Small business owners’ optimism on business prospects and the economy continue to rise, according to the Fall 2014 OPEN Small Business Monitor. Currently, 63% of business owners maintain a positive outlook, a level not reached since fall of 2007 (64%). Stronger revenue growth could be fueling this optimism as more entrepreneurs say their revenues are higher when compared to a year ago (42%, up from 38% in 2013).

The rosier outlook from business owners is reflected in their attitude towards growing their business:

• They are increasingly confident they can access the capital needed to grow their businesses (79%, up from 72% six months ago)
• Cash flow concerns are easing (43%, down from 49% this spring)
• Over the next six months, business growth is the single most important priority for business owners; the last time this occurred was in spring 2011

“Nearly half of all business owners are confident in the U.S. economy and find their businesses in an excellent position for growth,” said Alice Bredin, small business advisor to American Express OPEN. “Cash-flow is less of a concern and key indicators such as hiring and capital investments are trending in a positive direction.”