Currently, the small business optimism index has settled around 96.9 points. Over the last month, that number has increased by 1.7 points. Half of the private GDP generated in the U.S. can be attributed to small businesses. After a dismal first quarter for the U.S. economy, this increase in optimism is a signal that the economy may be rebounding.
See "Small Business Confidence Perks Up; Jobs Market Solid", The New York Times, May 11, 2015