The Small Business Economic Trends (SBET) report provides monthly insights into the operating environment for small businesses with data points such as optimism, uncertainty, job openings, pricing, employee compensation, and the health of small businesses. Podcast co-hosts Holly Wade, NFIB Research Center Executive Director, and Peter Hansen, Director of Research and Policy Analysis, discuss the 2025 SBET data reflecting on the top issues for small businesses over the past year, dive into the December numbers, and look ahead at expectations for economic conditions in the upcoming months.

Learn more about the top issues in NFIB’s most recent Small Business Economic Trends report.

Take a look back at the 52-year history of NFIB’s Small Business Economic Trends report. The monthly report provides experts with a critical data framework for the small business economy. Special guest Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s Chief Economist,joins Holly Wade, NFIB Research Center Executive Director, to talk about the report and explore how this data has contributed to our understanding of economic conditions affecting small businesses over the decades.

Learn more about the NFIB Research Center and the most recent Small Business Economic Trends report.

Holiday shopping is underway, and small business optimism is increasing in NFIB’s recent Small Business Economic Trends data. Co-hosts Holly Wade, NFIB Research Center Executive Director, and Peter Hansen, Director of Research and Policy Analysis, explore causes for the increase in optimism, including positive news on sales, hiring, and compensation plans. They also discuss less encouraging data in the supply and pricing sphere, where inflation-related difficulties are increasing for small businesses.

Learn more about the NFIB Research Center and get the full report.