JEFFERSON CITY, MO- According to a pair of National Federation of Independent Business reports show evidence that many of Missouri’s Small Businesses are struggling. State Director Brad Jones cites causes such as Fuel costs can be attributed to the increased expenses.
Many of these 1,000 plus Small Businesses are participating in The Small Business Economic Trend Survey. This survey asks questions such as, “Do you intend to increase Employment over the next few months?” or “Do you plan to increase inventory?” The Survey also asks if business expect the economy to improve.
These among at least seven other quetsions determine the Small Business Employment Index.
A common concern is hiring as businesses are trying to compensate for the products they feel they cannot sell with more manpower. Much of the manpower lost is due to rising numbers of retirees.
Another aspect of this index is offering to pay employees more. Jones says compensation will increase, yet the existing labor and employement statistics are still under the demand to work an average of 100 hours a week whereas the past average was 80 hours.
