Small businesses doubtful about economy

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - More small business owners are uncertain their business will improve in the coming months.  

Close to a quarter of small business owners say they are pessimistic about future economic growth.  The National Federation of Independent Business says that's the highest it has been since the Carter Administration, when only 15% of small business owners were uncertain. 

The federation recently surveyed more than 10,000 small business owners and found weak sales, looming tax increases, and hiring were among the biggest concerns. 

Louis Falcetti is the assistant manager at the DV-Den in Amherst.  Falcetti splits thirteen-hour-shifts with his boss and says it's allowed for the business to survive. 

“The main way that we've outlasted a lot of the bigger chains is, for starters low overhead. In that it's just me and owner. Even other local independent stores that closed, had large groups of people working for them,” said Falcetti who’s worked at the store for eight years.    

Regular customers like Marge Roy say money that's spent locally stays local and supporting that is important.  Roy often shops at the store with her grandson. 

“I think it's important to have the local people where they know your name, they know who you are and you know them.  I know that the people here who own this live locally, they shop here, and they spend their money here,” said Roy inside the store on Tuesday.   

Four percent of owners say they plan to hire.  Meanwhile 16% say have open positions they can't fill.