You responded: (via a Business Record poll)

David Stroh, Principal, Wolin Mechanical Electrical Contractors

“Gridlock and inexperience in Washington. Too many congressmen serving themselves.”

Lynzey Tharp, Director of government affairs, PolicyWorks LLC

“Access to credit – but the U.S. Senate could help by raising the cap on the amount of business loans a credit union can make. Doing so would create over 2,000 jobs in Iowa and inject $198 million into our economy – at no cost to taxpayers. I hope Senators Harkin & Grassley will help small business owners grow our economy by supporting S. 2231 when it comes up for a vote in a few weeks.”

Monica Dolezal, Owner/President, BizStarts LLC

“Recently I’ve heard that the biggest challenges for small businesses include knowing WHAT to do, WHY that OPTION is the best for their situation, HOW to do it, WHEN to execute, WHERE to find the help, WHO can help, and figuring out HOW MUCH money I need to get it done, along with where to find that money and what kind of a structure it should have – i.e. debt, equity, grant, gift or combination.”

Larry Carl, Executive director, Iowa Dental Association

“Government regulation in general. Specifically the latest Congressional revisions to the IRS reporting from nonprofits by way of the 990/990T reporting forms. There should be a reasonable thresehold of annual revenues ($10 million) before these revisions kick in. Our audit fees have increased 60% since the revisions became effective.”

Nikolaus Refsland, Owner, Symbiotic Advantage LLC

“Building new relationships with jaded consumers in an information over-stimulated market.”

Bradie Weeter, Director, Suites of 800 Locust

“Branding & Marketing. Having a sales team without the national marketing force compared to chain hotels with larger budgets.”

Ronald Hanser, President, Hanser & Associates

“UNCERTAINTY. We hear this almost daily from our diverse clients and vendors, in reference to uncertainty about: government regulations (current and future), fuel and transportation costs, economic growth, international relations and stability. Small businesses seem more impacted because they may not have as much flexibility as a larger company.”

Bryan Webber, Owner, Red Shoe Media

“We find the biggest challenge and road block is also the easiest fix. Many small businesses forget to lean on each other. We’re in this together. “Lean On Me”.”

Dan McCarty, President, QA Graphics

“Finding qualified programmers. Most of the programmers we are looking for are only interested in contract work and not full-time employment. “