Surveys say small business owners' opinions mixed on downturn

The economy's taking a hit these days, but small business professionals are feeling bullish about their business even if they're grumbling about the general state of the economy. Veterinarians' and other small business owners' feelings toward the economy right now are mixed, according to recent surveys.

The so-called optimism index-the results of a survey from the National Federation of Independent Businesses-stands at its lowest level since the 1986 recession, according to a Fortune Small Business article. The study also finds small business owners working more or less, depending on the downturn's effects on their businesses. Almost half of small business owners surveyed said they're working longer hours than they did six months ago, and 41 percent of them blamed it on the recession. Another 10 percent said they're working less because the slowdown gives them less to do.

In another recent survey, small business personnel said the economy was lousy but their businesses were doing well. Sixty-five percent of small business personnel surveyed by Opinion Research Group said their business is "good," but only 27 percent said the economy is "good." Half said they expect the economy to be good a year from now.