U.S. small business confidence climbed in August for the first time in four months, despite the latest disappointing jobs report, a leading industry association reported Tuesday.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) said its Small-Business Optimism Index increased to 92.9 in August from July's 91.2. But there were few positive signs for the future and little change was expected to happen in the long term, it said.

Five of the index's 10 components contributed to the August gain. Specifically, the index gauging plans to increase employment rose five points to a net 10 percent, the highest level since 2008, and the share of owners projecting higher sales edged up five points to a net 1 percent.

"However, nothing happened in August to really improve their outlook, and economic news was uninspiring and mixed," NFIB chief economist William Dunkelberg said.

The index has fluctuated between 86.5 and 94.5 since the recession ended in June 2009. During the recent economic recovery, the index has averaged 90, making it the worst recovery period from a recession since the NFIB survey began in 1973.

The small business industry, accounting for 99 percent of all companies in the U.S., is the major driver of the U.S. economy and employs half of the country's labor force.