Small business owners are doing OK – but will that help Trump overcome his low approval ratings?
News Source
•Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:02 GMT
📰 What Happened
Small business owners in the US are fairly confident about their own firms, even as voters give President Donald Trump poor marks on the economy.
The National Federation of Independent Business said its optimism index fell just below its long-term average. Labour quality worried 26 percent of owners, and inflation worried 20 percent.
A separate survey by Justworks and the US Chamber found 72 percent of 750 small firms were comfortable with their cash flow. Only 27 percent said the economy is in good health.
🔍 The Backstory
There are about 34 million small businesses in the United States. They employ roughly half the country's workers and produce about half its economic output.
That makes owners an important voting group, especially before midterm elections. Parties often promise tax cuts and fewer rules to win them.
Owners tend to judge the economy by their own order books rather than by national figures. That can leave them feeling fine while shoppers and voters overall feel worse.
🎯 Why It Matters
Small firms are where most Americans work. If they stop hiring, the effects reach wages and prices far beyond the owners themselves.
Small business owners in the US are fairly confident about their own firms, even as voters give President Donald Trump poor marks on the economy.
The National Federation of Independent Business said its optimism index fell just below its long-term average. Labour quality worried 26 percent of owners, and inflation worried 20 percent.
A separate survey by Justworks and the US Chamber found 72 percent of 750 small firms were comfortable with their cash flow. Only 27 percent said the economy is in good health.
There are about 34 million small businesses in the United States. They employ roughly half the country's workers and produce about half its economic output.
That makes owners an important voting group, especially before midterm elections. Parties often promise tax cuts and fewer rules to win them.
Owners tend to judge the economy by their own order books rather than by national figures. That can leave them feeling fine while shoppers and voters overall feel worse.
Small firms are where most Americans work. If they stop hiring, the effects reach wages and prices far beyond the owners themselves.