Confidence scored 60.1 out of 100 — slightly above the national score of 59. Companies feel good about today, but more careful about what's ahead.
How businesses scored each topic, on a 0–100 scale. Above 50 = positive.
How three Middle Tennessee challenges are landing on businesses.
When asked open-ended questions, here's what business leaders said.
A snapshot of the businesses behind the numbers.
We ask businesses to rate things like sales, hiring, and the economy. Each answer earns points, and we average them on a 0–100 scale where 50 is neutral. Above 50 means more businesses are positive than negative. The method is the same one the Conference Board uses for its national CEO Confidence Index, so the scores can be compared.
Inaugural report — Q1 2026. Released April 2026.
The Business and Economic Research Center at Middle Tennessee State University runs the Business Confidence Index every quarter. If your company would like to be part of the next survey panel, share data, or collaborate on research, we'd love to hear from you.
Direct inquiries to Dr. Murat Arik, Director, Business and Economic Research Center.