The Freedom Economy Index Newsroom

AI has plenty of room for growth as half of small business owners say they aren’t using AI yet; the rest are trying to discover best uses; 26% say AI has reduced staffing needs.

Also, a surprising about-face in businesses’ attitudes toward AI; plus, what they really think of Elon’s government-slashing DOGE.

Why the mandate? Small business owners were telling us all year why they were motivated in this election. Here’s what they say they’re going to do now.

Survey of 80,000 small business owners finds most believe they will not survive another four more years of Bidenomics.

Fresh survey results from the August Freedom Economy Index could spell trouble for the incumbent political party this November as 7 in 10 Americans say their financial situation is “worse off” or “much worse off” than a year ago.

7 out of 10 job seekers say they’d take less money if that means they can work in a merit-driven, positive workplace, than take more money to work in a DEI-driven workplace. 63% of job seekers are "worried" about workplace repercussions if it's discovered that "they are a Republican or conservative."

The new May Freedom Economy Index survey of 80,000 small businesses found that small businesses remain in survival mode, with 4 in 10 now delaying paying bills to manage cash flow. 7 in 10 have put all staffing plans on hold, neither hiring nor reducing staff, and 6 in 10 are now preparing for the possibility of stagflation.

The latest Freedom Economy Index survey shows small business owners cautiously optimistic as recession fears wane, but growth remains stagnant. Challenges include reliability issues with Gen Z employees, hiring difficulties, and high-stress levels among owners. Divisions also arise over the proposed TikTok ban.

February Survey of 80,000 Small Businesses Reveals Trends in Hiring, Inflation, Sentiment, & Crime, Plus What They Want to Hear in State of the Union Address.

Fresh out of the field January Survey of 70,000 Small Business Owners Finds Sentiment May Be Turning a Positive Corner After a Brutal 2023 of Belt Tightening, Shelving Growth Plans, and Taking on New Debt. Also, a Measure of a Disappointing Christmas Season and Inflations Ongoing Impact.