Small businesses account for a lion’s share of net new jobs. Labor-intensive and dominating the service sector, they provide opportunities to enter the labor force, gain some experience, and develop skills. They are also the “seed corn” for the large firms that dominate the financial news. Walmart i
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 11, 2026) – NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade joined Kristen Scholer on NYSE Live to discuss February’s Small Business Optimism Index and the issues currently impacting Main Street.
Wade analyzes NFIB’s February SBET survey, explaining why optimism ticked
NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.5 points in February to 98.8 but remained slightly above the 52-year average of 98.
NFIB’s Jon Boesche explains what the Index means for Minnesota small businesses
NFIB’s Luke Bacher explains what the Index means for Wisconsin small businesses
NFIB’s Logan Shine explains what the Index means for Iowa small businesses
NFIB’s Noah Finley explains what the Index means for Illinois small businesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 5, 2026) – NFIB’s February Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index ticked up nearly 1 point to 103.5, showing further tightness after January consolidated the gains measured in December. This current reading is 2.3 points above the 2025 average of 101.2, an
NFIB’s recent survey shows how rising energy costs are affecting small businesses’ ability to hire, retain talent, and grow.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 25, 2026) – The NFIB Research Center released an industry-specific quarterly Small Business Economic Trends survey highlighting the construction, manufacturing, retail, and services industries. According to the report, the Optimism Index increased from the previous quarter for
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