Here's good news for consumers and business owners.
South Carolina is recovering faster than the nation.
That's the finding of a new survey of more than 35,000 small- and medium-sized business owners worldwide.
Unfortunately, some lockdowns have forced more closures, declining sales and other pandemic effects. 
Facebook’s Global State of Small Business Report surveyed 27 countries and territories in February.
It found that 43% of SC businesses reported lower sales that month. The national average was 51%.
Additionally, 44% of SC women-owned businesses reported lower sales. The US average was 54%.
The survey in SC found 75% of businesses, 78% of women-owned businesses and 73% of minority-owned businesses were open.
The survey found that 19% of operating small businesses had reduced employees but 73% said they were confident in their ability to remain open for at least 6 more months if current conditions continue.
Worldwide, slightly more than half of business owners had similar confidence.
23% of SC businesses expect cash flow and customer demand loss. 
65% of SC businesses said they were unlikely to rehire employees laid off or furloughed during the pandemic.
326 SC businesses responded.
 
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