National Write Your Congressman Q3 2025 Index: Small Business Owners Cite Taxes, Hiring Challenges, and Rising Costs as Top Concerns
DALLAS – September 24, 2025— National Write Your Congressman (NWYC), an organization that gives small businesses a voice in government, released its Q3 2025 Index, highlighting small business sentiment toward Congress, the U.S. economy, and federal policies affecting their business.
While the findings show concerns over rising costs, hiring challenges, and the economy, there is a significant increase in trust, satisfaction, and hope in Congress compared to last year. Trust in Congress rose from eight percent to 21 percent — a 163 percent increase. Satisfaction with government action grew by 433 percent, rising from six percent to 32 percent, and hope for the year ahead increased 90 percent, from 30 percent to 57 percent.
“This quarter’s Index shows that while business concerns remain, small business owners are regaining confidence in Congress and are optimistic as they determine how new policies will affect their business,” said Randy Ford, President and COO of National Write Your Congressman. “We continue to closely monitor federal policies and communicate how proposed changes in Washington could affect business owners, so our members are informed and empowered.”
Tariffs and Trade
Business owners expressed mixed views on the administration’s new tariffs. Thirty percent believe tariffs will benefit their business, while 20 percent expect harm. Others remain uncertain or anticipate no impact. Compared to Q1 data, fewer business owners view tariffs as beneficial, indicating a shift toward more cautious expectations.
“The tariff situation has made my customer base very uneasy,” said Scott Easton, Vice President, Easton Homes, in Frederick, Colorado. “My hope is that the actions of Congress come to fruition.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill
When asked about the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill, 37 percent said it would help somewhat with business expansion, while 31 percent expected no effect. The most supported provisions include 100 percent bonus depreciation for new equipment and property purchases, a permanent 20 percent pass-through tax deduction, and relief from IRS reporting burdens.
“Locking in the 20 percent deduction on pass through corporations is huge, along with the estate tax and locking in the basis for capital gains made by inheritance,” Perry Ealer, President, Midwest Enterprises in Saint Clair, Missouri.
Top Business Concerns
Taxes, hiring qualified workers, inflation, and high interest rates remain top challenges. Small business owners pointed to labor shortages, high interest rates, and an uncertain economic outlook as their top challenges when asked about the biggest barriers to investing in or expanding their businesses.
While 40 percent said an interest rate cut wouldn’t affect their plans, over half indicated they would reinvest or expand if rates dropped. More than half plan to maintain their current size.
"Since Trump has been elected, we have doubled in size both in our hiring and production. There seems to be a lot of hope, but the longer the fed takes to cut interest rates…this will cause a continued slowdown," John Chisham, Managing General Partner, Solid Rock Recruiting in Hartford, South Dakota.
The U.S. Economy
When asked about the state of the U.S. economy, 55 percent of small business owners described it as “good,” while 29 percent rated it “fair.” Just nine percent rated the economy as “excellent.”
Business performance remains mixed. Nearly half reported flat performance, 32 percent said their business is growing, and 19 percent reported a decline. Looking ahead, most plan to maintain their current size, with nearly 30 percent expecting moderate growth and fewer than 10 percent anticipating cutbacks.
“Unfortunately, sales have dropped, costs have gone up and we are doing good to keep the doors open,” said Maggie Davis, Owner, Coffee-ology in White Oak, Texas.
“The tariffs have helped our business. We have grown significantly due to the fact that Americans are now doing business with more Americans,” said Bradley Van Vleet, President, Quad-B Blending in Springfield, Tennessee.
Methodology
NWYC collected data from an online survey from August 21 to September 10, 2025. A total of 943 business leaders from 46 of the 50 U.S. states participated. Fifty-six percent of business owners surveyed employ one to nine employees, and 41 percent employ 10 to 99 employees.
About National Write Your Congressman
Since 1958, National Write Your Congressman (NWYC) has empowered small businesses by providing nonpartisan information, research, and tools to connect with their representatives in Washington. As the nation's largest, privately held, nonpartisan membership organization made up of small businesses, NWYC's team of experts provides unbiased, nonpartisan information and research on top issues and pending legislation relevant to small business owners today. NWYC presents both sides of the issue so that members can form an educated opinion and let their elected officials know their opinion.
