The U.S. Census Bureau released new Business Formation Statistics for March 2026, according to an April 8 announcement. The data provide monthly updates on new business applications and formations in the United States and Puerto Rico.
These statistics are important because they offer a timely look at trends in entrepreneurship and economic activity across the country. Policymakers, researchers, and businesses use this information to track changes in the economy.
The dataset includes twelve series—four related to business applications and eight related to formations—covering national, regional, and state levels. Four monthly business application series are also provided specifically for Puerto Rico as part of the standard release. Both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted data are available each month.
According to the Census Bureau, these statistics were developed through research collaboration with economists from institutions including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, University of Maryland, and University of Notre Dame.
No formal news release accompanied this announcement; instead, a tip sheet was provided outlining key details about the latest data release.
