RALEIGH, N.C., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The majority of small business owners recorded feeling more successful in the past year following a rebound from the ongoing global pandemic, according to a new survey.
The eighth annual First Citizens Bank Small Business Forecast found more than two-thirds (67%) of owners described their business as being successful in the past year, which is an 8% year-over-year increase. The factors contributing to businesses success include COVID-19’s impact on increasing demand for certain types of products and services (33%), fewer competitors (28%), increasing consumer comfort with technology (25%) and an increased desire to “buy American” (23%).
Of the states in which the survey was conducted, Florida had the highest increase in perception of success in the last 12 months. Floridians recorded a 25% increase since 2021 with 79% claiming a positive year in 2022.
“Running a small business can be an adventure. The last several years have compounded the difficulty with new challenges, but we’ve also seen new opportunities arise,” said Doug Sprecher, executive director of Sales Strategy at First Citizens Bank. “While there are many factors that will continue to create uncertainty for small business owners, they’re focused on controlling what they can and using their business aptitude to guide them through this next chapter. We’ll use this data to help them plan and address any headwinds they may face.”
Economic Outlook Declines Significantly
Despite this encouraging data from small business owners, concerns still linger for the year ahead as the outlook on the economy has declined. Only 42% of those surveyed reported feeling confident in the economic conditions for the next 12 months, which is a 19% decrease compared to 2021. Similarly, the long-term outlook on economic conditions for the next two to three years has also significantly decreased to 49%, down from 63% in 2021.
This decline was felt across business owners in all states surveyed, with 45% of Californians (down 26%) and 43% of South Carolinians (down 22%) showcasing the steepest decline in near-term economic conditions. South Carolina business owners’ sense of optimism for the economy over the course of the next two to three years also dropped significantly to 39%, which is down from 65% last year. North Carolina (45%, down 18%) and Wisconsin (43%, down 17%) ranked second and third, respectively, with declining views of the economy.
The factors driving general economic uncertainty include:
Small Business Owners’ Self-Confidence Remains Stable
In 2022, despite the economic outlook, 80% of business owners indicated they were confident in their businesses’ growth in the next year, which is a 2% uptick from last year. Additionally, 72% said they plan to expand their business in the next six to 12 months. This is a 10% increase from the previous year.
Other Key Findings
The First Citizens Bank Small Business Forecast is conducted annually in California, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Wisconsin to assess the motivations, sentiments and success of small business owners in the United States.
For more information about how First Citizens can help small businesses manage their finances, visit firstcitizens.com/small-business.
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank helps personal, business, commercial and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. As the largest family-controlled bank in the United States, First Citizens is continuing a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens also operates a nationwide direct bank and a network of more than 600 branches in 22 states. Industry specialists bring a depth of expertise that helps businesses and individuals meet their specific goals at every stage of their financial journey. First Citizens Bank brings together personal service and powerful tools to help customers do more with their money – and make more of their future. Visit firstcitizens.com. First Citizens Bank. Forever First®
Contact: | Frank Smith |
First Citizens Bank | |
919-716-4121 |
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77dbca0f-ad18-406d-ac5e-91e3208527b3
We use cookies to tailor your experience, measure site performance and present relevant offers and advertisements. By clicking ‘Accept’ or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed on your browser. You can view our privacy policy to learn more.
If you would like to get more data, alerts and access to Real Vision videos, join us as an Insider Tracking Advantage Ultra member