B.C., Alberta most optimistic
Canadian business owners' confidence in the state of the economy and their business prospects has risen compared to earlier this year, according to the BMO Small Business Confidence Report.
The report produces an index score that measures the level of confidence small business owners have in the economy and their business prospects based on a series of key indicators, including performance, economic outlook, growth expectations and plans for investment.
The current index score registers at 68 out of 100 — up slightly from this past spring (65 out of 100), found the survey of 502 business owners.
"Small business owners believe their organizations are in good health and are picking up momentum in order to rebuild the solid business foundation of previous years," said Steve Murphy, head of Canadian commercial banking at BMO Bank of Montreal. "Of particular interest, business owners from nearly every province, have an increased level of optimism compared to earlier this year."
BMO Small Business Confidence Index scores
|
| National | B.C. | Alberta | Prairies | Ont. | Que. | Atlantic |
| Fall 2014 | 68 | 75 | 69 | 65 | 66 | 64 | 66 |
| Spring 2014 | 65 | 69 | 70 | 61 | 67 | 58 | 63
|
| Fall 2013 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 60 | 70 | 70 | 68 |
| Spring 2013 | 59 | 64 | 59 | 54 | 59 | 57 | 62 |
