The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Oregon commented on March 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. Despite this drop, the index remained slightly above its 52-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index also fell by three points from January to reach 88.
The topic is significant as it reflects the current sentiment and challenges faced by small businesses in Oregon, particularly amid increasing competition from larger companies and recent legislative changes affecting economic development tools.
Anthony Smith, state director for NFIB in Oregon, said, “Competition from large businesses is at a five-year high, which is why it’s especially troubling that Oregon politicians would even consider taking away a powerful economic development tool like bonus depreciation and replacing it with a new tax credit program that very few small businesses will be able to utilize. But this is what the Legislature did during the 2026 session with SB 1507 and HB 4084.”
Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist for NFIB, added perspective on national trends: “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 showed that a net 34% of owners reported raising compensation—up two points from January and marking the highest level since March 2025. Reports of positive profit trends rose seven points to a net negative 14%, reaching levels not seen since December 2021. The percentage of owners raising average selling prices fell two points to a net 24%, continuing a three-month trend of slowing price increases but still remaining above historical averages. When asked about their business health, responses were mixed: 12% rated it excellent (down two points), while eight percent cited competition from large businesses as their most important problem—the highest rate since May 2021.
NFIB has advocated for America’s small and independent business owners for over eighty years across all fifty states.
