The 2012 Outlook for women-owned businesses is positive; 26.1% will increase hiring in the first quarter of 2012 while only 13.3% will decrease hiring. Women business hiring will be strongest in the South and Midwest and especially in Information Technology related industries.
Women business owners are gloomy about the economy but plan to increase hiring in 2012. Their two most important strategic objectives are improving management efficiency and product and service quality.
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).
