Competitiveness, as measured by the SBSI, relates strongly to the ability of a small business to succeed in meeting broad business goals. Owners of businesses in the “highly competitive” category largely believe they have successful businesses; for example, the businesses are growing, creating wealth, avoiding risk, and meeting the owners’ expectations for income and an attractive lifestyle. In contrast, those in the “failing” category tend to be failing in meeting these broader goals, and those that are “marginally failing” can be deemed as not in a crisis but clearly not successful in meeting the owners’ expectations
