As with every economic cycle it will eventually go back up. These things happen more drasticly when different major markets are allowed to go unchecked...but I am a fan of small government all the same. I don't think it takes an obscene number of government employees to maintain the country just dilligant and honest (as honest as people can be at least) ones.   That said as a small business owner I am deeply bothered by the bail out of large companies but we can't seem to get any relief at the smaller levels. Our business has been here since 1953 and for the first time ever the bank told us they have no money to loan...no money?! Is that not what our new president just authorized you to do - loan trust worthy established companies like ours money??? If I am mistaken fine, but if not whom might I contact for help here? We need a medium sized loan (not the little 1-10,000 dollar ones)   Any info would be great!! Thanks

As a small business owner and someone involved in workforce issues, I see very little impact.  I think there are a couple of niche's that will see some bump in business but it is all in segements of the energy/construction/infrastructure world.  I don't think most small business will directly or even indirectly benefit.    The other problem I see with the stimulus is it is so much money and much of it has to be spent by June 2010.  I guess I'm kind of a pessimist being a small business person, but I do believe there will be some niche's that see some positive results at least until mid 2010. 

I think now that 2009 is now past we all can see how hard hit we all were, not only businesses in the states but globally. We all from time to time want to know where the economy is heading as it effects everyone and everything. The important thing to remember is that a bad econonmy is the spark to new ideas and new creations. Business that go bang, collapse and fold and new ideas and ventures start. A business can either adapt or go under, it is a lesson to the business owner, regardless of whether it's his lack of direction or the economy. I have my own company based in the UK and we have many clients in the states that we offer IT support to, the difference in a bad economy was that we had to reduce our prices to glide to the hard times. shivun pilwal InteractiveHive This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.

The direction of the economy in the short term is going to be fluctuating because we still have unemployment problems. Nationwide rate is closer to 20% and in some pockets of the country, the state rate is in the 30-40% range. The prop up of the residential real estate market just ended and the next wave of prime mortgage defaults are coming. The stimulus is not going to affect small businesses much in a direct way. Lending is still going to be tight since banks are not comfortable even lending to each other. The interbank rates spread just got wider again which means that they are worried about default. I'm more concerned about the state of the US economy long term. Our recent policies have pushed a lot of manufacturers out of the country again. Large manufacturers who were investing in updating facilities and bringing back jobs have stopped their efforts. We're moving into a focus on a service economy. The economy won't be healthy long term if it's all service.

Hey Alberon, As a small business owner, all I can say is that this will be a 'wait and see' game. I am a firm believer that there is a big difference between THE economy and MY economy. While business has been good for me, I intend to continue working hard and serving my clients to the best of my abiities, and investing where I can for the long term. This is another way of saying the Government will not dictate my future. I know that sounds self-righteous, but I really believe that entrepreneurs will save the economy, not some government stimulus package. Just my $.02. Chad

I've got to say that I've seen a slight pick-up in business in the last couple of months, but the volatility on the stock markets is a bit worrying and may caus people to be a bit more cautious while this trouble with the euro sorts itself out. However, I think that the long-term trend is up and in about 6 months time the effects should be more evident

Good afternoon. I realize your post was back in March, but I wanted to see how things are going for you now. My husband and I are in the process of purchasing an existing business, so I've been consuming as much research and personal advice as I can, as we've never owned a business before. Do you still have your business? Thanks in advance for your time, Jennifer

This post was started in March and now it is August. How do you feel about the economy and where it is going now? To me it seems like it is a go forward two steps, back one, forward one step back two. I feel as a small business owner that I just need to hang on and get by with the least amount of expense.

The economy have stayed on limbo, not a lot of people are incline to spending there hard earn cash. From my observation Real state is still stale. SME are still in a waiting game and some are surviving because there competitor have already close shop.