Women Business Owners Not Worried About Economy Says Susan Nefzger

2008-04-29 04:01:22 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Business)

North Palm Beach, FL (WiredPRNews.com) – The U.S. economy tops health care as the No. 1 issue affecting women business owners, according to a survey conducted by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP).

“The response from women entrepreneurs clearly reflects the growing concern with the U.S. economic outlook,” said Barbara Kasoff, president of Washington, D.C.-based group. “Given the key role that small business plays in our overall economy, the survey results can help shape federal and state policies.”

The survey, “What Business Women Want,” polled 278 women business owners.

Despite the concerns about the economy, 82 percent of respondents said they do not expect to downsize, and 49 percent said they expect to add employees this year.

Health care remains a major issue, with 46 percent of the women saying that individuals, not employers, should be responsible for health care coverage. This is an increase of 13 percent from last year.

Energy and environmental concerns ranked third. Two-thirds of respondents said rising energy costs have moderately or significantly impacted their businesses.

Susan Nefzger
Contributing Writer