DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Write Your Congressman (NWYC), an organization that gives small businesses a voice in government, released its Q2 2021 Quarterly Index which found 40 percent of business owners planning to grow their business this year. Of those that plan to grow their business, 82 percent say hiring qualified workers is the biggest hindrance to their plans.
Although more than half of small business owners said their business operations are back to pre-pandemic levels/standards (before March 2020), 33 percent are still behind on all aspects and see challenges ahead, including concerns about COVID-19’s continuing effect on their business.
Fifty-eight percent of small business owners said they are confident their U.S. Congressional Members know their opinions on important issues, a percentage point increase from last quarter. Thirty-seven percent believe their own elected U.S. Congressional Members act according to their constituents' input. Thirty-eight percent of small business owners surveyed said they trust the elected U.S. Congressional Members who represent them.
“We can clearly see that our business owners are confident their voice is heard and continuing to press on and grow their business even with the uncertainty due to the pandemic,” said Randy Ford, President and COO of National Write Your Congressman. “They are continuing to advocate for their business even when there are workforce changes, local and state restrictions, and the limitations due to manufacturing and access to materials and a general uncertainty about the future of the U.S. economy.”
In Q2 2021, business owners’ top concerns were hiring qualified workers (28 percent), followed by taxes (19 percent), COVID-19’s effect on their business (12 percent) and regulations (10%).
Twenty-two percent of business owners are uncertain about their business’ future and 23 percent plan to cut expenses to keep business afloat.
NWYC’s Quarterly Index Score increased with an overall increase in hope, satisfaction, and trust in Congress. Members’ trust, hope, and satisfaction with their local government was highest compared to their satisfaction, hope, and trust in state and national government.
“I truly believe that when enough businesses are given a forum to have their voices heard it is impactful and helps our government know what is important to us,” said Garry J. Meier of Geater Machining and Manufacturing in Independence, Iowa.
“Silence is the biggest enemy to democracy and people’s rights. Speaking up and letting elected leaders know how you feel is how the constitution remains intact,” said Gary Cheever of Autobahn Service Center in Orem, Utah.
NWYC provides members with non-partisan information and research 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 be successful for their families, their employees, and their communities.
INFOGRAPHIC: Q2 2021 Small Business Sentiment Towards Congress
Methodology
NWYC collected data using an online survey administered from July 27 to August 1, 2021. A total of 1,070 respondents participated. Respondents represent 46 of the 50 states in the U.S. Fifty-seven percent of business owners surveyed employ 1-9 employees and 38 percent employ 10-99 employees.
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.
