Summary:

– Small business confidence hits record 72.0 in Q3.

– Inflation remains top concern, squeezing profits and growth.

– Fed rate cuts, tech investment fuel cautious optimism.

Inflation continues to be the biggest challenge facing small business owners who, nevertheless, remain optimistic, according to the latest MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index .

The Q3 2025 Index shows small business confidence rose to a record 72.0, up from 65.2 last quarter, driven by improved views of both the national and local economies.

“This quarter’s Index reflects a resilient small business community that’s cautiously optimistic about the economy ,” stated Tom Sullivan , vice president of small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce . “But high costs

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