Optimism percolates across Florida

Florida entrepreneurs are feeling frisky.

The good vibes, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Survey, spread wide: Small business owners report sales growth, an increase in optimism and a newfound eagerness to hire more employees, the survey shows. Results of the survey, which the chamber conducted with the Florida Small Business Development Center, were released Sept. 30 at the Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. “This survey shows Florida's small business (owners) are ready to grow, expect to hire and remain optimistic about their chances for success,” Florida Chamber Foundation Executive Vice
President Tony Carvajal says in a statement.

Findings from the survey, conducted electronically from Aug. 20 through Sept. 12, include: