The U.S. Census Bureau has released the Business Formation Statistics (BFS) for January 2026, providing updated data on new business applications and formations across the United States and Puerto Rico.
The BFS offers monthly updates with information on both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted figures. The dataset includes twelve series—four related to business applications and eight to business formations—covering national, regional, and state levels. Puerto Rico receives four monthly business application series as part of the standard product.
According to the Census Bureau, “The BFS provide timely and high frequency information on new business applications and formations in the United States and Puerto Rico.” This product is a result of research collaboration between the Census Bureau, economists from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, University of Maryland, and University of Notre Dame.
No separate news release was issued with this announcement; only a tip sheet was provided.
