In a positive sign for small-business optimism, August responses for the FranchiseInsights.com Small Business Startup Sentiment Index™ revealed a new high point for buyer readiness in 2020. Over 23% of persons aspiring to own franchises indicated plans to buy or start a business “this month” — the fourth consecutive month of growth and a sharp increase over pre-Covid readings.
Confirming that economic optimism, over 36% of August respondents indicated they are “more likely to start a business now than three months ago” — the third consecutive monthly increase. Accordingly, the percentage of respondents that were “less or much less likely to start a business than three months ago” decreased to 8%, the lowest reading in 2020. These notable improvements in buyer optimism might suggest that pandemic pessimism has peaked.
The Small Business Startup Sentiment Index™ is based on a monthly survey of individuals who have recently inquired about businesses or franchises for sale on the digital assets of FranchiseVentures.
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