How many small businesses have an employment contract with at least one employee?  (Vol. 7, Iss. 1, #10).
 

8. CREDIT CARDS – How many small business owners typically pay outstanding balances on their business credit cards at the end of every month?  (Vol. 8, Iss. 3, Q#24).

 
9. GAS PRICES – How do small employers with business vehicles change operation of those vehicles to compensate for increases in the price of gas and diesel?  (Vol 6, Iss. 3, Q#3c).