Sixty-nine percent of small business owners polled in San Diego expect this year to be better than 2004, and 37 percent said they intend to increase their staffing levels, according to a survey sponsored by Union Bank of California released Feb. 23.
The survey found similar results on a statewide level with nearly 71 percent saying they anticipated a stronger year for their businesses, and 36 percent would be hiring more employees.
The chief concern among those polled remains the cost of workers compensation insurance, just as it was in 2004. In San Diego, 92 percent said the cost of the insurance either remained the same or increased last year.
The next two issues for the majority of business owners are the state of California’s economy, and the increased cost of providing health care benefits, the survey found.
Mike Allen
