Small businesses continue to hold the top spot in Americans’ confidence, according to Gallup’s latest annual survey of major U.S. institutions. Seventy percent of respondents said they have high confidence in small business — the only institution to reach that level of support.
The military and science followed, with 62 percent and 61 percent confidence, respectively. Gallup’s survey polled more than 1,000 likely voters this summer, measuring trust in 18 institutions.
Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, said the results reflect the central role small businesses play in local communities.
“Small businesses are the connecting force of our communities, embodying the spirit of American entrepreneurship and resilience,” Calley said. “It’s for good reason the public continues to place their steadfast trust in small business owners.”
Calley also linked the findings to ongoing policy debates in Michigan, warning that the proposed “Invest in MI Kids” ballot measure could disproportionately harm small businesses. Under the state’s current tax structure, many small business owners file taxes at the individual level, meaning their tax burden could rise significantly if the measure passes. According to the association, 77 percent of those impacted would be small business owners, though Calley said the ballot language does not disclose this.
Gallup’s data showed that while party gaps remain large for many institutions — including the presidency, police, and U.S. Supreme Court — confidence in small businesses crosses party lines, with Democrats at 68 percent, Independents at 67 percent, and Republicans at 79 percent.
