America's Small Businesses More Optimistic about the Economy, Despite Tempered Hiring and Investment Expectations

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Aug 23, 2017, 08:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Q3 MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index (Index), released today, recorded an overall score of 62.3, up 1.7 points from the Q2 score of 60.6, driven in part by an eight point jump in the percentage of small business owners optimistic about the national economy in the third quarter — 41 percent compared to 33 percent last quarter. Based on telephone interviews with 1,000 small business owners and operators, the survey also found that almost two-thirds of respondents rated the overall health of their small business as good, which is consistent with last quarter.

A majority (56 percent) of small businesses expect revenue to increase in the year ahead and 81 percent are comfortable with their current cash flow situation. This positive news comes despite the majority of respondents reporting slightly more guarded expectations about hiring and investment compared to the second quarter of 2017. The Q3 Index found that 24 percent of small business owners plan to increase staff, down from 29 percent in Q2.

"Small businesses are important to our local communities and the national economy. Their increased optimism this quarter reflects the trends of the broader business environment," said James W. Reid, executive vice president for Regional & Small Business Solutions at MetLife. "The Small Business Index helps us better understand this important sector, so we can work on solutions by tackling the challenges small business owners face every day."

Small Business Owners Split on if Job Candidates Are Prepared for the Workforce
In a spotlight question addressing workforce challenges, half of small business owners (50 percent) believe job candidates are not prepared for today's job opportunities. Small businesses with a negative impression of job candidates are 25 percent less likely to increase staff over the next 12 months.

Respondents noted that the skills needed for the jobs available are not being taught – commonly referred to as the skills gap. In Q2, the Index found that only approximately two in five small business owners rated the quality of potential hires as good.

"Small business owners need a qualified workforce to unlock the full potential of their sector," said Suzanne Clark, senior executive vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Insights uncovered in this quarter's Small Business Index reinforce the importance of the business community and our education leaders collaborating on effective ways to close the skills gap. It's a must to produce a workforce that in turn will power a stronger economy."

The Voice of the Small Business Owner — Workforce
This research effort includes gathering personal stories that illuminate the unique challenges facing today's small businesses. In Q3, small business owners went into detail about the challenges they face finding appropriately skilled or trained workers to fill open positions.

A small business owner in Louisiana said:

"I believe a barrier to industry is the slowly deteriorating pool of skilled laborers. College is not for everyone. We need more vocational and tech training. Our society feels a college degree should be obtained by everyone, and it shouldn't."

A small business owner in Texas said:

"The biggest challenge in growing my business is finding highly trained, highly skilled workers."

Small Business Owners Indicate Positive Outlook for Company and Operating Environment
The Q3 Index produced an overall score of 62.3, up 1.7 points from the Q2 score of 60.6 (on a scale of 0 to 100), which indicates that 62.3 percent of small business owners currently have a positive outlook for their company and the environment in which they operate. This improvement stems from small business owners' perceptions of the economy, paired with confidence in the health of their businesses. The Index score takes into account small business owners' responses to 10 questions spanning three topics: the current health of their business; their views on the economy and other external forces that impact their company; and their plans and expectations for the near future.

The Index is part of a multiyear collaboration by MetLife and the U.S. Chamber to elevate the voice of America's small business owners and highlight the important role they play in the nation's economy. The initiative will produce the quarterly MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index; a nationwide event series, including the upcoming Small Business Summit, September 10-13 in Washington, D.C. where presenters will share information that helps businesses save money, save time, and foster growth; and the annual Dream Big Small Business Awards program, which celebrates the achievements of small businesses and honors their contributions to America's economic growth.

Please visit www.SBIndex.us for the full results and methodology.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. For more information, visit www.uschamber.com.

About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

www.uschamber.com @USChamber www.freeenterprise.com

www.metlife.com/mysmallbusiness @metlife

Contact: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Bridgett Hebert
(202) 463-5682

MetLife
David Hammarström
(212) 578-2736

SOURCE U.S. Chamber of Commerce; MetLife