NFIB’s January Small Business Economic Trends report reveals a steady start to 2026 with a modestly positive outlook for small businesses. Podcast co-hosts Holly Wade, NFIB Research Center Executive Director, and Peter Hansen, Director of Research and Policy Analysis, discuss the highlights, changes, and optimism for small businesses as they navigate the new year. They also cover NFIB’snew Small Business Employment Index, which uses data collected over the past 40 years to measure the pulse of the small business jobs market. Current story: A balanced labor market. 

Learn more about the January Small Business Economic Trends report and the new NFIB Small Business Employment Index.