Shutdowns, Staffing & Small Biz Survival: A Q4 Reality Check

Leah Long from the National Federation of Independent Business joins the show to unpack how small businesses are bracing for Q4 amid fresh uncertainty from a federal government shutdown. While immediate impacts remain unclear, Long highlights the broader challenges facing entrepreneurs—especially labor shortages and rising insurance costs. Optimism is up thanks to the permanent small business tax deduction, but workforce quality remains a top concern. She also discusses the new One Door policy aimed at streamlining job connections and previews upcoming legislative efforts around workers’ comp reform. It’s a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for Louisiana’s small business community.