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.
These statistics are intended to offer timely insights into trends in business creation, which can be important indicators of economic activity and entrepreneurial momentum. The release includes both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted data, allowing analysts to examine patterns over time.
The full dataset covers all twelve series—four related to applications and eight to formations—on a monthly basis at the national, regional, and state levels. Additionally, four monthly business application series are available specifically for Puerto Rico as part of the standard product.
The Business Formation Statistics are developed through research collaboration between the Census Bureau and economists from several institutions: 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 separate news release accompanied this announcement; it was distributed as a tip sheet only.
