Small business owners are more optimistic compared to the beginning of the year, but still face problems with inflation, with 32% of owners reporting inflation to be their single most important problem. Other concerns are supply chain disruptions and worker shortages.
NFIB Louisiana spokesman Todd Pack says these factors are making it difficult on small business owners.
“Small business owners want predictability they don’t want to hire or expand unless they have a pretty good idea of where things are heading and right now they just don’t have that,” said Pack.
The percentage of owners raising their average selling prices increased as a result of the ongoing supply chain issues. Pack says owners have tried to keep prices low, but it’s impossible when the price of everything has surged.
“From shopping containers to shopping bags everything cost more you go to any business and they might or might not have what you need, you might not be able to get it and that’s still a challenge,” said Pack.
Forty-four percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill. Pack says owners are doing what they can to bring in more workers.
“Really you can’t go anywhere without seeing a help wanted sign. Small businesses and big companies are offering better pay to try to get people to work but its still a challenge,” said Pack.
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