Canadian small businesses generally optimistic about financial situation, but still taking proactive measures to boost sales

Well over half of Canadian small businesses are anticipating some improvement in their own operations over the short-term, says a new survey.

According to an Angus Reid Strategies survey commissioned by STAPLES Canada, small businesses are expressing optimism over prospects for their own businesses while at the same time still consider the broader economy to be slumping.

Nearly 70 percent of small businesses surveyed consider their own financial status to be "good," while nearly the same amount - 66 percent - consider the economy to be "poor."

But most businesses are waging a battle against the recession in an effort to stay afloat and emerge a stronger shop.

Respondents to the survey say their top challenges include business development, cutting costs and setting prices accordingly to meet both buyer needs and profitability measures.

Fifty-five percent of small businesses say they are cutting costs while 29 percent say expanding business offerings are helping to keep them afloat during tough economic times.

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