LANSING – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.6 points in October to 98.2 but remained above its 52-year average of 98. But the Uncertainty Index fell 12 points from September to 88, the lowest reading of this year.

Although state-specific data is unavailable, NFIB Michigan State Director Amanda Fisher said: “Small business owners reported lower sales and reduced profits in October, leading to the dip in optimism. Hiring remains the biggest challenge for Michigan’s small businesses as labor quality is ranked as the top business problem.”

In conjunction with the October report, NFIB is also debuting a new podcast: “Small Business by the Numbers” – this is the NFIB Research Center’s new podcast where we discuss everything related to the small business economy. Guests and ho

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