A new survey suggests small-business owners in B.C. are the most optimistic about the Canadian economy, with 38% saying it will improve over the next year.

Bank of Nova Scotia today released its annual review of Canadian small business probes business owners’ major concerns and priorities, as well as trends and prospects for the year ahead.

Nationally, about 28% of small business owners said they believe general economic conditions will see a boost in the next 12 months.

Last year, fewer small business owners said they expected the national economy to deteriorate, dropping to 23% from 45% of those surveyed a year ago. Nearly half of respondents said the economic climate would likely stay the same.

“Small-business owners have indicated their optimism about Canada’s prospects in the year ahead and that will go a long way toward reinforcing the economy’s forward momentum,” said Scotiabank deputy chief economist Aron Gampel, in a news release.

Heading eastward, some provinces are a little more pessimistic. In Quebec and Atlantic Canada only 22% of those surveyed predict a bright immediate future for businesses.

About 46% of small business owners believe their own businesses will see increased growth during the period.

Another 47% expect their business’s results will stay the same, with the remaining seven% predicting lower results. Those numbers were equivalent to last year’s responses.

Respondents most frequently mentioned concerns with the financial, government, labour and competition issued, Scotiabank said.

Financial issues, like taxes, fuel prices, and interest rates were named as major issues by 60% of those polled.

The survey results are considered accurate within 4.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

In total, 573 online interviews were completed between August 17 and August 31.