FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2026  Contact: Becki Womble, CCE, IOM, ACM  President & CEO  (512) 303-0558  bwomble@bastropchamber.com

Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce Partners

with Federal Reserve to Gather Critical Small Business Data

– Survey seeks input from local business owners to inform policy and programs –

The Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Federal Reserve System to draw responses to the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey, a nationwide effort to better understand the financial challenges and needs of America’s small businesses.

The annual survey, which runs through November 13, 2026, invites owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses to share their recent experiences with business conditions, financing, and their outlook for the future. The 12-minute confidential survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch.

The Small Business Credit Survey is conducted annually by all 12 Federal Reserve Banks and in conjunction with more than 100 not-for-profit partners, this year including the Bastrop Regional Chamber. The resulting data inform federal government agencies, community development financial institutions, traditional lenders, and policymakers. Past survey findings have been cited in congressional testimony, used to design lending programs, and have helped shape small business support services.

The survey is now open to for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees across all industries. Responses are completely confidential, and participants do not need to provide personal identifying information.

CLICK HERE to take the survey. For more information about the Small Business Credit Survey, visit FedSmallBusiness.org.

About the Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce is Accredited with 5-Star Distinction by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Guided by its mission, “To improve business prosperity and the quality of life in the Bastrop Region, through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.” The Chamber delivers robust programming and networking to nearly 800 members throughout Central Texas. In 2026, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce was ranked #4 in the Top 10 Largest Chambers by the Austin Business Journal. To learn more and/or join the Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.bastropchamber.com.

About the Small Business Credit Survey: The Small Business Credit Survey is an annual survey conducted by the 12 Federal Reserve Banks to better understand the borrowing and financial experiences of small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The survey has been conducted annually since 2016, with findings released through reports published on FedSmallBusiness.org.