KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Small business owners are reporting stronger business health and better cash flow.
- The Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour is meeting the businesses and workers driving American economic growth.
Small Business Confidence Is Up. Here's What's Driving It.
More small business feel healthy despite lingering inflation concerns, according to the latest
Justworks and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index.
By the numbers:
- 71% say their own business is in good health.
- 72% of small businesses are comfortable with their cash flow.
But: Inflation remains the most significant obstacle this quarter, cited by 54% of respondents and marking the third consecutive quarter where at least 50% have cited it as a top challenge.
And: Small business views of the national and their local economies remain muted.
- Just 27% of small businesses believe that the national economy is in good health (in line with Q2 2026), while 33% say the same about their local economy (unchanged from last quarter).
Our take: "The small business economy remains remarkably steady,"
said Tom Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber. "Owners are telling us their businesses are healthy, cash flow remains solid, and many continue to plan for growth. But they're also clear-eyed about the challenges ahead."
Looking ahead: Justworks CEO Mike Seckler sees something bigger: "We're entering what we believe to be a golden age of entrepreneurship and small businesses. As technology advances every day with AI, small businesses will continue to make an outsized impact on the economy, their customers, and their employees."
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Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour
The
Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour is on the road meeting the people and businesses bringing free enterprise to life across America.
What we're doing:
- In Jackson, OH, Larry Kidd, CEO of :hire and a U.S. Chamber Board Member, explained how free enterprise is the engine of opportunity: "Small business is the leading employer in the United States, and they're the most trusted because they are embedded in their communities. This is where they make their money, and they give their money back."
- We talked to Denim Coffee co-owner Matt Ramsay in Harrisburg, PA: "We are fans of free enterprise. It's not perfect, but it's what allows businesses to do good things in the world."
- In Bavaria, OH, we endorsed Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) for advancing free enterprise policies that drive growth that helps workers, families, and businesses.
Follow Along
U.S. Chamber's Global Partnerships and Marketing
Leverage the Chamber's Reach for Your Brand
What can your brand achieve with the right partner?
From thought leadership to business development, the U.S. Chamber's Global Partnerships and Marketing team works with companies like yours to build connection and trust with senior leaders and decision-makers through custom content, experiences and brand integrations.
Work with our team to:
- Connect with influential decision makers nationwide—from Fortune 500 leaders to small business owners
- Reach the right audience with targeted placements that land with relevance and context
- Drive measurable impact through campaigns designed to achieve engagement and outcomes
All powered by the Chamber's brand, expertise, and platforms.
Explore Opportunities
FOUNDED: THE SMALL BUSINESSES THAT BUILT AMERICA
In honor of America's 250th, we celebrate America's entrepreneurs.
Keller-Heartt Oil Built Legacy by Embracing Change
The family-owned business expanded its offerings and emerged as a broader solutions provider for industrial customers.
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