Small business owners optimistic but facing challenges, especially on costs

Small business optimism is heading into the final chapter of 2025 on a small upswing, though inflation pressures are rising again. The National Federation of Independent Business released the November update to its Small Business Optimism Index, which registered a 99. That’s less than a point increase from the previous month, though the majority of index components improved. Close to two-thirds of businesses rated their business health as good or excellent. “They’re kind of opt