forecastI am not often surprise by what small business owners think, but my annual survey of their forecast shocked me. I am fairly pessimistic about 2017 because:

It has been 8 years since the end of the last recession and the country is due for another one. There is generally 7-10 years of prosperity in between most recessions. In addition, I am worried about the unpredictability of the new President

Contrary to to this, my annual survey of small business owners think the outlook for 2017 will be partly sunny.

Over 75% of respondents believe their company will grow this year and over 50% were not worried about a recession. Surprisingly the biggest issues facing them were not over regulation from the government, but rather finding new customers, new employees and more cash. Only 25% thought that the new President would have a negative effect on their business.

Here is to hoping they are right and I am really wrong!