Small business optimism is on the rise — particularly among women and especially in the Midwest, according to the recently released MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index.

The Corridor Business Journal recently reported the index rose to 68.7, up 2.4 points from its first quarter score of 66.3, driven by “the strongest local economic outlook on record, a firmer hiring environment, and a stronger backdrop for investing,” index analysts said.

Two out of every three small business owners are optimistic about their company and the small business environment in the United States, with women reporting even higher optimism than their male counterparts. About 65 percent of woman-owned small businesses reported expecting higher revenue in the next 12 months compared to 61 percent of male-owned small businesses. Women also anticipate more hiring growth (36 percent) compared to men (30 percent) and a greater increase in investment (30 percent to 28 percent, respectively).

Small business sentiment rose across all regions in the U.S., but small business owners in the Midwest and Northeast were feeling the most buoyant about their prospects, study authors said. 

“It’s important to continue to break down barriers to growth and create an environment where all businesses can thrive,” Suzanne Clark, senior executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said in a release. “Small business owners remain optimistic and by taking action to help alleviate some of their current obstacles and ensure opportunity, we will in turn further increase Main Street optimism.”