Majority of Small Business Owners Indicate They Have Not Had to Downsize Their Workforces Recently, Though Majority Also Indicate They Don’t Plan on Hiring in Near Future

BUFFALO GROVE, ILL. (June 22, 2009) – Approximately 53% of small business owners and managers surveyed during a Small Business Research Board (SBRB) study conducted last week in conjunction with IPA indicated they have not downsized their workforces over the past six months, while 47% indicated they have had to downsize their workforces.

Of those small business owners and managers who indicated they have not downsized their workforces over the past six months, 87% indicated they do not plan to decrease their workforces throughout the next three months.

Furthermore, of the survey participants, 63% indicated they do not plan on hiring any new staff members over the next six months.

According to the survey, businesses in the South/Southwest region reported the least amount of confidence regarding hiring, as approximately 73% of the small business owners and managers surveyed in this U.S. region indicated they do not plan on hiring in the next six months.

Businesses in the West/Pacific region had the most positive outlook regarding hiring, as approximately 42% of those surveyed indicated they plan on hiring over the next six months.

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 universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the United States. The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted via phone and e-mail. The latest information about the Small Business Research Board can be found at www.ipasbrb.net.

IPA is the largest privately held provider of management consulting services to small- and medium-size businesses in North America. IPA, based in Buffalo Grove, Ill., and its more than 1,600 professionals 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 the United States and Canada. More information about IPA can be found at www.ipa-c.com.

Copyright 2009 Small Business Research Board (SBRB)

For more information about this poll, results of previous studies or other matters related to the SBRB, please contact Ashley Kasicki, (847) 495-3074.