NFIB: Inflation remains No. 1 challenge facing small business

Shoppers shop at a grocery store in Glenview, Ill., Monday, July 4, 2022. U.S. demand for grocery delivery is cooling as food prices rise. Some shoppers are shifting to less expensive grocery pickup, while others are returning to the store. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

RALEIGH — Thirty-seven percent of small business owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business, an increase of three points from June and the highest level since the fourth quarter of 1979, according to the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. 

“What we’re hearing from our small business owners here is that they won’t spend the money to grow their businesses or even replace worn-out equipment unless they’re certain we’re back on track economically and that the investments make sense and will pay off,” said North Carolina State Director Gregg Thompson.