B.C.’s small and medium-sized businesses were feeling more optimistic about things last month, with the B.C. confidence barometer rising to 71.1 compared with 67.5 in December.
This according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which added that B.C.'s business climate is now tied for third as Canada's most optimistic.
“While there remains uncertainty in the provincial political landscape and with the future of the HST, small businesses in B.C. are feeling optimistic about their potential for growth and prosperity in the province,” the CFIB said in a statement.
The organization added that January was the first time optimism levels have risen above 70 since June 2010.
Meanwhile, 54% of businesses in B.C. said the overall state of business is satisfactory, 29% said it was good and 17% said it was bad.
Still, 62% of businesses said tax and regulatory costs continue to cause difficulties for their business.