The Office of Advocacy’s quarterly Economic Bulletin analyzes the state of the small business economy. Recent data indicates a surge in optimism from community bankers in anticipation of a lower regulatory burden. The Community Bank Sentiment Index has been above 100 for two consecutive quarters for the first time in the survey’s history.
Meanwhile, small businesses report that the complexity of federal regulation is the most burdensome source of regulation to their business. Other small business indicators show growth in self-employment and income through early 2025, while data shows small business job growth was muted in 2024.