NFIB:The Mood of Small Business-and what it means for jobs

The National Federation of Independent Business has released its February assessment of small business optimism.The index rose 0.4 to 94.3,still at a recessionary level.We've had six months of gains,and the number is still below where it was in February of 2011.The average going into the recession of 2008 was about 100.
We're way down,and we need to see it move up,according to NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.Everybody's complaining about uncertainty on taxes,health care,regulations,and where the economy's gonna be.There's really not any confidence that we can solve the problems.Their biggest concern was taxes and red tape at 44%;followed by lagging sales at 20%.
The survey has a 39-year history and a big sample size.
Small business hiring was not as strong in the NFIB report as in the ADP gauge of private company employment.Overall,the NFIB result is a sign the recovery is likely to continue,albeit at a glacial pace.The report suggests cautious optimism,but shows no signs of significant economic improvement that is needed to encourage owners to invest their own money in growing their businesses,NFIB concluded.
Small business is considered the main job engine of the U.S. economy.If it isn't optimistic enough,jobs growth will be crimped until the mood has shifted and investment shows more promise.

Canadian Province Courts Businesses

The Ontario provincial government is courting U.S. businesses through an ad campaign.Ontario indicates that it has a number of strong points for the businesses to consider,such as R&D tax credits;educated workers;and billions in government investment.There is a climate of innovation in the province,creating an ideal environment for green businesses in particular.
Ontario says its R&D tax credits are some of the most generous in the world.And their combined federal/provincial corporate income tax rate is lower than the U.S. federal/state average,the province contends.Ontario is transforming green ideas into green business,which is why over 2500 environmental firms have set up shop there,according to the publicity.
Many U.S. observers have been complaining that high U.S. corporate taxes are making the nation less competitive in the global economy.