Here are a few other key statistics:

• 56% say they’re more optimistic about their business success now than in Jan. 2022.
• While small business owners say inflation’s still their No. 1 concern, the percentage of those worried about it has declined from 32% to 30% in the past month. And those saying they don’t have any major financial concerns jumped to 20% in Jan., up five percentage points from just 15% in Dec.
• The cost of supplies also has declined. In December, 40% of SMB owners told us supplies were 25% or higher compared to pre-COVID prices. But that percentage dropped to 34% this month. 
• But the news is not all good, unfortunately. While 45% said customer counts are up for them, only 38% said they’re generating as much revenue monthly as they did prior to COVID. So, there’s still a long way to go before we can say most businesses have bounced back. 
• In fact, SMB owners estimate it will take at least until Q1 2024 for most small businesses to fully recover to pre-COVID revenue levels.
• And while optimism is higher than usual right now, 56% also say they fear a recession could hit this year, which would bring more economic trouble.

To see the full report, go here.

I’m happy to provide additional data on states, provinces, specific industries, and demographic groups. Also, if you want to schedule an interview with small business owners, our CEO Eric Groves, or other Alignable researchers, please let me know.

Best regards, Chuck

Chuck Casto
Alignable’s Head of Research, Corporate Communications & News
chuck@alignable.com

Note To The Media: You can use the information contained in this report for any story globally. We only request that you acknowledge Alignable as the source, and that you backlink to this report, so your audience can benefit from additional details. Thanks again for your interest in supporting small businesses, the backbone of our economy.

P.S. — Several charts like these are included in the report:

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