THE Metlife & Us Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index I slipped nearly 7 points during the last quarter, destroying its post-electoral gains.
The owners of small businesses always think that the economy is on a fairly solid field, but they feel uncertain. Hence the gloom.
It was a quiet walk for René Hidalgo, owner of the Mexican restaurant Don Pepe in Houston. And he thinks that it has a lot to do with the fact that it has increased prices this year because its costs continue to increase.
“Sometimes people comment:” Whoa is a little too much for a breakfast taco or a breakfast. But I have no option.
And the increase in food costs – especially eggs.
Instead of increasing prices, some business owners are only taking the blow.
Janessa Purney owns Erskine’s Grain & Garden, an agricultural supplies store in Chester, Vermont. She recently ordered wooden shavings – for animal bedding – in Canada, and her supplier crossed the border just before President Donald Trump cancels his 25%prices.
“I paid 20% more. They swallowed 5% for me. So this kind of thing is really disconcerting. To think that these types of things are difficult to plan cash flow, “she said.
The Chamber of Commerce survey has revealed a sharp increase in the number of business owners who feel concerned about their future income.
“We know that income, depending on the quantity of songs are withdrawn from inflation, is really what will lead to growth, stability or decline,” said Tom Sullivan, vice-president of the Small Business Policy.
This will determine, he said, that companies have the impression of being able to hire more workers or make capital investments. But at the moment, what he is seeing “are owners of small businesses who are hitting the growth button on growth plans for 2026 and beyond.”
In Houston, René Hidalgo hopes that business will happen again in the coming months. Because at the moment, it is at the counter before, seven days a week.
“And I work here from the morning opening until closing because I cannot afford to have another person, you know, like a manager or something,” he said.
If business has accelerated, Hidalgo could hire someone and take some time.
Many things happen in the world. Through all this, Marketplace is there for you.
You count on Marketplace to break the events of the world and tell you how it affects you in an accessible manner based on facts. We are counting on your financial support to continue to make this possible.
Your donation now feeds independent journalism on which you count. For only $ 5 / month, you can help keep the market so that we can continue to realize the things that matter to you.