When asked if they could hire one additional person to do any job in their business, nearly 40 percent said they would bring on administrative support, such as a bookkeeper, to help get organized and help with billing, according to an Intuit Inc. survey, "Get Back to Business."

The survey found that small businesses are poised to weather the current economic downturn and plan to grow despite it. In a considerable showing of solidarity, nine out of 10 U.S. small business owners reported seeing opportunities for their businesses in the current recession, and more than 75 percent expect growth.

To make this growth a reality, small business owners say they'll rely on their experience and passion; nearly two-thirds have survived previous downturns. Undaunted by the economy, 86 percent of respondents said they remain as passionate as the day they started.

To recession-proof their businesses, respondents plan to put their customers first, with 63 percent naming customer retention as their top priority, followed by focusing on their finances.