EXPORT, Pennsylvania — Despite 16 days of snow causing hazardous driving conditions for shoppers and diners, small-business owners in Western Pennsylvania expressed optimism about their prospects ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

From a bustling mechanic shop to an independent Italian grocery store to specialty boutiques to two family restaurants, conversations with the owners of these Westmoreland County small businesses reflect the findings of the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index.

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