NASE Member Survey Results

Topics that Are Important to Small-Business Owners

Here’s a snapshot of how micro-business owners feel about the hot topics of the day.

• U.S. Energy Policy (June 2010)

  Whether you open a local or national newspaper or turn on the TV or radio, we cannot escape the daily news coverage of our nation's worst oil spill which continues to rage on in the Gulf. In light of this environmental disaster, the NASE sought the opinion of its membership on U.S. energy policy and what key proposals should be the focus of policymakers.

• Increased Tax Regulation on Small Business (May 2010)

  Many of the nation’s entrepreneurs are about to become more familiar with the IRS. According to a new law set to go into effect in 2012, business owners must report annually every payment for goods or services over $600, utilizing IRS Form 1099. A new survey by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) found that the average self-employed and micro-business (those with fewer than 10 employees) currently issues two Form 1099 per year. Under the new law, the same business will have to issue roughly 27 reports, mostly to large corporations.

• The Clock is Ticking on Health Reform: What Do You Think? (March 2010)

  Companies with fewer than 10 employees – micro-businesses – are asking Congress to keep in mind that a big part of being able to create jobs and grow their companies depends largely on their ability to pay for health coverage. Self-employed business owners say that access and choice of providers/benefits is less important to their businesses than lower bottom line costs. With the clock ticking on a final vote in Congress on health reform, the online poll conducted by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) received over 1,200 responses regarding the concerns of the self-employed about health reform.

• Are You an Independent Contractor or Do You Hire Contractors? (February 2010)

  Along with the usual allocations for priorities like defense and education, the Obama Administration’s recently released FY2011 Budget also includes new regulations on independent contractors that may have a direct impact on small businesses. Almost 50 percent of the self-employed and micro-business owners were opposed to one of the proposed regulations, while opposition to two other proposed regulations was over 70 percent for both, according to a survey by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE).

• Jobs, Jobs, Jobs- Do You Plan to Hire Workers This Year? (January 2010)

  While Congress and the Obama Administration are hoping that small businesses will continue to be the engine of job creation and spur recovery, the sluggish economy has had a negative impact on the operations and hiring plans of many small businesses. Over sixty percent of self-employed and micro-business owners indicate that their business has experienced a significant decrease in sales and/or revenue, and almost fifty percent say they have had to utilize their personal savings or retirement savings to address cash flow issues, according to a study undertaken by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE).

• 2009: Micro-Business Perspectives on Health Reform

  For millions of Americans who run their own business, health coverage is one of the most pressing issues they face. Over 1,800 micro-business owners weighed in on this online survey to give their opinion on the health reform recommendations being discussed by our nation’s policymakers. Close to 60% of survey respondents believe that the primary focus of reform must be cost containment. Survey results highlight the micro-business perspective on mandating coverage, the inclusion of a “public”, government-run health plan option, and the tax treatment of health insurance.

• How Should We Reform the Tax System? (March 2009)

  Taxes have long been a source of frustration for the self-employed. With April 15th looming, a spotlight is shined on the need for reforming our federal tax system. The National Association for the Self-Employed has long supported tax simplification and tax fairness for micro-businesses.

• Have You Ever Gone Without Health Insurance? (Feb 2009)

  Currently, 46 million Americans have no health insurance, with 60 percent of uninsured Americans representing owners, employees or dependents of those working in small business. With the economy continuing to decline, micro-business owners like you are making tough choices about how to keep their business afloat. Some are dropping health coverage due to the added cost burden.

• Should Federal Small Business Programs be a Priority in the new Obama Administration? (Jan 2009)

  The NASE has long been a fervent supporter of federal small-business programs that have a proven track record of efficiently aiding the self-employed and micro-businesses, such as the SBA Office of Advocacy, the Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE. With a new administration about to take office, there is opportunity to improve and expand current small business federal programs.

• How Do You Handle Tough Economic Times? (Nov 2008)

  As the economic crisis facing our nation and the world continues to deepen, the self-employed and micro-business owners will have to make tough decisions regarding the operation of their business.

• The Bailout of our Economy (Oct 2008)

  With the collapse of Wall Street and America’s financial services sector, the outlook for our economy is as grim as ever. Big questions loom regarding who is to blame and what actions, if any, should be taken. One thing is for certain, the ripple effect of this financial collapse will be felt by all and any bailout will affect all taxpayers, especially small business.

• What advocacy issues should NASE focus on in 2009? (July 2008)

  With the upcoming elections in November, the NASE is beginning to prepare for a new Congress and a new White House in 2009. We want to hit the ground running to make certain that policymakers are aware of the difficulties faced by the self-employed and micro-business owners. To ensure that the NASE prioritizes the issues important to your business, we need to hear from you about your top concerns.

• How are energy costs affecting your business? (June 2008)

  The high price of energy has become a hot topic both on the news and here in Washington, DC. As a consumer you are experiencing the affects of these high costs at the gas pump.

• Do You Have a Home Office? (May 2008)

  More and more self-employed business owners are working out of their home. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, home-based businesses represent 52 percent of all firms.

• How Often Do You Use Credit Cards? (April 2008)

  As a micro-business owner, your cash flow plays an essential role in your ability to address the changing and growing needs of your business.

• How is the Housing Crisis Affecting You? (March 2008)

  You can’t turn on the news or read a paper lately without hearing about the housing and mortgage crisis that is sweeping our country.

• Encouraging Retirement Savings through Automatic IRAs (Feb 2008)

  Many micro-businesses throughout the country do not have a retirement plan set up through their business. This has left many business owners and employees without retirement savings.

• What Was The Best Financial Decision You Ever Made (Jan 2008)

  NASE Members make financial decisions about their micro-businesses every day. Some impact the business more than others. Tell us about the best financial decision you ever made for your micro-business.