STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

LISTEN: Small Businesses Can Predict Economic Conditions Long Before Anyone Else

October 3, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

NFIB State Director Brad Jones discusses small business economic trends with Faune Riggin.

LISTEN: Small Businesses Can Predict Economic Conditions Long Before Anyone Else

While speaking with Cape Girardeau’s Faune Riggin on 960-KZIM, NFIB State Director Brad Jones discussed NFIB’s recent reporting on small business economic trends. “We’ve got small business folks raising their prices and raising compensation for their workers. When you combine those two things, those are two major triggers for inflation,” Jones said. “And as we’ve seen, it hasn’t gone down. We’re not seeing any break. Consequently, I think this is why the overall optimism index has gone down. [Small business owners] are bummed out because some of these things that are happening in the economy, they’re just not getting better.” Jones continued, noting that expectations for better business conditions dropped seven points. “That is a huge, huge drop in this particular survey. If we’ve got small businesses that are that bummed out, I’m really worried to see what’s going to happen in six months, because they’re a great barometer. Our small business people down there on Main Street, in downtown Cape, they know what’s going to happen to the economy long before any of the big experts in D.C. They feel it first.” CLICK HERE to listen to the full interview.

Topics:

Taxes

State:

Missouri

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

April 16, 2026

NFIB President Brad Close in Washington Times: Small Business Deduction Is A Big Win For Main Street

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 16, 2026) – In a new op-ed in The Washington Times, NFIB President Brad Close shares how Main Street is benefiting from the 20% Small B…

Woman wearing a blue cap speaks to the camera; lower third shows 'Tina Miller' and 'Walkabout Outfitter, Owner | NFIB Member'.

April 16, 2026

VIDEO: Virginia Business Owner Explains How 20% Deduction Boosted Employee Wages

The deduction ‘gives me hope to stay strong.’

April 16, 2026

What They Are Saying: Virginia Small Business Owner Uses 20% Small Business Deduction for Employee Raises

VIDEO: NFIB member Tina Miller explains how the permanence of the 20% Small Business Deduction has helped her invest back into her business and community.

April 15, 2026

NFIB Releases Report Detailing Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction Becoming Permanent in Wyoming

The report also details several other federal tax relief wins that were signed into law.

LISTEN: Small Businesses Can Predict Economic Conditions Long Before Anyone Else

Related Articles