Small business optimism slumps as Trump-era enthusiasm fades amid economic uncertainty

Small business optimism slumps as Trump-era enthusiasm fades amid economic uncertainty

The mood of small business owners is worsening but remains better than it was over most of the last several years. The National Federation of Independent Business’ optimism index for March was released Tuesday and showed a decline of 3.3 points for a score of 97.4 – just below the 51-year average of 98. Small business optimism surged after President Donald Trump’s election, with entrepreneurs buoyed by expectations of lower taxes and less regula…

Williamsburg budget discussions continue amid economic uncertainty

WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg City Manager Andrew Trivette emphasized that his proposed $112.3 million budget is a plan, rather than a contract, during City Council’s Monday work session. Trivette discussed details of his budget for fiscal year 2026, detailing strategies to combat economic cooling, aging water infrastructure and structural imbalance of capital improvement projects. Such strategies include a funding freeze, increasing meals/lodging…

Small businesses in 'wait-and-see' mode with tariffs; owners hope tax cuts extended

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index for March showed a decline of 3.3 points for a score of 97.4, just below the 51-year average of 98.

NFIB Report: Small Businesses Actively Hiring for Current Vacancies

COLUMBUS, Ohio – NFIB’s March jobs report found that 40% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill during the month, up 2 points from February. A seasonally adjusted net 12% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, down 3 points from February. The last […] The post NFIB Report: Small Businesses Actively Hiring for Current Vacancies appeared first on Business Journal Daily | The Yo…