2018 Business Outlook Survey Report

February 1, 2018

Alert

The business community is still overwhelmingly optimistic about the business climate in both the U.S. and in their own companies. Close to 80 percent continue to think positively about the state of our economy. Just two years ago, only 44 percent expected improvement in U.S. business conditions. As one of the respondents to our eighth annual Business Outlook Survey says, “Trump deregulation and tax policies are the best thing to happen to our economy in 29 years.”

Despite the enthusiasm, there are concerns and challenges. Although 60 percent expect an increase in their number of employees this year, there are worries about finding qualified employees. We received many comments about “finding good labor,” and “finding the right talent and skill sets.”

For a PDF copy of the full results of our 2018 Business Outlook Survey, please fill out the request form.

On November 8, 2024, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) Board voted to adopt new regulations concerning data broker registration. The new registration regulations will be filed with the Office of Administrative Law for a final review and, if approved, will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

The Small Business Administration's Working Capital Pilot Program is designed to provide small business owners with greater flexibility and access to working capital through a line of credit of up to $5 million. It is targeting borrowers that have been in business for at least one year and are slightly larger than the typical small business borrower – here's what you need to know.

With the attention of many employers focused elsewhere, on November 15, 2024, the federal district court in Texas quietly, but completely, set aside the Department of Labor’s final rule raising the minimum salary level thresholds for exempt employees.

2018 Business Outlook Survey Report

Related Services

You may also be interested in