Small Business Optimism Reaches Post-Recession High, According to Capital One Index

Continued growth and a strong economy have small business optimism reaching post-recession highs, particularly among male business owners. This is according to Capital One’s latest Small Business Growth Index, a biannual survey of 500 small business owners (SBOs) gauging sentiment related to the economy, business conditions and plans for growth. The survey found 67% of business owners overall think business conditions in their area are good or excellent, up from 60% a year ago.

Two-thirds (67%) of SBOs think business conditions in their area are good or excellent, up from 60% one year ago, and the highest measured since 2010. While female business owners have historically been more optimistic than males, the survey shows there has been a reversal. Sixty-nine percent of male SBOs say current economic conditions are good or excellent, up from 57% a year ago. Meanwhile, 64% of women believe conditions are good or excellent, compared to 63% one year ago.

SBOs who feel current business conditions are good or excellent say business growth (65%), national economic conditions (54%) and improved business operations (51%) are driving their optimism.