Iowa small businesses say they are slowly emerging from the recession, according to a survey released earlier this month. The University of Northern Iowa’s 2010 Iowa Small Business Survey canvassed 459 small businesses representing 2,285 employees and 91 counties. A look at some of the survey’s key findings:

• 71 percent of small business owners feel that Iowa’s economy is moving in the right direction; 78 percent believe it is a good state in which to start a business.

• 41 percent of respondents reported starting or expanding a business in 2010.

• The percentage of business starts increased by 11 percent from the last six months of 2009.

• The percentage of business expansions increased by 7 percent from the last six months of 2009.

• 105 businesses reported adding a total of 174.5 full-time jobs in 2010.

• 32 percent report they plan to hire new staff in 2011.

• 70 percent reported investing a total of $10,861,381 in their business in 2010.

• 50 percent are planning for new capital investment during 2011.

• 44 percent said sales had increased from 2009; 22 percent reported a decrease.

• 49 percent of business owners cited taxes as a pressing business concern as opposed to other problems they face.

• 44 percent of business owners said financing assistance is very important.