Report: Small business owners' uncertainty highest since pandemic

Uncertainty is on the rise in the business community, with inflation and labor quality among the top concerns of owners, according to a new report from the National Federation of Independent Business. It issues monthly findings based on surveys of small business owners.

The Uncertainty Index in August rose to its highest level since October 2020, according to the NFIB. It was at 92, up 2 points from July; up 10 points from June; and 19 points above the January reading. Uncertainty is gauged by how business owners respond to questions about the future, for example, whether they plan to hire in the next three months.

“With the Uncertainty Index reaching the highest level since 2020, there is no doubt that small businesses need relief,” NFIB Florida Executive Director Bill Herrle says in a statement.