Gallup has released its annual update on Americans’ confidence in major U.S. institutions, with small businesses topping the list. The national survey of more than 1,000 voters shows 68 percent of people have the most faith in small business. Only two other institutions earned majority-level confidence, with the police and military coming in at 51 percent and 61 percent, respectively.
“Those who own and operate small businesses are an essential thread of the fabric that defines America’s ingenuity,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Community support and engagement is a keystone of small business operations, so it’s not surprising that citizens have so much faith in them.
“In a Presidential election year, it’s especially unique to find voters so united across party lines. We hope this collective voice will be recognized by Michigan’s elected officials as they debate policies at the state level that could have detrimental effects on small businesses.”
In terms of political affiliation, large party gaps were found in the survey when it came to most institutions, especially organized labor, the presidency, higher education, and the Supreme Court. However, faith in small business transcended political lines, with Democrats measured at 69 percent confidence, Independents at 68 percent and Republicans at 70 percent.
The Gallup poll asked about confidence in 17 institutions and was conducted from June 3-23, 2024 with more than 1,000 likely voters surveyed. More information on the Gallup Poll Social Series is available here.