You have to go back a long time to find small business owners as optimistic about the future as they are today, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The monthly survey by the National Federation of Independent Business shows company owners are more enthusiastic about the economy and their prospects for the future than at any time since July of 1983. It is the second highest optimism level since the study began 45 years ago.
"The survey means small business owners like where things are heading, so they're more comfortable when it comes to adding people and growing their companies," Annie Spilman, Texas director of the NFIB said.
Business owners also report compensation increases to their employees, strong capital spending, plans to add inventory, and expectation that profits will continue to be strong.The one problem that small business owners see is a continued inability to find skilled employees, due to the low unemployment numbers."Small business owners have never been so optimistic for so long, helping to power the second longest expansion in history," NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said. "Despite challegnges in finding qualified workers to fill a record number of job openings, they are taking advantage of this economy and pursuing growth."