A U.S. government shutdown into is disrupting small business loans, regulations, and services, harming economic growth and public trust.

A prolonged U.S. government shutdown into October 2025 is causing widespread hidden economic impacts beyond furloughed workers and closed parks, including delays in small business loans, stalled regulatory approvals, and reduced efficiency in critical federal services. Experts warn these disruptions are slowing economic growth, undermining investor and consumer confidence, and increasing financial strain on vulnerable communities and rural areas. Long-term effects may include delayed innovations, higher borrowing costs, and lasting damage to public trust, with the full economic toll likely exceeding immediate budget figures.