2021 was suppose to be a recovery year for small businesses, but many just couldn't stay open.

A report from small business support organization Allignable shows nearly 40 percent fewer small businesses now than at the beginning of the year.

Researchers say we may not know for months how many are closed permanently.

In Michigan, more than a third are having trouble paying their rent and two out of three Michigan small businesses want national policymakers to offer more support for their recovery. A third want loans or grants. Most say their future in 2022 is uncertain.