Small Business By The Numbers
Small Business by the Numbers is the NFIB Research Center podcast where we discuss everything related to the small business economy. Co-hosts Holly Wade, the Executive Director of the NFIB Research Center, and Peter Hansen, Director of Research and Policy Analysis, will discuss data, stories, and the economic conditions affecting small businesses nationwide.
Small Business By The Numbers
Ep. 1: October Small Business Economic Trends
Each month, the NFIB Research Center surveys a random sample of NFIB members to collect data for the Small Business Economic Trends Report. To kick off the new research podcast, co-hosts Holly Wade, Executive Director of the NFIB Research Center, and Peter Hansen, NFIB’s Director of Research and Policy Analysis, dive deeper into the key findings from the October 2025 survey. Their discussion covers numerous trends that have been difficult to track during the government shutdown data blackout. While NFIB’s Optimism Index is just above its historical average, the conversation covers an outlier in the labor market trend, small business’ concerns and challenges, and what to watch for in the coming months.
Learn more about the NFIB Research Center.