Small businesses (finally) get to hiring

Small businesses (finally) get to hiring

From Marketplace by Marketplace

June 3, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the recent increase in small business hiring and explores various economic stories including an AI tool launch and challenges faced by Macy's.

For a while now, we’ve talked to small business owners who say they want to hire more employees, but aren’t in a financial position to do it, can’t find qualified applicants, or are too concerned about the economy to make the jump. But two new reports show small business hiring picked up this spring. In this episode, whether that’s a blip or the start of a positive trend. Plus: An AI prescription renewal tool is launched in Utah, Macy’s tries to turn things around, and we visit a river in the Pacific Northwest with two aging bridges at risk of collapse. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

People in this episode

Host: Marketplace

Topics covered

  • small business hiring
  • economic trends
  • AI technology
  • employment challenges
  • business news

Keywords

  • small business
  • hiring
  • economy
  • AI prescription tool
  • Macy's
  • Pacific Northwest
  • employment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Macy’s

Places: Utah, Pacific Northwest, small business

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