Optimism among small business owners in Saskatchewan rose in January. The Canadian Federtionl of Independent Business says the index on its monthly barometer rose to 42.7 from 40.0 in December. But, we are still 12.6 points below the national average. Still, Marilyn Braun-Pollon, vice-president western Canada and agri-business says, “It is encouraging to see that Saskatchewan’s small business owners are slightly more optimistic to start 2020.” The province’s index does remain more than 22 points below the range of index levels normally associated when the economy is growing at its potential. Hiring plans also remain weak with 24 per cent of owners planning lay-offs in the next three months. Only nine per cent plan on hiring. 25 per cent of businesses in Saskatchewan say their overall state of business is good.