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Survey: Optimistic small business owners plan hires

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Latest results from the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council survey show Florida’s overall business health improving and nearly 40 percent of small business owners planning to hire more employees during the next six months.

“When four out of five jobs are created by small businesses, this is excellent news,” said Tim Giuliani, Small Business Council Staff Director for the Florida Chamber in a prepared statement. “But the fact remains that many small businesses still face economic uncertainty forcing downward pressure on their ability to create more jobs.”

While 34 percent of respondents believe their business is better off today than six months ago, 45 percent say economic uncertainty is preventing them from hiring new employees. Those economic uncertainties include:

Access to capital,

Government regulations,

Health care,

Taxes, and

Workforce issues.

“By an overwhelming majority, Florida small businesses are worried about how government regulations, restrictions and taxes may negatively impact their ability to do business and create jobs,” Giuliani added.

The Florida Chamber’s Small Business Council’s electronic survey was conducted March 5-23, 2012 and received 330 unique responses. The survey is conducted quarterly.