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Small business owners often navigate a sea of uncertainty, juggling daily operations while keeping an eye on broader economic trends. A recent NFIB survey sheds light on the varying levels of optimism across different sectors, revealing both opportunities and challenges that could impact small businesses in 2025. The NFIB Research Center’s quarterly Small Business Economic Trends survey, conducted in October, presents crucial insights into how small businesses perceive their current situations and future prospects. The survey indicates that the overall Optimism Index dropped to 98.2, a slight decline that impacted all sectors except construction. “Small business optimis…

Small business owners might feel a twinge of unease as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index shows a slight decline for October, moving down 0.6 points to 98.2. While this figure remains above the long-term average of 98, it highlights the challenges that businesses face, particularly in navigating labor shortages and fluctuating sales. This ongoing uncertainty necessitates a closer examination of the current landscape. Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s Chief Economist, commented on the findings, stating, “Optimism among small businesses declined slightly in October as owners report lower sales and reduced profits.” His insights reveal a significant concern for owners: Despite a …

Small business owners might find a silver lining amid fluctuating optimism levels according to the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. While the index dipped slightly to 99.3 from 99.5 in January, it remains above the 52-year average of 98, indicating a resilient sentiment among small entrepreneurs despite economic uncertainties. “While GDP is rising, small businesses are still waiting for noticeable economic growth,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. Nevertheless, the survey reveals a growing number of business owners reporting improved health and expecting higher sales volume, suggesting an upward trend in optimism regarding future business conditions. …

Small business owners are experiencing a nuanced economic landscape as new data from the NFIB reveals mixed signals of optimism and concern. According to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, the index dipped slightly by 0.5 points in February to 98.8, yet this figure remains marginally above the 52-year average of 98. While optimism has waned a bit, confidence is on the rise, hinting at a cautious but hopeful outlook for the coming months. “Although optimism declined slightly, small businesses report feeling more certain in February as they look toward the coming months,” stated NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. Several key metrics suggest that while challenges pe…

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported a decline in its Small Business Optimism Index for March 2025, dropping 3.3 points to 97.4. This places the index below the 51-year average of 98, as small business owners across the country express concern over ongoing policy shifts and economic conditions. “The implementation of new policy priorities has heightened the level of uncertainty among small business owners over the past few months,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Small business owners have scaled back expectations on sales growth as they better understand how these rearrangements might impact them.” The NFIB Uncertainty Index also …

Small business owners face an increasingly complex landscape as the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index reveals a slight uptick in optimism, but persistent challenges remain. The Index rose by 0.1 points to 95.9 in April, although it continues to trail behind the historical average of 98.0 for the second consecutive month. The Uncertainty Index also indicates continued unease among small business leaders, dropping to 88 but remaining significantly above its historical norm of 68. “Inflationary pressures continue to be a challenge for Main Street,” noted NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “While small business optimism is currently fragile, the benefits of the Wo…

Small business owners face an ever-changing landscape, but a recent survey from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reveals a glimmer of hope as optimism rises in several key industries. According to the NFIB Research Center’s latest quarterly Small Business Economic Trends survey, optimism grew significantly across various sectors, with the overall Optimism Index landing at 99.3 in January—showing improvements in all industries except for construction. “Small business optimism rose in all reported industries except for construction,” said Holly Wade, Executive Director of NFIB’s Research Center. “While overall optimism has gone up, more owners are rep…

Amid changing economic winds, small business optimism is showing signs of resurgence. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index climbed to 99.5 in December—0.5 points higher than November, and above its 52-year average of 98. This uptick reflects a growing belief among business owners that better conditions lie ahead, driven primarily by falling cost pressures and an improved outlook for capital investments. “2025 ended with a further increase in small business optimism,” stated NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “While Main Street business owners remain concerned about taxes, they anticipate favorable economic conditions in 2026 due to waning cost pressures, easing labo…

