It seems like things are looking up for small business owners, at least according to some recent surveys. The real low point was near the end of 2008, experts say. Surveys taken last November and December showed confidence among small business owners at the lowest point since I can certainly remember. But since the onset of 2009, faith in our economy seems to be slowly restoring.

Results from the American Express OPEN’s Spring 2009 Small Business Monitor show strong signs of growing optimism. Times are certainly still tough, but the survey shows only 39 percent of respondents are having negative feelings, down from 44 percent last month and 50 percent in January.

Discover Small Business Watch also recently revealed the results of its monthly survey of business owners. Discover’s “economic confidence” indicator was up 10 points in April, reaching its highest point in 14 months. This is the third month in a row that the indicator rose. Also according to the survey, the number of business owners (31 percent) who feel the economy is improving nearly doubled from last month.

Though it’s too early to tell if the economy is truly on the rebound, small business owners seem to be rising above and showing they are eager to meet the challenges ahead. It’s that kind of optimism that will push us through these tough times and bring us to the other side stronger and better for it.

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