Small businesses or companies with 250 employees or less are reportedly experiencing stronger sales and intentions to hire more workers, according to CareerBuilder's nationwide analysis. Around 32 percent revealed that their sales surged in the last two quarters from October 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012, while about 46 percent predict that sales will rise in the next two quarters from April 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012. 

The surveys were conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder looked at 1,058 hiring managers and human resource professionals that were employed full-time and who work in small business.  

About 19 percent of the small businesses that were polled enhanced their workforce by adding full-time, permanent employees in the last two quarters. Another 24 percent plan to add full-time, permanent staff within the next two quarters. The analysis which took place from February 9 to March 2, 2012, involved more than 1,000 small businesses that employed 250 or fewer workers across several industries.

Small businesses are also instrumental in adding to skills that may not possess and decreasing the shortage of talent in the U.S.  Another CareerBuilder study conducted by Harris Interactive in February 2012 revealed that 40 percent of small businesses with 250 or less have action plans in place to close the gap between high-demand roles and the number of skilled workers accessible to fill those positions.  Around 51 percent expect to train workers who lack experience in their industry or field, and then hire those individuals.

Brent Rasmussen, President of CareerBuilder North America stated that "While still cautious, the increased sales and hiring activity among small businesses bodes well for where the market is headed." He added that "Through our Big Strides in Small Business Award, we're recognizing the critical impact small businesses have on fueling the economy, bridging the skills gap and getting America back to work. We see so many small businesses like kCura, Ontraport and CivicPlus making a big difference."