The Delta variant, vaccines, mask mandates and covid booster shots have cast a cloud of uncertainty over SC small businesses.

73% of small business owners say they are confident they can stay open fo at least 12 months.

That’s 9% more than the national average and up 11% since February.

Those findings are part of Facebook’s latest “Globa

State of Small Business Report” which includes details on how local small businesses are adjust to uncertain conditions and how entrepreneurs are feeling about their futures.

• 52% of SC businesses report higher sales, a 23% increase since February.

• In contrast, Georgia businesses reported 16%.

• Women-owned SC businesses report 43% higher sales, up 9%.

• 29% report lower sales, down 14% since February.

• 14% cut employment, 10 points lower than the national average.

• 45% say 25% of sales come digitally, up 7%.

In 2021, Facebook helped support small businesses deal with the uncertainty of reopening including grants to business owners,.

It also developed innovative new tools and products and provided digital tool training such as “Boost with Facebook” events.