The Gazelle Index is a new national quarterly survey of the outlook, current conditions, optimism and future hiring plans of minority, women and non-minority small firms. It published because here is no up-to-date survey of these groups.
Hispanic/Latino CEOs do not plan to increase hiring in 2012. They are the only group where 20% of CEO will add jobs while 18% will cut jobs. Future hiring will be strongest in retail and virtually unchanged in construction. Regionally, Hispanic/Latino firm hiring will be strongest in the South.
The Gazelle Index survey shows that hiring will increase in 2012; 27% of small businesses will increase hiring and 14% will cut. We forecast a 7.8% or lower unemployment rate.
Small business owners want the Presidential candidates to cut business taxes (especially Hispanic businesses) and make bank loans more easily available (particularly black business owners).
