Wall Street Journal (01/01/15) Angus Loten; Ruth Simon

Fifty percent of small-business owners anticipate improvements in economic conditions in the coming year, up from 38% at the end of 2013, according to a survey of 830 small-business owners and executives by the Wall Street Journal and Vistage International. However, as the job market becomes more competitive, it will put pressure on wages and make it difficult for small companies to locate qualified applicants, especially if they lack a dedicated human resource department. Small businesses also must contend with such issues as health care, hiring, and access to capital in the new year, which could put a damper on their positive outlook.