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National Write Your Congressman Finds Small Business Owners Increasingly Uncertain About Their Business’ Future

Business Wire - Mon Feb 1, 2021

National Write Your Congressman (NWYC), an organization that gives small businesses a voice in American government, released its Q4 2020 Quarterly Index finding 35 percent of business owners uncertain about the future of their business, an increase of 52 percent from last quarter. Business owners cite taxes, COVID-19’s effect on their business, business regulations and hiring qualified workers as top concerns for the first quarter.

“Small business continues to be the driving force of America’s economy as unprecedented changes in national policy, mandates due to the pandemic, and the current political climate have made running a business challenging,” said Randy Ford, President and COO of National Write Your Congressman.

NWYC provides members with non-partisan information along with the tools they can use to connect with their representatives in Washington and advocate for the policies and actions that will help their small businesses.

Forty-seven percent of small business owners said they believe their U.S. Congressional Members know their opinions on important issues but only 29 percent believe their own elected U.S. Congressional Members act according to their constituents' input.

“Our findings demonstrate the need for small business owners to continue reaching out to their local and state officials and members of Congress to make their voice heard,” said Ford.

Business Sentiment

Findings show business sentiment is hopeful, as 55 percent of business owners have kept their business open with only a few modifications. Nineteen percent of small business owners plan to grow their business in 2021 and only three percent foresee their business closing this year. Thirty-seven percent have had to change the way they do business by either restructuring or implementing new technologies.

“We are working harder than ever before. Divided yes, hope maybe, wanting to stay in business? Absolutely,” said Sandy Pirdy, NWYC member and Owner, Creekside Fabrics, Quilts & Yarns in Arcade, New York.

Almost a quarter of business owners plan to apply for the second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

“The year 2020 was one of unprecedented struggles and triumphs for our small business. Our business was granted a much needed PPP Loan. Day-to-day is hard, especially with unknowns, but we are staying focused on the course and look forward to the mountains and valleys of 2021,” said Erica Goodnight, NWYC member and President and CEO of Union Grove Lumber, Inc. in Union Grove, North Carolina.

INFOGRAPHIC: Q4 2020 Small Business Sentiment Towards Congress

Methodology

NWYC collected data using an online survey administered January 18 to January 22, 2021. A total of 1,591 respondents participated. Respondents represent 48 of the 50 states in the U.S. Sixty percent of business owners surveyed employ 1-9 employees and 37 percent employ 10-99 employees. Past NWYC Quarterly Indexes can be found here.

About National Write Your Congressman

National Write Your Congressman (NWYC) is an organization that gives small businesses a voice in American government. As the nation’s largest, privately held, nonpartisan membership organization made up of small businesses, NWYC is dedicated to the delivery of constituent opinions to representatives in Washington. For more than 60 years, NWYC has provided small business owners and operators the tools necessary to connect with members of Congress and a platform to let their collective voice be heard. NWYC’s team of experts provides unbiased, nonpartisan information and research on top issues and pending legislation relevant to small business owners today. NWYC presents both sides of the issue so that members can form an educated opinion and let their opinions be heard.

Provided Content: Content provided by Business Wire. The Globe and Mail was not involved, and material was not reviewed prior to publication.