NEWS | NSBA Year-End Small Business Policy Recap — Top 5 Stories of 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the major policy battles and developments that shaped small business this year - from stalled innovation funding to economic uncertainty and federal gridlock, NSBA remains on the front lines advocating for our members.

DEC. 22, 2025 | Here are the top five stories small business owners needed to know in 2025:

SBIR/STTR Reauthorization at a Standstill

One of the year’s most critical stories was the stalled reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Despite the federal government reopening after a prolonged shutdown, not to mention urgent small-business advocacy on the matter, SBIR/STTR funding remained frozen because Congress had not resolved how to extend or restructure these programs, leaving innovators in limbo and delaying vital research funding for small businesses.

NSBA and the Small Business Technology Council (SBTC) continue urging lawmakers to act on a clean short-term extension while working toward long-term reauthorization.

Read the article here.

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SBIR/STTR Still Lapsed as NDAA Moves Forward

Shortly before the year ended, the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) advanced to law without an extension of the SBIR/STTR programs, even though these research programs are historically tied to defense policy and innovation funding.

NSBA and SBTC again called on Congress to include reauthorization language in the NDAA or find another legislative vehicle; lawmakers continue negotiations within the key committees, but the lapse could last into next year without action.

Read the article here.

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NSBA Economic Survey Highlights Small Business Uncertainty

In the spring, NSBA released data from our 2025 Economic Survey showing that small-business confidence has weakened significantly. Nearly two-thirds of business owners cited economic insecurity as their top challenge, the highest level in over a decade.

While many remain optimistic about their ability to manage and grow, concerns over access to capital, tariffs, and political gridlock topped the list of policy priorities for the year.

View the survey here.

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Government Shutdown Harmed Small Business

When federal lawmakers allowed a government shutdown to occur in the fall, NSBA warned that small businesses would bear the brunt of the disruption. In our press statements, we highlighted how the shutdown delayed SBA services, held up federal contract payments, and disrupted local economies dependent on federal activity, all while political leaders negotiated at Main Street’s expense.

NSBA urged a swift reopening and called on Congress to avoid future shutdowns that damage small-business confidence and growth becuase, we've said it once, and we'll say it again headed into another shutdown threat on the heals of the nation's longest in history, with federal funds set to expire Jan. 30, 2026: shutdowns harm small business.

Read the article here.

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BOI Reporting Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Once Again on Hold

Amid ongoing legal and regulatory uncertainty, last week, Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act were once again put on hold. A federal court vacated a stay, keeping enforcement of BOI reporting in limbo and creating confusion for small businesses trying to comply with shifting deadlines and rules.

NSBA continues to push for clarity and relief from what we view as unnecessary reporting burdens on small-business owners, weighing all options moving forward, including consideration of advancing our case to the Supreme Court, as well as continuing to urge Congress to codify repeal of the CTA.

Read more about NSBA's leadership over the unconstitutional CTA here.

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2025 underscored the importance of NSBA’s advocacy on behalf of America’s small businesses. From innovation funding to federal stability and economic confidence, small business voices were tested, and NSBA is privileged to stand with its members - the small-business community.

Stay tuned in 2026 as we continue pushing Congress and regulators to deliver real results for the nation's most important economic community: small business.