Main Street Insights from SurePayroll

When times are tough, small business owners face more pressure to pick up the slack and find ways to do more with less. According to a recent survey conducted by online payroll provider SurePayroll, business owners are multi-tasking to address the challenges of the current economy, keep customers happy, and keep their businesses running smoothly.

Future Projections for 2010 and Beyond

Best Performing Franchises of 2009:   Franchises that have an “all-in” cost below 100k are far and away doing the best. These concepts are less likely to need financing and thus are more in demand. Businesses that can be run from home and/or run as a second source of income are also doing very well. 

Contributing Nearly $3 Trillion to U.S. Economy
 
Women-owned businesses contribute nearly $3 trillion to our national economy and create or maintain 23 million jobs according to new research conducted by the Center for Women’s Business Research and funded by the National Women’s Business Council and Walmart.

Survey Finds that 46 Percent of Respondents Don’t Offer Health Insurance to Employees

Small businesses continue to grapple with the costs of providing healthcare to their employees, but the challenge is becoming disastrous for many businesses that are just trying to stay afloat, according to George S. May International.

Index Indicates the Current Recession is More Sustained than the 1980-1982 Recession

The National Federation of Independent Business Index of Small Business Optimism recently rose to 89.1 (1986=100), 8.1 points higher than the survey’s second lowest reading (the lowest reading was 80.1 in the second quarter of 1980).

Overall Numbers and Success Rates on the Rise

As the economy clings stubbornly to a recession, the home-based business market still continues to grow. With record levels of unemployment and job uncertainty for those still employed, the investigation of home businesses and start-ups increases. Here are some statistics.

Working At Home Means More than Just Running a Business
                             
The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor has compiled interesting statistics on the home-based business and work-at-home demographic segment. Specifically:

Move Could Help Spur Much Needed Services and Construction Growth

Small businesses that need surety bonds to compete for construction and service contracts can qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration-backed surety bonds of up to $5 million.