PRINCETON, USA: Despite continuing weakness in the overall economy, most small business professionals rate their own business conditions as good, according to a research study conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, an infoGROUP company.

In the poll, conducted June 24-July 3, 65 percent of small business professionals rated their own business conditions as "Good," compared to 32 percent who rated them as "Poor." When it comes to the overall economy, the numbers were very different, with only 27 percent rating the economy as "Good," vs. 71 percent who said the current economic conditions in the country were "Poor." In terms of the future, 50 percent of respondents expect the economy to be "Good" a year from now.

The results were similar to the feedback gathered from small businesses in a similar poll in May 2008. "These results show that despite the continued economic pressures, small businesses continue to do well," said Wayne Russum, Senior Vice President, from Opinion Research Corporation. "It's interesting that despite all the press and predictions, small businesses generally remain positive about the future of the economy and their own businesses."

The poll was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation's Small Business CARAVAN June 24-July 3 among 500 small business professionals (owners and substantial decision makers), and carries a margin of error of four percentage points.