Coronavirus impact on business.

• 38% of owners said it's really having an impact their business.
• 24% said the impact is on the decline.
• 14% said it is not impacting their business.
• 11% said it's having on positive effect on business.
• 10% said it's starting to have an impact.
• 3% said the impact is over.

"Last month, we wondered if the massive positive shift in optimism with regard to the COVID crisis was real," Groves said. "This month, we received some encouraging news: The impact results across the board indicate that a significant percentage of impacted businesses are starting to feel the negative impact decline.

"Whether or not you believe the storm is over, the turbulence of the current situation facing small businesses is well-reflected in a variety of polltakers' comments, which illustrate a great disparity between those who are succeeding and others now confronted with additional inflationary problems."

Inflation and recovery.

• 80% of owners are paying more for supplies and inventory compared to pre-pandemic pricing.
• 59% are having greater difficulty acquiring supplies and inventory.
• 52% have kept prices unchanged or lowered them.
• Half are finding it more difficult to hire.
• 34% are operating with a month or less in cash

"Adding the scarcity of people seeking employment and elevated hiring costs to this equation, it's not difficult to see that inflationary pressures are confronting many small business owners everywhere they turn," he said.

Reopening status and business closures.

• 60% of businesses are fully reopened.
• Fewer than 10% are closed, either temporarily or for good.

The vast majority of small-business owners still anticipate that the new normal will arrive after summer.

Recovery concerns. "The increased cost of supplies has jumped into the top spot as small-business owners' leading concern," Groves said. "Also on the rise is fear that customers are afraid to return to their businesses. However, as COVID case levels continue to decline and overall vaccination levels increase, we see concerns of reclosures and cash reserves running out subside."