Small business optimism is on the rise, according to the latest data from the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which increased by 0.8 points in November, reaching a score of 99.0. This number remains above the 52-year average of 98, sparking interest among small business owners who constantly navigate a challenging economic landscape. While the uptick in optimism provides a glimmer of hope, many challenges remain. A significant driver of this optimism is the growing expectation among small business owners that real sales will increase. The net percentage of owners anticipating higher sales volumes rose by 9 points, marking a net 15%—the most notable contributor to the…

Small business owners are feeling the pinch, as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index dropped 3.0 points in March to 95.8, putting it below the historical average of 98.0. This decline is significant, especially since the last time the index slipped beneath this benchmark was in April 2025. The recent data also revealed a troubling increase in uncertainty—rising 4 points to 92, well above its historical average of 68. “The 20% Small Business Deduction and other supportive small business tax provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut Act have had many positives for small business owners,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “However, the dramatic spike in oil pric…

Small business confidence dipped in September, signaling renewed concern among entrepreneurs over inflation, supply chains, and hiring challenges. According to the latest report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Small Business Optimism Index fell two points to 98.8 — the first decline in three months — though it remains above the survey’s 52-year average of 98. The report also noted that the Uncertainty Index climbed seven points to 100, the fourth-highest reading in more than five decades. “Optimism among small business owners decreased in September,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “While most owners evaluate their own busines…

A recent report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) underscores a pressing concern for small business owners: rising energy costs and their impact on operations. The NFIB’s newly released Small Business Energy Survey reveals that energy expenditures significantly affect nearly every aspect of running a business, from hiring practices to overall financial stability. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in energy costs, with about 80% of owners reporting that these costs have a significant impact on their operations. Holly Wade, Executive Director of NFIB’s Research Center, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “…

Sponsored Post If you asked a small business owner five years ago what kept them up at night, they might have said cash flow, finding staff, or maybe a competitor opening up across the street. Fast forward to 2026. While those worries haven’t vanished, a new set of invisible, digital, and economic threats have joined them. It’s not just about a customer slipping on a wet floor or a storm damaging the roof. Today, the risks are often buried in lines of code, hidden in employment contracts, or eroded silently by economic shifts. For many small business owners, the challenge isn’t just managing these risks, it’s knowing they exist in the first place. Here’s a look at the e…

The U.S. small business market maintained steady momentum in the first quarter of 2025, according to BizBuySell’s latest Insight Report, with 2,368 businesses sold and a total enterprise value exceeding $2 billion—a 9% increase over Q1 2024. Despite looming uncertainty surrounding new tariffs, deal volume grew 2% quarter-over-quarter, as buyers pursued high-performing businesses and prices climbed 4% to a median sale price of $349,000. Following a dip at the end of 2024, transactions rebounded in January, climbing 4% amid optimism over anticipated tax cuts, lower interest rates, and deregulation. However, policy uncertainty under the new administration soon tempered that…

Deal activity in the small business marketplace is heating up, even as broader economic uncertainties put pressure on margins and long-term confidence. According to new data from BizBuySell’s Q3 2025 Insight Report, the number of completed small business sales surged to 2,599 — an 8% increase from the same period last year and an 11% jump from the previous quarter. The total value of those transactions reached $2.13 billion. At first glance, this upward trend in acquisitions might suggest growing optimism. But a closer look reveals a more nuanced reality for small business owners: many are selling not out of confidence, but out of concern. Owner confidence has dropped b…

In relation to small business tax rates, comprehending the differences based on your business structure is essential. C corporations face a flat federal rate of 21%, whereas pass-through entities, like sole proprietorships and partnerships, are taxed according to individual income tax brackets that can range from 10% to 37%. State tax rates likewise differ greatly, further complicating your tax obligations. Knowing these details can help you navigate your tax responsibilities effectively. What strategies can you employ to minimize your burden? Key Takeaways C corporations face a flat federal tax rate of 21% on taxable income. Pass-through entities are taxed based on i…

