Among the biggest challenges small firms are facing is hiring.

The September National Federation of Independent Business survey saw its sentiment index rise 0.3 points, but it was still well below the historic average.

The mood among businesspeople is better than it has been this year, but they’re still more pessimistic than the historical average.

A National Federation of Independent Business survey found respondents pessimistic about business conditions. That said, more businesses decided to invest in equipment — a sign that many are hopeful about the future.

The National Association of Independent Business’s small business optimism index has been below its historical average for nearly two years.

Only a quarter of small businesses say they’re getting the credit they need, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.

Like other retail businesspeople, Amelia Freeman-Lynde of Durham, North Carolina, has grappled with supply chain and staffing issues.

Sometimes the spending is to stay afloat in a competitive market. And sometimes it’s to take advantage of new opportunities.

Small business owners are to grappling with staffing shortages, supply chain issues and higher costs.

“No company wants to say no to growth, but there is another side to that,” said Farmgirl Flowers CEO Christina Stembel.