The Small Business Optimism Index has increased for the fourth consecutive month.  The index, provided by NFIB Small Business Economic Trends, shows that small companies are expecting sales and profits to increase in the near future.  To add to that, a higher percentage of owners felt that the economy would improve going forward than felt that way in November.  2012 continues to promise to be a great time to start a business.  With the country moving their way out of recessionary thinking, consumer spending and small business capital investments are expected to increase in 2012.  Starting a business in this financial climate can be challenging, but the rewards are significant by getting in on the ground level of the upgrading economy.  When other companies try to enter the marketplace in 2013 and 2014, the companies opening now and working their way toward established business practices will have a significant advantage. For more information on the latest impressive numbers, visit the story on the official NFIB site.