Contact: toni.angelini@nfib.org,
732-642-0815
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released their monthly Index of Small Business Optimism this morning. Hours before Governor Walker was set to make this year’s State of the State speech, Wisconsin’s largest small business advocacy group announced that nationally, optimism soared at the end of 2016.
“Nationally, in December, we saw a 38-point jump in the number of small business owners anticipating improved business conditions on the horizon and that is certainly a historical bounce in the optimism index,” according to Bill G. Smith, NFIB Wisconsin state director. “Here in Wisconsin, we are fortunate to be able to mirror that sentiment thanks to Governor Walker’s leadership. Today, we look forward to hearing from the Governor what policy initiatives he will focus on this year.”
The bump in optimism has been linked to the election as small business owners anticipate that the leadership change in Washington D.C. will lead to a reduction in regulations and focus on the issues most pressing to the small business community. With more people working in Wisconsin today than at any other point in history, continuing to improve the workforce will certainly be on the minds of many in the small business community.
“Policy decisions have a profound impact on the mindset of the small business owner. Governor Walker has proven that his priority is a strong Wisconsin economy and we would certainly like to see that continue into this year,” continued Smith. “With thousands of new businesses being created in recent years, it is imperative that the Governor and legislature ensure that our state remains business friendly in order for those fledging operations to grow and prosper.”
Click here to view the entire NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism. For more information about NFIB, please visit www.nfib.com.