National Write Your Congressman Q3 2025 Index: Small Business Owners Cite Taxes, Hiring Challenges, and Rising Costs as Top Concerns

Trust, Hope and Satisfaction in Congress Increased from 2024 Levels

DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 concerns remain over rising costs, hiring, 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 increased by 433 percent, from six percent to 32 percent and hope for the year ahead grew 90 percent, from 30 percent to 57 percent.

"This quarter's Index shows that while 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 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 shared mixed views on the administration's new tariffs. Thirty percent believe tariffs will benefit their business, while 20 percent expect harm. Compared to Q1, fewer see tariffs as beneficial, reflecting 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 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.

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 expansion, while 31 percent expected no impact on business. The most supported provisions include 100 percent bonus depreciation for new equipment and property, a permanent 20 percent pass-through tax deduction, and relief from IRS reporting.

"Locking in the 20 percent deduction on pass through corporations is huge, along with the estate tax and capital gains made by inheritance," Perry Ealer, President, Midwest Enterprises in Saint Clair, Missouri.

Taxes, hiring qualified workers, inflation, and high interest rates remain top challenges.  Business owners identified labor shortages, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty as barriers to expanding their businesses. While 40 percent said an interest rate cut wouldn't affect plans, over half indicated they would reinvest or expand if rates dropped.

"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

More than half of percent of small business owners described the U.S. economy 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 of businesses are growing, and 19 percent are declining. Looking ahead, most plan to maintain current size.  Nearly 30 percent expecting moderate growth and fewer than 10 percent anticipating cutbacks.

"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.

Methodology

NWYC collected data from 943 business owners in 46 states from August 21 to September 10. Fifty-six percent of owners employ one to nine employees; 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. For more information visit www.nwyc.com.

SOURCE National Write Your Congressman