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America’s small and mid-sized business owners are more optimistic about the future and their businesses than earlier in the year, according to a recent survey of business owners and primary decision-makers conducted by City Business Journals Network. More than half (52 percent) said they think business prospects in the next 12 months will be “a lot better” or “a little better,” the study said. A similar survey five months ago found only 35 percent agreeing with those assessments.

Business owners also are less concerned about the economy and their businesses, according to the study. The portion of those who are “very concerned” about the U.S. economy dropped to 68 percent from 77 percent in March. The percentage of respondents who have doubts about their companies’ long-term survival dropped to 36 percent from 46 percent.

Still, the business owners were reluctant to say that the economy has “definitely” started to turn around. Twenty-eight percent agree with that description, 30 percent are unsure, and 42 percent are skeptical and say that no turnaround has yet begun.