A just released survey by The Principal Financial Group has found that while the state of the economy will have the most impact on small-business owners' vote in the upcoming presidential election, the top concern among small-business owners today is managing health care costs and understanding how health care reform impacts their businesses.
The Principal notes that the findings of its 2012 Well-Being Index for Business Owners is particularly timely since the term "small business" was used 26 times during the first presidential debate and because 99% of small business owners are registered to vote.
The survey, conducted online between Aug. 7 and Aug. 27 within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of The Principal, polled 604 business owners in companies with 10 to 500 employees.
While the state of the economy was the top financial issue selected by business owners (37%) as having the most impact on their vote in the upcoming presidential election, health care reform and taxes were tied for second, each selected by 15% of business owners.
However, one-fourth (24%) rated their top concern as managing the cost and administrative responsibilities of health care, with an equal number (24%) stating that understanding how health care reform impacts their business being their top concern for the well-being of their business.
The survey also notes that while two out of three business owners (67%) are holding off on making long-term financial commitments because of the state of the economy, business owners are planning on adding staff and expanding their operations in the next year.
