Cornhusker State News

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has released the 11th edition of its quadrennial report, "Small Business Problems and Priorities." This comprehensive report, first published in 1982, is based on a nationwide survey of small business owners and is issued every four years. The 2024 edition highlights a range of 75 issues impacting small businesses across the United States.

"For the last four years, small business owners have struggled with historic inflation, tax pressures at all levels of government, and uncertainty of what's going to happen next," explained Holly Wade, Executive Director of the NFIB Research Center. She emphasized that the survey is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by the small business sector, which employs nearly half of the private sector workforce. Wade further noted that despite these challenges, small business owners continue to work hard to create jobs and grow their businesses, although rising costs, taxes, and uncertainty threaten their progress.

Insight into the situation in Nebraska was provided by Ryan McIntosh, NFIB State Director, who pointed out the difficulties faced by small business owners in the state. "The NFIB report highlights the significant challenges facing Nebraska small business owners," McIntosh stated. He called for legislative action to mitigate the issues of rising costs, tax burdens, and economic uncertainty, which he believes are crucial to strengthening Main Street and promoting economic growth in Nebraska.

The report aims to guide lawmakers in understanding where to focus their efforts to better support main street businesses and the communities they serve.