SCORE of Bucks County Survey Shows 'Continued Optimism' for 2016

SCORE of Bucks County has just completed its annual survey of small businesses.

While the outlook for the coming year is down somewhat compared to 2015, the results show continued optimism for prospects in the upcoming year.

This year, 62 percent of respondents are either somewhat or very optimistic about the overall business climate in both the U.S. and in Bucks County, down from a 72 percent optimistic view in last year’s survey. This trend is consistent with the Gallup national small business index, which has shown some deterioration over the previous 12 months.

Our small business clients remain positive about the outlook for growing their sales this year with 70 percent expecting to increase business equaling last year’s assessment. Prospects for hiring quality staff have improved with 45 percent optimistic about acquiring the right talent versus 30 percent last year.

In the gauge of subjects of greatest concern to business owners, increasing sales and marketing capabilities remain the most important issues; the same as last year.

SCORE thanks all of the businesses that responded to the survey. For further information about SCORE and our free small business services, please visit our Website.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 8.5 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each year, SCORE provides small business mentoring and workshops to more than 375,000 new and growing small businesses. With 50 members across the county, SCORE Bucks County provides over 1,500 services annually to local small business owners through one-on-one counseling and small business seminars.