Survey Shows 71 Percent of Small Business Owners Can’t Name One Way Either Candidate Will Help Them

Majority of Small Business Respondents Favor Obama

An overwhelming majority of small business owners feel they’ve been left out in the dark in terms of having either U.S. presidential candidate address specific proposals that would assist them, a new survey shows.

The poll of 516 small business owners across the United States, conducted by management consulting firm George S. May International www.georgesmay.com, showed 71 percent of respondents saying they cannot name one way either U.S. presidential candidate will help their business.

However, 59.5 percent of respondents said they felt that Sen. Barack Obama is the presidential candidate that would do the most for small business owners, while 39.3 percent said they felt that Sen. John McCain would do the most for small businesses. 0.4 percent responded that both candidates would do the most for small businesses and 0.8 percent said neither candidate.

Sixty-six percent of respondents say they wish both candidates were more specific about their positions on issues. The economy and healthcare ranked as the most important issues among those surveyed, with 23% noting the economy and 20% saying healthcare. Other issues ranked as most important by small business owners were taxes (17%), the Iraq war (15%), energy (12%), housing (7%), and immigration (5%).

“The results of the survey show that no matter which presidential candidate is elected into office this November, he will need to specifically address the issues of most concern to small business owners who are the backbone of America and who want answers,” said Israel Kushnir, president of George S. May International.

About George S. May International Company

George S. May International Company is one of the most established management consulting firms in the United States. Since 1925, it has been helping business owners improve their operations, profits, efficiency and effectiveness. The company is headquartered outside of Chicago in Park Ridge, Ill. For more information please visit www.georgesmay.com.

Contacts

Cushman/Amberg Communications
Mary Pettersen or Luke Cushman
312/499-5236 or mpettersen {at} cushmanamberg(.)com