Regional Scores

Small businesses in the Northeast are more optimistic about the economy and business operations compared to the previous quarter. Forty-four percent view the national economy as good, and 46% say the same of their local economy, both up double-digit percentage points since Q2 (+16% and +12%, respectively). Three in four (76%) now report that their business is in good health, up ten percentage points from last quarter (66%).

The South Index score shows a significant increase for the second consecutive quarter. Seventy-seven percent of small businesses in the South report that their business is in good health, and 82% are also comfortable with their cash flow. Around half say that the national economy (46%) and their local economy (52%) are in good health. Notably, all of these measures sit significantly higher than they did at this time last year.

The Midwest increase is largely due to improved views about the national and local economies. Forty-three percent say the national economy is in good health, and 45% say the same of the local economy, both up significantly from last quarter (+16% and +11%, respectively). In the same vein, 43% now report seeing more competition from local businesses, a sixteen-point increase from Q2 (27%).

The Index score in the West shows the largest increase among all regions this quarter, and sentiments have improved across the board. Sixty-four percent of small businesses in the West say their business is currently in good health, and 67% say they are comfortable with their cash flow, both up slightly from last quarter. Thirty-six percent feel that their local economy is in good health, a slight improvement from Q2 (29%).