Economic concerns and starting a business

Just wanted to get some insight from business owners on how they feel with the recession, credit crunch and recent news *bear stearns then lehman's...* of our (US that is... doesnt matter really)country's economic turmoil. Are things getting harder for you? Is there any hope for the future? Thoughts? Feelings?

My thoughts are that it won't hurt spending too much, especially for those in Australia. Our economy is quite strong at the moment, and with the rescue package being delivered in the states it will sure up that market as well.

I think this type of even will only hurt big business, can't see it having much of an effect on small business.

The other good news from an Australian perspective is that they have banned short term selling here, so that will protect our economy from diving share prices.

Fingers crossed it stays stable now, but the signs from what I can see all look quite good.