(RALEIGH) -- The Small-Business Optimism Index gained 0.4 points in February to 94.3 marking the sixth consecutive month of gains. Data specific to North Carolina is not available, but Gregg Thompson, state director of NFIB/North Carolina, said the national trend is reflected in the Tar Heel State.

"North Carolina's small-business owners are hopeful, because it looks like things are finally turning around, but, unless the pace of recovery picks up, it'll be years before we're back where we started," said Thompson.

The Index is lower than that of February 2011 but is the second highest reading since December 2007, the beginning of the recession.

The rising price of gas is expected to have a great influence on decisions made by small business owners.