Q1 Small Business Index: Confidence Holds Locally, Growth Plans Stall

Q1 Small Business Index: Confidence Holds Locally, Growth Plans Stall
The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index for Q1 2025 reveals key trends and concerns among small business owners:

• 29% feel positive about the national economy (↓3 points from Q4 2024)
• 37% are optimistic about their local economy (↓1 point from last quarter and last year)
• 58% cite inflation as their top concern — the 13th straight quarter it tops the list
• 35% identify revenue challenges — highest in 4 years
• 63% are confident in their own business’s health (↓4 points)
• 66% are comfortable with current cash flow (↓6 points)
• 94% say trade/technical schools prepare new employees well
• 67% offer flexible hours to attract talent; other top strategies include:
  • Pay transparency (62%)
  • Higher pay (55%)
  • Paid sick leave (55%)
  • Employee referrals (50%)

📊 Read the full report: uschamber.com/sbindex