U.S. economic growth has long been dependent on the health of America’s 28 million small businesses. According to a new survey, these businesses are gearing up for growth by investing financially in their businesses.
The Small Business Growth Survey, which surveyed small businesses from around the country, was conducted by Bizfi. The purpose of this survey was to gain insight into what small businesses are investing in and how they plan to finance these investments.
Small Businesses are Borrowing & Investing
The survey found that 87.5 percent of small business owners are investing more in their business in 2016 than 2015. Of those business owners who said they will be investing, the vast majority (91.4 percent) plan to borrow funds to do so. More than a third (38.3 percent) plan to borrow between $10,000 and $40,000, and 37.5 percent plan on borrowing more than $40,000.
“It is clear both through the survey as well as seen in the uptick in application submissions we receive on a daily basis that small businesses are looking to improve and grow. They are strategically planning for these endeavors, and accessing capital to do so,” said Stephen Sheinbaum, founder, Bizfi.
Alternative Finance is the Most Popular Financing Option
When it comes to accessing growth or working capital, the majority (67.6 percent) of small business owners prefer alternative financing over other available options, including traditional bank loans. 20.7 percent plan to access short-term financing, less than a third (31.53 percent) borrow funds from a local bank, and 27.9 percent plan to use a credit card or line of credit. In addition, 28.7 percent of respondents said they were affected by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hike earlier this year, which impacted their willingness to spend and invest in their businesses.
Mr. Sheinbaum continued, “Given the fact that traditional banks have curbed their lending to small businesses coupled with the prevalence of alternative lenders which provide fast access to funds, it is no surprise SMB owners are turning to these sources of capital with increasing frequency.”
Business Owners are Hiring & Need Capital for Growth
More than half of respondents (61.7 percent) are borrowing funds for working capital, and of those 38.3 percent will use the money for marketing purposes. More than a third (38.3 percent) are borrowing to invest in inventory, and 30.9 percent are doing so to hire employees.
In addition, 42.9 percent of business owners plan to expand locations this year, and of those borrowing money, 22.3 percent are doing so to add locations.
Small business owners are also investing in equipment to grow and improve their companies and operations: more than half (57.8 percent) are investing in vehicles, technology and industry specific equipment. Of those, 82.9 percent of business owners are opting to purchase the equipment outright, as opposed to leasing. Approximately half (53.7 percent) of business owners are also investing in software.
In total, 63.1 percent of all respondents are increasing their staff. Of those, 48.8 percent are hiring full time employees and 32.5 percent are hiring a mix of full-time and part-time staff.
“We were especially pleased to see so many businesses planning to hire more staff and increase their locations. The fact that business owners are expanding and investing in equipment and employees signals a positive future for the U.S. economy,” Mr. Sheinbaum concluded.
Bizfi surveyed more than 100 small business owners in 33 states. The companies ranged from restaurants, retailers, healthcare providers and transportation to real estate. More than half of the businesses have four employees or less and 38% have between 5 and 50 employees. The revenue of the companies range widely from less than $100,000 to more than $5 million.