Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy. COVID-19 has been devastating for many small businesses who weathered through state closures, faced the uneasy task of reopening, only to face additional closures in some states. We’re exploring the insights we can glean from platforms like Thumbtack, an online marketplace that helps local professionals and customers find each other.  But Thumbtack also has something else to offer state and local leaders. Their platform provides a real-time view into small business activity across the country which can be helpful in shaping policies and informing decisions.