LINCOLN - The NFIB Small business optimism index rose by eight points to 101 in November after 34 months of remaining below the 50-year average of 98.

NFIB Nebraska State Director Ryan McIntosh said Nebraska’s small businesses are feeling more hopeful after the Nov. 5 election.

He said optimism combined with increased capital spending suggests the state’s small business community is positioning for growth.

The NFIB reported that 36 percent of small business owners said they had a job opening in November that they could not fill. More than half said they hired or tried to hire in November and 87 percent reported few or no qualified applicants.

The Nebraska Department of Labor reports a 2.8 percent unemployment rate on Friday. It is the fifth lowest in the nation.

Labor Commissioner John Albin said Nebraska’s labor force has reached an all-time high of 1,057,890. Industries with the most growth through the year include education and health services up 7,244 jobs and manufacturing up 3,633 jobs. Leisure and hospitality is up 2,821 jobs.

https://dol.nebraska.gov/PressRelease/Details/323