Small business confidence improved in the third quarter as owners reported stable business health and greater comfort with their cash flow, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported Wednesday, releasing the results of the latest Justworks and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index.
"The small business economy remains remarkably steady," the Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Small Business Policy, Tom Sullivan, said in a press release announcing the results:
"Owners are telling us their businesses are healthy, cash flow remains solid, and many continue to plan for growth. But they're also clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Inflation continues to affect nearly every aspect of running a business, from payroll and benefits to long-term planning."
At 70.5, the third quarter 2026 index (Q3) is up four points from the previous quarter’s mark of 66.5 and just 1.5 points short of the record high of 72.0 set a year earlier, in the third quarter of 2025.
Key economic results from the Q3 survey include:
- Seven in 10 small businesses describe their business health as being either “good” or “very good.”
- The share of owners rating their business health as “very good” increased eight points to 35%.
- 72% say they’re comfortable with their cash flow.
- Inflation remains the top challenge facing small businesses, cited by 54% of owners.
- 62% expect revenue to increase over the next year.
- 38% plan to increase investment and 36% anticipate adding staff.
The survey also found that seven in 10 small businesses now offer at least one benefit:
- 46% offer health insurance (up from 41% from a year ago).
- 40% offer paid vacation (up from 30%).
- 31% offer dental and vision coverage (up from 21%).
- 27% offer retirement plans (up from 22%).
- 75% of small businesses invest in employee training/growth opportunities.
The Q3 2026 national survey of 759 small business owners and operators age 18 and above was conducted online August 4-18, 2026 by Ipsos.
