AUG. 16, 2021 — The U.S. Census Bureau today announced the beginning of data collection for Phase 6 of the Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS). This experimental survey was designed and launched in April 2020 to measure temporal economic trends in the nation’s small businesses and provide insight into the scope of impact of the pandemic response in the United States.

New content that has been added in Phase 6 covers difficulties hiring employees, new workplace norms, changes in demand for goods or services, and price changes from suppliers. In addition, Phase 6 will also include content from previous phases regarding location closings and openings, changes in employment, workplace vaccine and testing requirements, supply chain disruptions, and expectations concerning future operations.

The SBPS takes only minutes to complete. Each week, it will be sent to approximately 100,000 small businesses. Over the course of nine weeks, nearly 1 million small businesses will receive an invitation to participate. This survey defines small businesses as having a single location with one to 499 employees.

Results of the SBPS inform the public, businesses and policymakers about how changes in business operations, employment, hours, and the availability of consumer goods and services are impacting American life. The data, which will be posted weekly August 26 to October 21, include estimates for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the nation’s 50 most populated metropolitan statistical areas. 

No news release associated with this announcement. Tip sheet only.

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