Small Business Optimism Hits Record High, Gaining Momentum from Vaccines and Adapted Pandemic Operations Eight in 10 business owners have encouraged or required employees to be vaccinated; 78% estimate a majority of their employees have complied Higher employee vaccination rates linked to more optimistic outlook for small businesses Nearly three quarters (71%) expect sales to increase in the next 6 months, while 58% anticipate increased profits More than half (54%) expect to