A new report from the global Entrepreneurs’ Organization says investment in small business in Iowa and across the U.S. is paying off.

EO’s biannual Global Entrepreneur Indicator found that 50 percent of companies increased full-time head count, some 70 percent of companies increased profits and nearly 68 percent of companies increased revenue.

“Iowa-based entrepreneurs once again continue to improve their businesses and provide both part-time and full-time jobs to the state, helping to improve Iowa’s economic position,” said Todd Mendenhall, president of EO Iowa. “Entrepreneurs continue to drive this economy forward, and the increased performance and continued optimism is a good sign for the entire region in terms of continued job growth, improved standards of living and strengthened communities.”

Iowa entrepreneurs indicate their top and bottom lines are performing better than six months ago, and as a result they have hired more full- and part-time employees.

The Global Entrepreneur Indicator research project survey focuses in part on performance-related metrics, such as jobs, profits and revenue. The other factors relate to the business climate, such as access to capital, predictions on the economy and entrepreneurs’ proclivity to start a new business.

For the complete study, visit www.entrepreneurindicator.com.