Small Business Owners: Add Greater Dubuque Regional Insights to Federal Data

What is it like to run a small business in the Greater Dubuque region right now? Greater Dubuque Development is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to make sure local owners are part of the answer. We’re asking business owners across the region to complete the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey by November 13, 2026.

The survey takes about 10–12 minutes and asks about business performance, financing experiences, and expectations for the year ahead. It is open to for-profit businesses in any industry with fewer than 500 employees, including sole proprietors. Owners preparing to launch a business and those whose businesses recently closed can also participate. Individual responses are kept anonymous in published findings.

All 12 Federal Reserve Banks conduct the survey to understand the conditions and credit needs of small businesses. The resulting research helps policymakers, lenders, and business support organizations see where businesses are succeeding and where they face barriers. Responses from Greater Dubuque businesses help ensure our region’s experiences are reflected in that picture.

The survey could also give us more useful local information. If at least 50 businesses respond through Greater Dubuque Development’s outreach, we will receive a customized report comparing their experiences with the national sample. We can use those insights to strengthen our business retention work and inform conversations with lenders and regional partners.

Take the Small Business Credit Survey

To learn more about Greater Dubuque Development’s partnership with the Small Business Credit Survey, contact Nic Hockenberry, Director of Regional Development, at nicolash@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.