Small business owners aren’t too thrilled with the economic outlook. But their perspective seems to be improving a little, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
The Index of Small Business Optimism rose 1.3 points to 89.3 in January. That’s an increase of 8.3 points from the index’s low-point last March.
“Small business owners entered 2010 the same way they left 2009, depressed,” said William Dunkelberg, NFIB chief economist. “The biggest problem continues to be a shortage of customers.”
Nine percent of small-business owners increased employment by roughly 3 workers in the last several months. But 19 percent reduced employment by about 3.9 workers, according to the survey.
Know a small business you think we should write about? Contact Herald writer Amy Rolph at arolph@heraldnet.com.
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