Regardless of how to define small businesses are, there’s no question that they are formed the same way any other businesses are formed: as small, usually startup companies. To some, a small business consists of just the company name itself and a few employees. To others, the definition of a small business includes not only those two elements, but also unlimited freedom to explore new markets, employee mobility and development, and a streamlined financial accounting system.
But even as all this is true for many firms, there are still some major differences between small businesses and large firms. One of the biggest differences is in the revenue that the two types generate. While both firm sizes generate revenue, small firms typically have much lower revenues per employee, while large firms have higher revenues per employee.
Small Firms vs. Large Firms. There are a number of different ways to look at revenue growth within small businesses. Some analysts look at it from an economic growth angle, and others look at revenue growth by looking at future potential. Some firms are growing faster than the rest, while others are stagnant or even shrinking. All firms, regardless of size and economic status, have room for growth in the future; however, some firms have more room for future revenue growth than others.
In the first half of the next decade, we should expect revenue growth for small businesses. Revenue growth for all small businesses was flat or slightly negative in the second half of the last decade. This might be due to the overall economy, but it could also be due to the fact that many businesses entered into debt restructuring in the first half of the decade.
The number of start-up businesses has declined, too. There were fewer start-ups in the first half of the decade, and it seems that fewer new small businesses have been started in the second half of the decade. This may be due to the fact that there was less of an economic boom. When there is an economic boom, businesses grow because they need customers and because people are spending money.
We are also expecting fewer new kabbage manufacturers. The decline of kabbage manufacturers was led by the rise of more efficient fiber producers. It looks like the trend for fiber will continue to grow in popularity, though fewer small businesses will be manufacturing kabbage fiber. Many people prefer to use natural fibers such as wheat.
In the first half of this decade, we should expect a slight kiv increase. This is based upon trends in the past, but it’s possible that the kiv increase will be steeper in the second half of the decade. The price of oil may rise, causing gas prices to go up. If so, it should bring down the cost of transportation. If not, then fewer small businesses will be up to meet that demand.
Hopefully this report has shown you a few of the predictions for our nation’s small businesses in this upcoming downturn. While there isn’t a lot of time to act now, the sooner you do something, the better. Our nation’s small businesses make up the foundation of our middle class, and if they suffer during this downturn, so does the middle class. As they say, “The middle-class gets the tax break, but the wealthy get the benefit of wealth creation.” It could be our turn to benefit from that wealth creation.
One of the most interesting trends I have seen in my own research is the way that owners are preparing for a buyout. In the early stages, it makes sense for the owner to hang onto their small business for a little while longer in order to wait out the storm. This strategy can work for awhile, but not necessarily because it is in the best interest of the company. Sometimes these buyouts are driven by the owners themselves, not by management. Management is looking for ways to make more money, and if a company is willing to hang on just a little bit longer, they may find an acceptable offer.
Another trend that I have seen is a decrease in the firm size that firms report. When we talk about firms, we usually think of mid-size to large-scale companies. But small businesses do exist, especially in the restaurant industry.
Smaller firms will usually have fewer revenue-related assets, less long-term assets such as accounts receivables and inventory, and will have more short-term assets like fixed assets and short-term assets like equipment and machinery. A small business can have higher revenues when all these assets are included, but it can also take longer to accrue them. This means that the entrepreneur will need to be proactive in finding new buyers for their enterprises account. Most of the time, these purchases come from accredited dealers who have more capital available to them than firms that are classified as small to medium-sized.
