Small Business Owners' Confidence Rose in April but Roller Coaster Ride Continues

The National Federation for Independent Business says small business owners were more optimistic about economic conditions in April, but "pessimism abounds" in a sector that is showing little growth. 

In a press release posted on its website Tuesday, the trade group says the roller coaster ride for small business owners continues, and more of those surveyed in April’s Index of Small Business Optimism (download the complete report here: www.nfib.com/sbetindex) expect business conditions to be worse in six months than those who think they will be better. 

The index rose 2.6 points to 92.1 in April, but the NFIB's chief economist called it a “ho hum, yawn” month. 

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“Nothing in the NFIB data suggests that the small business half of the economy is expanding other than by an amount driven by population growth and associated new business starts now in excess of terminations," NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said in the release. "The lack of leadership in Washington and the resulting uncertainty depresses consumers’ and business owners’ willingness to spend and invest, and make bets on the future." 

Small business owners were asked to identify their top business problem — 23 percent said taxes, 21 percent cited regulations and red tape and 16 percent cited weak sales.

Are you a small business owner in Dacula? What do you see as your top business problem? Tell us in the comments section.