TORONTO, Canada( November 1, 2007) --  The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) reported today that taxes were the greatest concern of small business owners and managers in Canada during the third quarter of 2007.

Of the respondents to the quarterly poll completed in conjunction with IPA based here, 25% ranked taxes as their biggest concern,

Finding quality employees was the second most significant issue during the third quarter, with 18% of the participants indicating that it was their most problematic concern.  General economic conditions and the cost of materials tied for third in the rankings of issues the owners and managers believed has the greatest impact on their businesses.   Interest rate concerns finished fifth among the poll of more than 150 businesses.
The SBRB recently established a Canadian Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI).  The initial index of 45 denotes opinions and projections about business confidence.  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 these quarterly and annual comparisons. 

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. 

 “Small businesses in Canada are sensitive to the impact of taxes on their operations and understand the necessity to maintain strict diligence when managing such  matters.  In addition, the owners and managers must respond quickly when contending with the enacting of new tax laws,” said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of IPA.

Fewer small businesses in Canada are considering expansion.  During the third quarter, 27% said they are planning to expand their businesses during the next 12 to 24 months.   That represented a decline from the 34% who said they were planning business expansion when asked during a similar second quarter 2007 survey.

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 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. 

Small Business Research Board Canada Third Quarter 2007 Issues 

Copyright 2008 Small Business Research Board (SBRB)

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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