Amid changing economic winds, small business optimism is showing signs of resurgence. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index climbed to 99.5 in December—0.5 points higher than November, and above its 52-year average of 98. “2025 ended with a further increase in small business optimism,” stated NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. Moreover, 64% of small business owners reported supply chain disruptions affecting their operations, highlighting ongoing challenges in getting products and materials. In December, a seasonally adjusted 33% of small business owners reported having unfilled job openings, unchanged from November, but still above the historical average.