TORONTO, Canada ( September 24, 2007) -  The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) has established a Canada Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI) to help determine and track trends shared by business owners and managers, it was announced here today.

Based upon the responses from more than 150 participants in the SBRB poll, the initial Canada SBCI has been set at 45.  This is the second consecutive quarter that the SBRB, in conjunction with IPA based here, has captured the opinions of small businesses in Canada on such topics as the economy, revenue growth, hiring and significant issues, among others.   The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across Canada.   The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted via direct telephone contact.

Had the SBRB established an SBCI as a result of the initial results generated from the previous study completed during the second quarter, the SBCI would have been set at 44.  Projections about the strength of the economy, revenues and hiring looking forward 12 months are the three key ingredients to determining the SBCI and providing the basis for the quarterly and annual comparisons. 

In that regard, 36% of the small business responding to the current poll said they believe the economy will improve over the course of the next 12 months with 54% of the same respondents indicating that they are expecting their revenues to increase during this period.   Concurrently, 45% said they plan to increase hiring. 

During the previous period, the small business participants had a healthier opinion about the economy, with 42% expecting it to improve, an equal percentage (54%) saying they believe revenues would increase, but far fewer (36%) planning on increasing their staff levels.

"The Small Business Research Board has had significant success consistently utilizing its methodology to both track the opinions of small business owners and managers.  In addition, the SBRB accumulates real time data, turning that which is synthesized into  valuable management tools for businesses -- especially those that don't often have access to such important information," said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of IPA. 

"We are fortunate to be able to bring the SBRB resources to Canada,"  Steinberg added.

The Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations.   The SBRB conducts these studies for the benefit of small business owners and managers.   The SBRB also provides opportunities for third parties to gain real time insight into the attitudes of small businesses nationwide through the independently conducted research.  The SBRB, based in Northfield, Il., has conducted similar quarterly studies in the U. S. since 2004.

The latest information about the Small Business Research Board also can be found at http://www.ipasbrb.net/.

IPA along with affiliate companies is the  largest privately-held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size businesses in North America.    The more than 1,800 professionals in North America offer a wide range of proven and innovative methodologies to help businesses grow and prosper regardless of the economic cycle.  IPA either provides directly or through its affiliated companies a comprehensive array of business advisory services, tax and estate planning services or merger, acquisition and other financial advisory services in Canada and the United States. 

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Copyright 2008 Small Business Research Board (SBRB)

The Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations. Participants in the poll provide feedback on significant issues and allow for real-time insight into the state of small businesses nationwide.   The poll was structured and is supervised through an independent resource using data collected from small businesses across Canada.   

For more information about this poll, results of previous studies or other matters related to the SBRB, please contact Jennifer Cumbee, (847) 495-6786.

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*  some totals may not equal 100% as the result of rounding.

Copyright  2008 Small Business Research Board