MasterCard's second annual Global Small Business Survey highlights important trends that are driving global small business. While small business owners have mixed perceptions about the favorability of the overall business climate, when it comes to their own business — they are optimistic about its future outlook. Survey highlights include:

· Current Business Climate. One in four of all small business owners worldwide (23 percent) think the business climate for small businesses is more favorable today than it was one year ago, while one in four (23 percent) say it is less favorable now than it was one year ago.

· Business Outlook. Overall, 50 percent of all small business owners feel their business’s future outlook is promising, while 13 percent say their future is “extremely promising.”

· Average Work Week. Globally, small business owners work an average of 54 hours a week and spend an average of 18 hours a week doing administrative tasks.

· Motivations for Running a Small Business. Globally, small business owners say that making enough money to cover living expenses (94 percent) and having more control over the future (91 percent) are important motivations for running their own business. Those in the United States are the most likely to say that being their own boss (93 percent) is an important motivation.

· Use of Technology. Three in four small business owners around the world (78 percent) say technology is important to their business’ future, while one in four (26 percent) say technology is “extremely important."

· Job Fulfillment. Nearly half of all small business owners (48 percent) say that running their own business is definitely as fulfilling as they expected it to be. HBM

Form more information, visit www.mastercard.com/us/company/en/newsroom.

Previously published in the April 2007 issue of HOME BUSINESS® Magazine, an international publication for the growing and dynamic home-based market. Available on newsstands, in bookstores and chain stores, and via subscriptions ($15.00 for 1 year, six issues). Visit www.homebusinessmag.com