American Express concludes AFF. They misinterpret the data.

Confidence is eroding among small businesses today with owners worried over their growth prospects in an inflationary economy with soaring interest rates and workforce shortages.

That's what operators are telling American Express, which surveyed operators of small companies ranging from those with just a few employees to upward of 500 workers. It's a gloomy outlook.

"People are not as confident about their prospects for growth," says Brett Sussman, a senior vice president at the financial services company most known for its credit cards.

Financial anxiety worsens among owners with just a few employees vs. larger small businesses. About half of owners overall are confident about their financial futures while only 30% of those with fewer than 20 employees are optimistic moving forward.

Just as concerning, 40% of those owners are watching growth opportunities slip by because they don't have the financial tools to make needed investments.

Across the nation, small businesses are increasingly worried about increasing their operations. The study surveyed businesses with fewer than 500 employees across multiple sectors in American Express' inaugural small business confidence report, which focused on uncovering the factors influencing financial decisions small businesses encounter and are most concerned about.

"There's a little bit less optimism right now for small business owners about growth prospects," Sussman said of the findings. "They are really seeking better solutions and tools to get them cash flow so they can make growth decisions."

Most problematic, 32% of owners wanted more guidance on cash flow and 31% said they want more help on how to manage expenses. That uncertainty around cash revealed 41% of small businesses owners are bypassing potential growth opportunities.