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Small business owners in the U.S. are more optimistic than they have been since early 2020, according to the MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index for the third quarter. The index, which measures small business owner confidence, rose to 69.2, up from 63.1 in the second quarter thanks to growing optimism about the economy and comfortable cash flow among a majority of small business owners. While inflation remains a top challenge, small businesses are increasingly focusing on employee retention and mental health support as they work to maintain and build a loyal, productive workforce. It’s noteworthy, though that the NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index dropped in August for the first time since April.
For more details from the report, check out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s release.
By Rebecca Meiser
Contributor, Commerce + Communities Today and Small Business Center
ICSC champions small and emerging businesses in getting from business plan to brick-and-mortar.
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