Business owners and top decision-makers are more optimistic about their own businesses in 2014 than they are about the overall U.S. economy, according to an annual survey sponsored by SunTrust. Sixty-five percent of leaders in companies with annual revenue of $10 million to $150 million expect their business to be in even better financial shape in six months; however, only 48% believe the overall economy will be better.

Business leaders cite top financial priorities as increasing revenue and profitability, reducing expenses and improving customer satisfaction. They plan to stimulate growth by investing in new technology (48%), purchasing/leasing new equipment (34%) and expanding domestically and globally (34%).

To finance these activities, 50% of companies plan to reinvest earnings. In addition, more than 33% plan to tap new or existing loans and lines of credit or obtain equity financing from investors.

“Businesses believe they are in a strong position to make the capital investments and expansion decisions required to move forward,” said Mark A. Chancy, wholesale banking executive at SunTrust. “Nearly half expect to have an increased need for credit or financing services this year, and 77% feel they are on track to access the needed capital.”

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