For LGBTQ owners, the struggle has been even harder. Overall, small business owners are skeptical about their future business conditions, said Holly Wade, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business' Research Center. "The small business economy is being hindered by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages," she said. Yet, data show that when it comes to financing, LGTBQ small business owners are being left behind. While LGBTQ small business owners are very optimistic, they are also still more likely to report more kinds of financial challenges than non-LGBTQ businesses.

---

Persons: It's, Spencer Watson, Watson, Holly Wade, hasn't Organizations: Advancement, Center, Economic Advancement & Research, National Federation of Independent Business ' Research