Small businesses are taking bold steps into 2026, choosing to increase their marketing budgets even amid economic uncertainty. A recent report from Constant Contact reveals that 68% of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) expect to boost their marketing expenditures to combat looming inflation, highlighting a resilient mindset in a challenging economic landscape. Amidst ongoing concerns about rising costs—cited as the primary worry by 41% of small business owners—the data suggests a strategic pivot. Instead of retreating from marketing efforts, these entrepreneurs are gearing up to seize new opportunities. “Small business owners are entering 2026 with a clear directive:…

As the holiday season approaches, small business owners are gearing up for what could be a make-or-break period. According to a new report from Constant Contact, a leading provider of digital marketing tools, a staggering 60% of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) attribute up to half of their annual sales to the current quarter. With such a significant financial impact, adapting to both economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviors has become more crucial than ever. The report surveyed over 1,800 small business owners across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, revealing that one in three owners feels the highest revenue pressure d…

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to reject the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), arguing that its reporting requirements impose unconstitutional burdens on small businesses. The brief was filed in Community Associations Institute, et al. v. U.S. Department of Treasury, a case that challenges the CTA’s beneficial ownership reporting mandates. NFIB’s brief questions whether Congress has the authority to impose the CTA’s reporting requirements under the Commerce Clause, arguing that the law regulates neither activity nor economic conduct. “The Corporate Transparency Act …

In recent years, small business owners have found themselves increasingly vulnerable to lawsuits alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The surge in these legal actions has become a significant concern for entrepreneurs, as many report they are being targeted without clear compliance guidelines. This predicament is illustrated by the experience of Clay*, an online store owner who was blindsided by a legal notice regarding his website’s accessibility. “It made my heart sink,” he recalls, highlighting the anxiety many small business owners face as they navigate these turbulent legal waters. The ADA, established in 1990 to enhance accessibility fo…

Small business owners are feeling the strain of a competitive labor market, with the latest NFIB Jobs Report revealing a notable rise in unfilled job openings. According to the November report, 33% of small business owners reported that they had job openings they could not fill, marking an uptick from October as businesses grapple with a persistent lack of qualified applicants. This development comes at a time when many industries are experiencing steady economic growth, despite challenges such as a recent government shutdown. Bill Dunkelberg, Chief Economist at NFIB, remarks, “On Main Street, job growth continues to be constrained by a lack of qualified employees.” This…

A new report from small business lender OnDeck, in partnership with document AI platform Ocrolus, finds that while small business owners remain largely optimistic about their growth potential, economic uncertainty is prompting many to take precautionary steps. According to the Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report, released on May 20, 2025, 93% of small businesses surveyed said they anticipate either significant or moderate growth in 2025. This figure reflects only a slight dip from the 94% who shared the same outlook in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, that optimism comes with increased caution. More than half of small businesses (55%) say they’ve already taken pre…

Small businesses in the United States are navigating a complex labor market landscape, where job openings remain high but qualified applicants are increasingly hard to find. According to the latest NFIB Jobs Report for October 2025, 32% of small business owners reported having unfilled job positions, marking a stagnation that echoes labor market trends from the height of the pandemic. Economists have long warned about the challenges posed by labor shortages, and the data indicates that these issues persist, impacting small business owners significantly. Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s Chief Economist, states, “The post-Covid labor market appears to have mostly normalized on Main…

Small business owners across the country are facing a familiar challenge: a significant number of job openings that remain unfilled. According to the latest NFIB September Jobs Report, 32% of small business owners reported having job openings they could not fill, a statistic that has remained consistent since August. This number has not dipped below 32% since July 2020, highlighting a persistent issue in the small business sector. Amidst this backdrop, the report’s findings present both challenges and opportunities for small business owners. Bill Dunkelberg, Chief Economist at NFIB, noted, “Main Street job openings remain above their historical average, with owners repor…

Small business owners are facing a fluid employment landscape as recent data from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) sheds light on current job market trends. The NFIB’s December jobs report reveals a mixture of challenges and opportunities that small business owners must navigate as they plan for growth in 2026. In December, 33% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings—a figure that remains unchanged from November and notably higher than the historical average of 24%. This statistic highlights an ongoing struggle with labor shortages, particularly for skilled positions, which saw a 2-point increase, with 28% of owners seeking skilled w…