Oklahoma survey shows business optimism

“Survey findings show Oklahoma is far ahead of national projections in the essential area of business optimism,” State Secretary of Commerce Dave Lopez said.

Oklahoma's business optimism outperforms national rates by almost 20 percent.

Seventy-eight percent of Oklahoma business leaders responding said they were optimistic about the future for business in Oklahoma and confident their business will grow in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma is also strong for entrepreneurs, with 65 percent of Oklahoma business leaders who believe Oklahoma provides a good climate for entrepreneurs.

By contrast, national surveys indicate only 60 percent of U.S. business leaders are optimistic about the growth of their business in the next six months.

“Existing businesses create more than 85 percent of the jobs in our state,” Lopez continued. “For these companies to report a confidence level that significantly exceeds national averages tells us we have a strong foundation for more future growth.”

Oklahoma business leaders surveyed are less than positive about government services. More than half of company owners and executives do not believe future state legislation will have a positive impact on their businesses and that state employees treat businesses as valued customers. Only half believe the regulatory environment is business friendly.