Just 12% of business owners in Connecticut think the state’s business climate is improving, according to a new survey from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA).

Nearly 3,000 Connecticut businesses were surveyed for the report this summer.

“The survey certainly shows some signs of optimism, but these concerns about the state's competitiveness, workforce challenges and cost pressures continue to temper business expectations,” CBIA CEO Chris DiPentima said. “Connecticut's fiscal and economic challenges are compounded by ongoing instability and unpredictability at the federal level.”

A majority of business owners reported their top issue was the labor shortage — Connecticut has 77,000 job openings.

“More than three-quarters of businesses report ongoing difficulties

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