Despite concerns, small business owners optimistic

Despite growing concerns regarding inflation, the recession, staffing, consumer demand, public health, and bank closures, small business owners are still mostly optimistic about their businesses with strong intentions to invest and grow their businesses this year, says a survey from IOU Financial Inc., an online lender to small businesses. IOU’s ‘April State of Small Business Survey’ says 75% of small business owners rate their current state of business as ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ (versus 85% in December 2022). Sixty-nine percent ‘definitely’ and 24% ‘maybe’ will invest in their business in the second half of 2023. They believe the worst is behind them and see opportunities to grow in the remainder of the year.