Small Business Update

Small Business Update

Knox County data and trends for the oft-lauded ‘engine of the economy.’

by jesse fox mayshark • november 23, 2018

the ice rink is ready on market square. small business owners are hoping for a happy holiday season.

The biggest challenge for small businesses in 2018 may not be Amazon or social media marketing or even access to capital.
Perennial problems: finding good employees and affordable health care.
According to Bruce Hayes, executive director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center in Knoxville, the problem he hears about most is both simpler and more frustrating: “Finding good employees.”
On the eve of a day that has become known as Small Business Saturday, Hayes offers some insights into trends affecting the sector of the economy that is officially defined (depending on industry) ...