NEW YORK – In recognition of National Small Business Week, Small Business Expo released its 2026 State of Small Business Report, based on survey data from 11,426 U.S. small business owners.
The report revealed a business environment defined by resilience, disciplined decision-making and continued adaptation.
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, 82.2% of small business owners reported being confident in their growth over the next six months, highlighting strong underlying optimism across the sector. The report provides a timely snapshot of the small business landscape during a week dedicated to recognizing the critical role small businesses play in the U.S. economy.
Key findings include:
- 53.3% cite customer demand as their biggest challenge.
- Only 10.8% feel fully supported by government policy.
- Inflation impact is largely moderate, not severe.
- Most businesses are maintaining current staffing levels.
- Technology adoption correlates with stronger customer demand.
The report also introduced the SBE Small Business Index, which scored the current business environment at 6.8 out of 10, reflecting stability with cautious growth, balanced by ongoing constraints such as customer acquisition and economic uncertainty.
“Small businesses are not pulling back – they’re adapting,” said Zach Lezberg, founder and CEO of Small Business Expo. “What we’re seeing is a shift toward disciplined growth. Business owners remain confident, but they are navigating real constraints, especially around customer demand and broader economic conditions.”
The findings show that while inflation and hiring pressures remain part of the conversation, customer demand has emerged as the most immediate and consistent challenge across industries and confidence levels.
“Technology is no longer just an operational tool – it is increasingly tied to revenue performance,” Lezberg said. “Businesses that effectively leverage technology are more likely to experience stronger demand outcomes.”
The full report can be viewed HERE.