Decennial U.S. Census
Census Resources and Materials for Businesses
View highlights from our unique, time-limited (summer 2018 - 2020) initiative below:
The Business for the 2020 Census network operated as a free, virtual, bipartisan listserv for business persons across the United States from companies, trade associations and business membership organizations. The dual objectives of the Network were to support an accurate 2020 Census, including adequate federal funding to conduct the count, and later, if members desire, assistance with encouraging residents to participate in the census. American businesses rely on population data from the census to understand the workforce, customers and markets. Census data also ensures that roughly $800 billion in federal resources including education, workforce development and transportation funding are allocated appropriately and where they will have the greatest impact. Political representation at the local, state and national level is determined based on data obtained from the census as well.
Below are materials, social media graphics and toolkits that were developed to help contribute to a strong count in 2020.
2020 Census Handouts to Engage Business Owners, Customers and Employees
Toolkit - Business Counts: How Business Can Contribute to an Accurate 2020 Census - Provides a list of census activities, examples of how companies are supporting the census and access to materials.
State-Specific Census Toolkits for Business Owners and Operators
Email and Newsletter Templates to Engage Employees and Businesses
Map of Undercounted Regions Throughout the United States - Provides ability to identify areas that have been undercounted in the past. Use this tool to determine if your company has a presence in these regions.
Business Depends on an Accurate Census
A data-driven economy relies on timely information about the U.S. population and how it is shifting and changing throughout the country. The decennial census provides the broadest set of data about residents in the United States that no other body produces.
- Driving Successful Businesses: Census data is critical for helping companies determine where to open a new store, where quality employees are located, and what services and products to offer. Without census information, businesses would be left guessing.
- Investing in a Strong Economy: Census data is used to effectively allocate roughly $800 billion in federal resources that help to strengthen the economy, including education, workforce development, transportation and housing funding.
- Political Representation: Information from the census is used to allocate political representation at the local, state and national levels.
Learn more about the importance of the census for business in our publication “Data for a Strong Economy” here.