Better Than Expected First Half Boosts Small Business Optimism for Q3

Better Than Expected First Half Boosts Small Business Optimism for Q3

New survey data shows entrepreneurs beat their own expectation—even before the rollout of Trump tariffs—leaving them positive about the next quarter.

Small businesses defy tariff turmoil with surprising optimism

Most U.S. small businesses entered 2025 bracing for a slowdown, but new survey data shows many are outperforming expectations and feeling confident heading into the second half of the year. According to a survey of 1,500 small business owners conducted by Constant Contact, 86.3% expressed optimism about their companies’ prospects for the next quarter. Nearly a third described themselves as “extremely” positive. The same trend held for perception…

Small Business Optimism Grows Sharply Under Trump 2025

Business Confidence Surges After Early-Year Uncertainty Small Business Optimism Grows, After months of mixed signals, small business confidence is climbing again. This time, the rebound spans across political affiliations. According to the latest CNBC|SurveyMonkey poll, nearly half of small business owners now rate the economy as “excellent” or “good.” That’s a significant rebound from Q2, when just 30% shared that view. The primary reason? Pres…