Small Business Optimism Continues to Rise in December
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index continues to rise, increasing 0.5 points in December to 99.5, above the historical average. Taxes are now the top problem for Main Street.
VIDEO: NFIB’s Holly Wade Analyzes End-of-Year SBET Survey on Bloomberg: The Close
Executive Director Holly Wade joined Romaine Bostick and David Gura on Bloomberg: The Close to discuss the most recent Small Business Optimism Index.
NEW NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism Continues to Rise
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in December to 99.5 and remained above its 52-year average of 98.
NFIB Jobs Report: Owners Report Mixed Employment Conditions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 8, 2026) – NFIB’s December jobs report found that 33% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in December, unchanged from November. Unfilled job openings remain above the historical average of 24%. Twenty-eight percent have open
The Inflation Conundrum
Inflation under the Biden administration raised the Consumer Price Index by 20% (cumulative). The inflation rate has fallen significantly (currently at 3.0%), but overall prices have not fallen to pre-2021 levels. That would probably require a significant economic slowdown or recession. Some prices
Affordability: What does that mean?
“Affordability” is gearing up to be the top 2026 mid-term election issue that will dominate the airwaves. But what exactly is that? What does it mean? What are the politicians seeking office going to promise? Affordability is dependent on two things: the prices of goods and services, and the income
VIDEO: NFIB’s Holly Wade Joins Bloomberg: The Close to Discuss Latest SBET Findings
ICYMI: NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade joined Bloomberg: The Close to discuss NFIB’s November SBET survey.
Wade analyzes November’s SBET survey, explaining why small business owners are feeling
Small Business Optimism Edges Up in New Jersey in November
“Difficulty finding qualified workers in New Jersey and nationwide continues to be a drag on the small business economy.”
NEW NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism Edges Up in Vermont and Nationwide in November
“It’s imperative that Vermont lawmakers focus on making the state more affordable for small businesses and their workers.”
NEW NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism Edges Up in New Hampshire and Nationwide in November
“As New Hampshire lawmakers prepare for next year, it’s imperative they focus on reducing the cost of doing business and helping small businesses find the right workers for open jobs.”