Entrepreneurs to Maintain Current Fundraising Commitments

Feb. 17, 2009, Association of Fundraising Professionals — Looking for a group of donors who are optimistic in 2009 and planning to continue or increase their giving? Small business owners would be a good start, a study shows.

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a group of business owners with members across the globe, recently surveyed its members about their plans for giving and their business outlook for 2009. Nearly 60 percent of entrepreneurs surveyed said they would maintain their current level of commitment to corporate social responsibility activities. Nearly a quarter said such efforts will take higher priority this year.

Entrepreneurs remain optimistic about revenues and confident that their business will survive the bad economic climate. Almost half of the 894 business owners that responded to the survey said they anticipate an increase in revenues in 2009. A quarter expect revenues to stay the same. Only a quarter, then, anticipate a fall in revenue.

Overall, 70 percent of entrepreneurs are highly confident or confident that their businesses will survive the economic downturn. Only 13 percent of respondents said they were not confident in their business’ ability to survive in this economy.

The survey respondents make up a sample of the organization’s global membership, including business owners in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia. A report of The 2009 Global Economic Forecast Survey is available on the Entrepreneurs’ Organization website.