NSBA raised concern before Congress marched toward the shutdown and has continued to urge lawmakers back to the table to negotiate reopening the government. Now the longest shutdown in U.S. history, we are seeing the overall economic outlook diminish among small businesses. Today, 78% of small business-respondents anticipate a flat or recessionary economy—up from 73% just five months ago.
Even businesses that don’t contract with the federal government are impacted: 1 in 5 respondents said they have experienced decline in business due to the shutdown. Among those impacted small firms who ARE doing business with the federal government, nearly two-thirds have already experienced delayed payments from federal agencies and one-third have experienced delayed payments as a subcontractor.
“Government shutdowns are costly, damaging and irresponsible. We deserve better. America’s small businesses deserve lawmakers that prioritize job creation, economic stability and predictability; not elementary behavior from the people elected to lead our country,” commented McCracken.
This survey was compiled online among more than 400 small-business owners across the nation Oct. 30 – Nov. 5.
Celebrating nearly 90 years in operation, NSBA is a member-driven nonpartisan organization advocating on behalf of America’s entrepreneurs. NSBA's 65,000 members represent every state and every industry in the U.S., and we are proud to be the nation’s first small-business advocacy organization. Please visit www.NSBAadvocate.org and follow us at @NSBAAdvocate.