Autumn mood barometer from VR Smart Finanz: 42 percent of small businesses are planning sustainability investments

Autumn mood barometer from VR Smart Finanz: 42 percent of small businesses are planning sustainability investments

According to a report by www.presseportal.de,

Despite the uncertain economic environment, small businesses are predominantly robust, although the mood has deteriorated slightly compared to spring 2023. Rising energy costs are the biggest challenge for small businesses. At the same time, they are increasingly planning sustainability investments, particularly in the area of ​​green energy. This is shown by the current mood barometer from VR Smart Finanz and CFin – Research Center For Financial Services at Steinbeis University.

Current economic situation and investment propensity

According to the survey, 57 percent of the small businesses surveyed rated their current economic situation as good or very good at the time of the survey. The order situation has improved or remained the same for 82 percent of companies. However, rising costs do not go hand in hand with profits. 38 percent of those surveyed reported falling profits, while only 14 percent gave pessimistic assessments of future economic development.

Liquidity bottlenecks and biggest challenges

The liquidity situation for almost every second small business has hardly improved in the past year. In addition, rising energy costs are the biggest challenge for the coming months. In addition to energy costs, economic conditions and staff shortages also cause uncertainty for small businesses.

Sustainable investments and advice needs

Despite reluctance to invest, 42 percent of small businesses are planning sustainable investments, particularly in the area of ​​green energy, followed by e-mobility and business equipment. However, more than half of the companies surveyed stated that they needed advice on sustainable investments.

The results suggest that small businesses face unique challenges, particularly in relation to rising costs and liquidity constraints. The increased inclination towards sustainability investments combined with the need for advice offers potential for the financial sector to develop supportive offerings and meet small business demand.

VR Smart Finanz AG, for example, could further develop its digitally supported financing solutions to support small businesses with sustainability investments. Providing advisory services on sustainable investment could also be a promising business development option.