next street institute
About Us
Next Street Institute
The Next Street Institute develops research, data, and insights to help leaders strengthen small businesses and expand economic opportunity. Our mission is to deepen understanding of the role small businesses play in the economy and provide decision makers with the evidence they need to make better decisions.
We study the forces shaping America’s small business economy, drawing on data, applied research, and more than two decades of work with entrepreneurs and the institutions that serve them. Our research helps leaders across business, government, and philanthropy understand emerging trends and develop more effective strategies to support business growth.
As Next Street’s business and economics research arm, the Institute connects rigorous analysis with practical experience to elevate solutions that advance opportunity for businesses, workers, and communities.
What We Do
Our Approach
01
Applied Research
Produce original research on the forces shaping small businesses, entrepreneurship, supply chains, capital access, and local economies
02
Data, Tools, and Insights
Develop data, frameworks, analytical tools, and actionable recommendations that translate evidence into policy, strategy, and practice
03
Convenings & Thought Leadership
Bring together leaders across business, government, philanthropy, and academia to exchange ideas, explore emerging challenges, and advance effective solutions
Research Themes
Exploring the Forces Shaping Small Business
The Next Street Institute focuses on the issues shaping America's small business economy. These themes guide our work and help leaders better understand emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Pathways to Entrepreneurship: Helping more entrepreneurs start, own, and grow businesses
Small Business & Society: Exploring how small businesses create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen local economies as anchors in communities
Small Business & Supply Chains: Helping small business suppliers compete, grow, and strengthen America’s critical industries
Small Business Finance: Expanding access to capital small businesses need to start and grow
The Future of Small Business: Preparing small businesses to navigate technological innovation, demographic changes, and broader shifts in the economy
Featured Insights
Our Work
Explore select research, articles, reports, and perspectives from the Next Street Institute.
Blog
Institute Launch Announcement
The story behind the Institute and how small businesses will shape America's next economic chapter.
Report
Investing in America's Suppliers
Strengthening small and mid-sized suppliers could unlock growth and build a more competitive U.S. manufacturing base.
Report
Michigan's Manufacturing Evolution
How Michigan manufacturers and its industrial ecosystem are adapting to economic transitions and new sources of growth.
Report
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
Exploring how entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) helps entrepreneurs preserve existing businesses, create wealth and jobs, and strengthen local economies.
Webinar
State of America's Reindustrialization in 2026
Experts explore what reindustrialization means for small businesses, workers, and communities in 2026.
Report
Chicagoland Ecosystem Assessment
Identifying barriers and opportunities for underrepresented businesses across Chicago’s small business ecosystem.
Webinar
Black Businesses as Community Anchors
A Brookings Institution discussion on how Black-owned businesses create wealth, strengthen local economies, and anchor communities.
Report
The Middle Market Report
Examining how middle-market businesses drive the U.S. economy—and where diverse-owned firms face barriers to growth.
Research
Access to Capital for Small Businesses in Appalachia
Quantifying capital gaps across Appalachia and outlining strategies to strengthen access for small businesses.
Commentary
Tariffs and Small Businesses
A Fast Company perspective on how tariffs and global trade are affecting small business amid America’s reindustrialization.
FAQ
What You’re Thinking,
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