New data suggests that the conditions are ripe for small business growth now and into the coming years. In fact, 2014 could very well be the largest growth year for many small businesses in the U.S. Learn more about how to easily manage your expenses and invest in your company's growth: http://bit.ly/1f3VTL4

1. LOOKING AHEAD
SMALL BUSINESS SPENDING IN 2014
SMALL BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN RECOVERING SLOWLY SINCE THE RECESSION IN 2008. Each year has brought a
rise in spending, and 2014 is no different. As small-business owners see the economy steadily improve, their spending has
also increased. Here, we look at the current state of small businesses and what's on the horizon for 2014.
THE CURRENT STATE OF SMALL BUSINESSES
2013 was an optimistic year for small businesses, and their success is only growing.
OPTIMISM IS RISING
According to Pex Card’s 2013 Benchmark Expense Survey,
of all businesses...
60%
expected spending
to increase in 2013
For small businesses...
Dec.
2013
According to
SurePayroll
optimism was up to
Dec.
2012
70% at year end.
That’s up from 55%
at the end of 2012.
OPTI
MISM!
70%
55%
70%
expected spending
to increase
A FEW OPTIMISTIC SIGNS...
HIRING IS G ROWING…
ADP payroll company reported that small
businesses created 102,000 NEW JOBS
… AND SMALL BUSINESSES ARE TRAVELING
MORE THAN IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
89%
in November.
OF SMALL BUSINESSES increased
their travel between fall 2013
and the previous year.
AN OPTIMISTIC 2014
2014 will be the year for small business owners.
INCREASED SPENDING…
INCREASED TRAVELING…
1/3
The Global Business Travel Association
OF COMPANIES
predicts a
surveyed by Pex Card said they expected to
travel spending in the coming year.
7.2% rise in business
spend more on web promotion this year.
THAT EQUATES TO A TOTAL OF
$288 BILLION IN SPENDING
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.
The GBTA also predicts a
EQUALING
1.6% growth in travel frequency.
459.2 MILLION PEOPLE TRAVELING IN 2014.
INCREASED HIRING…
According to a recent survey by Inc.,...
Small business owners are optimistic
about hiring in the coming year...
GO
EXCELL
INCREASED PROSPECTS…
T
EN
37 %
of small business owners
characterize their coming
year’s business prospects
as excellent.
OD
45 %
characterize their
prospects as good.
8 OUT OF 10
small business owners also
said they plan to increase
the number of products
and offerings in 2014.
80%
NOW
HIRING
say they plan to
increase hiring
in 2014
HOW TO BE SMART IN 2014
With the economy ramping back up, here are 5 ways to ensure you're prepared for a stellar year.
1. SET A SPENDING PLAN.
2. CREATE A SAVING PLAN.
It seems easy enough, but planning your
spending for the year can assure you
are making the best decisions you can.
Business is unpredictable. Even with
a spending plan, you can’t anticipate
everything. Make sure you have the
ability to be agile.
3. TRACK AND MANAGE EXPENSES.
Tracking company spending is one of the more stressful and costly parts of owning a
business; put a plan (and service) in place to ensure streamlined expense tracking.
4. INVEST IN YOUR GROWTH.
5. CALL ON THE
Growing your company takes capital. Don’t
be afraid to invest in your company and
employees; you will benefit in the long run.
PROFESSIONALS.
SOURCES: Inc. | Pex Card | GBTA | ADP | SurePayroll
Don’t try to do it all on your own! Get some
help, and free up your time and energy to
focus on more important matters.