Ohio trails behind nation in small business growth.

• Position: Ohio

Small business growth in Ohio is lagging behind other parts of the country, according to research by the National Federation of Independent Business and Visa USA.

Small business growth is especially sensitive to consumer spending, which is lagging in the Midwest due to a lower median income. Possible causes are slower population growth and slower home equity appreciation.

Only 23 percent of Ohio small business owners polled in May agreed that business conditions for their enterprises are "good." This represents a drop from 34 percent in April. In contrast, 61 percent of business leaders throughout the country said they were optimistic.

Consumer...