Small businesses—and all Americans—benefit from strong economic growth. However, new data in the MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index for Q4 2024 gives further evidence that burdensome regulations hinder growth.

By the numbers:

• 51% of small businesses said licensing, certification, and permit requirements make it harder to grow.
  
  
• 47% said they spend too much time complying with regulations.
  
  
• 69% said they spend more per employee to comply with regulations than larger competitors.