SmallBusinessNewz

NFIB Optimism Index Ticks Upward Again

Following two positive reports about employment in the last week, there's now even more reason to believe the overall economic situation will keep getting better.  The National Federation of Independent Business's latest Index of Small Business Optimism is out, and it shows small business owners continued to gain confidence in February.

Small Business Optimism Stagnant

The Index of Small Business Optimism gained 0.2 points in September, rising to 89, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. The Index has been below 93 every month since January 2008 (32 months), and below 90 for 26 of those months, all readings typical of a weak economy.“The downturn may be officially over, but small business owners have for the most part seen no evidence of it,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.

Small Business Optimism Up Slightly In May

The National Federation of Independent Business Index of Small Business Optimism gained 1.6 points in May with a reading of 92.2.Although not a strong sign of recovery, it's going in the right direction. It is the best reading since September 2008's 92.9 index that happened just before the five-point decline in October that started the deterioration in the fourth quarter of 2008. In May, seven of the 10 index categories rose, but job creation and capital expenditure plans barely made gains.

How Health Care Reform Would Affect Small Businesses

As a proposed health care reform bill sits in the Senate, many small businesses are wondering how they would be impacted if it were passed. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the increasing cost of health care is the No. 1 problem for businesses. But would this bill provide a solution to the problem? Not every American thinks it would, including some small business groups.

Small Business Optimism Drops More

The index's overall value isn't as bad as it could be, and actually, quite a few components are positive.  Still, the NFIB's Index of Small Business Optimism slipped yet again in July, hitting 88.2 and making for a less than great pattern.

NFIB Looks At Business Owners' Response To Recession

Not that we'd expect to hear otherwise, but new stats confirm small business owners haven't used the economy's slowdown as an opportunity to sharpen their thumb-twiddling skills.  Instead, the NFIB says a reasonable number of you are working harder and spending smarter.

Obama Proposes Tax Credit For Health Insurance

Small businesses that provide healthcare insurance for employees would see a tax credit of as much as 50 percent under a plan proposed by Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.

NFIB: Small Business Optimism Still Low

Small business owners weren't feeling too optimistic this May, and concerns about inflation - among other things - kept them in the same state come June.  So say the latest National Federation of Independent Business stats, at least.

"Small Business Optimism" Becoming An Oxymoron

Here's some good news for you: the Dow's up 1.06 percent right now, and the Nasdaq's risen by 1.74 percent so far today.  Now go pet a puppy or something, as new data indicates small business owners aren't feeling too cheerful.

eHealth And NFIB Partner On Health Insurance For Small Business

eHealth, Inc. and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) announced the launch of eHealth's BusinessHSA, an online health insurance platform for small businesses.Designed mainly for small businesses that cannot afford group health insurance, BusinessHSA is an online platform that allows employers to co-fund and administer their contributions to employee individual health savings accounts (HSA).