Confidence in our economy may have slipped amongst some smaller businesses - but their commitment to the country remains

The latest MYOB survey shows 39-percent of the more than 500 business owners, expect a decline over the next year, while 36-percent predict improvements.

MYOB's Anna-Louise Hoffmann says their results show businesses still see New Zealand as a place with growth opportunities.

Hoffmann says it's important people rally around family operations and local businesses, and help contribute to propping them up.