Survey: SMBs want government transparency

According to a new study from Thumbtack and the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, the economy and ethics in government as two of the most important election year issues for small businesses. According to the survey small business owners are worried about gas costs and continuing issues with lending, but government honesty - ethics - is the second most worrisome issue.

"Small businesses are deeply attuned to the effect of politics on job creation and the economy," said Dr. David Rehr, a lead researcher on the study with the George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management. "Entrepreneurs are feeling squeezed by the tight lending environment and want their political leaders to curb the influence of money in politics."

"Six thousand small business owners have told an unusually nuanced story about the factors that drive their political decisions," said Sander Daniels, co-founder of Thumbtack.com. "When job creators speak, we need to listen."
Some interesting takeaways include:

• 40% of SMB owners say nationwide economy and jobs are the most important factor in their voting choices
• 3% report taxes will swing their vote
• SMBs say gas costs are the 'most burdensome' cost to them
• 39% believe President Obama is most supportive of SMBs, 31% say Governor Romney is the most supportive

Tags: 2012 Presidential Election, small business trends, SMB tips