The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) posted a score of 107.2 in June of 2018 for their Small Business Optimism Index. This number, which beat the market expectations of 105.6, is one to be enthusiastic about for several reasons. First, it is worth noting how the score fits into historical context. The average score of this index from 1975 to 2018 is 98.13, far below June of 2018’s result. Further, this year’s June score is up 3.4% from last year’s and is less than a point off the index’s record high of 107.8. The score is a composite of ten seasonally adjusted components. Nominal sales reported were some of the highest seen in years, and many owners expressed plans to invest significantly going forward. For small to mid sized owners, the business landscape going forward is one they can be confident in as they look to improve and grow their company. Tax cuts as well as regulatory and policy reform have been and will continue to be key external factors that act as catalysts for business growth.