Small Businesses Remain Cautiously Optimistic

The National Federation of Independent Business releases its latest survey. WABE's John Lorinc reports.

That includes Janet Geddis, the owner of the Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA.

She’s the only full-time employee at the business that made its debut in 2011.

“I’m certainly not resting on my laurels and I know that it’s a lot of hard work.  But I feel like every time we really feel really, really positive about how well things are going, there is that somber reminder once in a while that it’s an uphill battle for a lot of independent businesses,” says Geddis.

The NFIB’s national survey shows an increase in some indicators, including businesses who expect the economy to improve.

But analysts are taking that data in stride.

“It’s still not time to pop the champagne,” says Kyle Jackson, the federation’s state director.

According to Jackson, many small companies across the country are still dealing with big problems.

“Our small business owners reported that sales are still off.  You know, the other other couple things that they’re real worried about are future tax increases and regulations and a lot of that’s driven by, frankly, what’s going on in Washington right now,” says Jackson.

According to the NFIB survey, 4% of business owners say it’s a good time to expand.