The nation's 30 million small businesses account for almost half of U.S. economic activity. They create two-thirds of net new jobs, and they are big drivers of business diversity, innovation, and overall competitiveness. Most small business owners, however, are increasingly worried about the future. The combination of stubbornly high inflation, soaring market interest rates, challenges with hiring and retaining employees, and the looming possibility of recession has taken its toll. A recent refresh of the 2023