The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Montana commented on Mar. 10 regarding the latest findings from the monthly NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which showed a decrease of 0.5 points in February to 98.8, though it remained slightly above the 52-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index also dropped by three points from January to reach 88.
The topic is important as the index reflects the outlook and confidence of small business owners, which can influence hiring, investment, and economic growth across Montana and beyond.
Ronda Wiggers, state director for NFIB in Montana, said, “Taxes are almost never a cause for optimism, but this year’s tax season might be a little less grim thanks to the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction being made a permanent feature of the tax code instead of expiring at the end of last year. I want to thank again the many Montana small business owners who rallied to the cause of making it permanent. It wasn’t easy. And I want to thank Sen. Steve Daines one more time for his stellar leadership on the issue.”
NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said, “Although optimism declined slightly, small businesses report feeling more certain in February as they look toward the coming months. High sales and increased profits made February a more positive month for many owners, but competition from large businesses is putting stress on Main Street firms as they navigate the current economic climate.”
According to highlights from the latest index report: seasonally adjusted data show that a net 34 percent reported raising compensation—up two points from January and marking the highest level since March 2025; reports of positive profit trends rose seven points from January to a net negative 14 percent—the highest since December 2021; and while price increases slowed for a third consecutive month with a net percent falling two points to 24 percent (seasonally adjusted), these changes remain above historical averages. When asked about their business health overall, responses were mixed: twelve percent rated it excellent (down two points), fifty-five percent good (up one point), twenty-six percent fair (down one point), and five percent poor (up one point).
NFIB has advocated for America’s small and independent business owners for over eighty years as a nonprofit association dedicated exclusively to their interests.
