The U.S. Census Bureau released new Business Formation Statistics for February 2026, according to a March 11 announcement. The data provide updated information on new business applications and formations across the United States and Puerto Rico.
The release of these statistics is important because it offers timely insights into trends in entrepreneurship and economic activity. Policymakers, researchers, and business leaders use this information to understand patterns in business creation and potential future job growth.
The full dataset includes twelve series—four related to applications and eight to formations—and is published monthly with breakdowns at the national, regional, and state levels. In addition, four monthly business application series are available for Puerto Rico as part of the standard product. The statistics include both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted data.
These Business Formation Statistics are a standard product from the Census Bureau, developed through research collaboration with economists from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the University of Maryland, and the University of Notre Dame.
No additional news release accompanied this announcement; only a tip sheet was provided.
