The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has reported a promising rise in the Small Business Optimism Index, marking a positive shift in sentiment among American entrepreneurs. After holding steady at 98.2 in October, the index has risen to 99.0 as of November 2025, reflecting increased confidence among small business owners across the United States.
Updated on December 9, 2025, the latest data indicates that small businesses are feeling more positive about future business conditions, potential sales, and expansion plans than they did just a month prior. This uptick in optimism is a robust indicator of the underlying health of the small business sector, which plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy.
The forward-looking outlook is likely bolstered by easing inflation pressures and improved consumer spending patterns, contributing factors that small businesses are capitalizing on to drive growth. As small businesses reassess their strategies and prepare for a brightening economic horizon, this rise in optimism could translate into tangible economic benefits, such as job creation and increased investment in local communities. The NFIB will continue to monitor these trends, as businesses anticipate potential challenges and seize emerging opportunities in the coming months.
