Confidence among Australia’s small and medium enterprises has lifted eight points – to a net balance of plus 46 – in the latest Sensis Business Index (December 2016), confirming the bright future for business, Small Business Minister Michael McCormack says.
“Today’s report shows small business confidence has surged and is now sitting at a six-year high, confirmed by small businesses themselves,” Mr McCormack said.
“It confirms the anecdotal evidence I have heard from small businesses over the shop counters, on the farms and in the workshops across Australia. It is clear Australians value the vital role local small businesses play in creating local jobs and providing essential services, and more and more we see small business in the box seat to deliver those jobs and services into the future.”
Surveying 1,000 small businesses across Australia, today’s report reveals there are four times as many businesses confident about business conditions – at 61 per cent – compared to those which are worried.
Mr McCormack said the Government is encouraged by the result and called upon Australians to keep confidence high in small business throughout 2017.
“Every dollar Australians spend in a small business is an injection of confidence in that business and that community. Every dollar creates a local multiplier effect which helps generate new and ongoing jobs, encourages growth and development in small businesses and keeps essential goods and services available locally,” Mr McCormack.
“Results such as these do not happen by accident and all Australians should continue to think local, shop local, and keep small business confidence sky-high, where it belongs.”
The full Sensis report is available on the Sensis website.