National

Small businesses, citing tax reform and regulatory rollbacks, reported the highest level of optimism in the National Federation of Independent Business monthly survey’s 45-year history.

Between the lines:  While optimistic, more than half of business owners surveyed said there were few or no qualified workers to hire for open positions, a sign that the tight labor market is an issue that continues to spill onto Main Street. 

Survey: Small business optimism hits all-time high

It was the highest level in the National Federation of Independent Business survey's 45-year history.

A stack of stickers that read: "Shop Small."

Photo: Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Business

Small businesses

Small businesses, citing tax reform and regulatory rollbacks, reported the highest level of optimism in the National Federation of Independent Business monthly survey’s 45-year history.Between the lines: While optimistic, more than half of business owners surveyed said there were few or no qualified workers to hire for open positions, a sign that the tight labor market is an issue that continues to spill onto Main Street.

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Survey: Small business optimism hits all-time high

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