In its second annual survey, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) – a global network of more than 7,000 successful entrepreneurs – sought to gauge business owners’ outlook and assemble an entrepreneurial forecast for 2009.

Nearly 900 members representing EO’s global membership completed the survey, providing an analysis of the most significant business issues for the 2009 calendar year.

Major findings of the survey include:

* Nearly nine out of ten global entrepreneurs are concerned about the current economic climate

* More than half of all entrepreneurs are very concerned or concerned about obtaining funding

*70% of U.S.-based entrepreneurs are concerned or very concerned about the rising cost of providing healthcare in 2009

*70% of surveyed entrepreneurs are highly confident or confident about surviving the economic crisis

* More than 80% of those surveyed believe that entrepreneurs will play a significant role in economic recovery

* One in five entrepreneurs is more likely to start a business now than they were last year, and more than half are equally as likely

* Almost half of respondents anticipate an increase in revenues in 2009, and a quarter expect revenue levels to remain the same as 2008

* Globally, more than a third of entrepreneurs surveyed will increase “green” initiatives, while 45% will maintain their current commitment level

* Nearly 60% of entrepreneurs surveyed will maintain their current commitment level and nearly a quarter will increase the priority of corporate social responsibility

* 45% of global respondents anticipated that the Obama administration would have a positive effect on their businesses

* U.S.-based entrepreneurs are split regarding the new administration¹s impact on their business: 39% expect a positive impact and 40% expect a negative impact

The Entrepreneurs¹ Organization survey included 894 respondents who completed the questionnaire in December 2008. Respondents were from all major U.S. geographic areas, as well as Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America. To download the full survey report, visit http://www.eonetwork.org/Downloads/2009%20Global%20Economic%20Forecast%20Survey%20Summary%20Report.pdf.

For more about the Entrepreneurs’ Organization visit www.eonetwork.org.