Small Business Owners Optimistic Despite Economic Anxiety, Hometap Survey Finds
Event summary
- 78% of small business owners surveyed by Hometap in April 2026 express concern about the economy, yet 68% expect growth in 2026.
- 67% of small business owners rely on personal savings for funding, with credit cards (38%) and bank loans (22%) being the next most common sources.
- Male small business owners report higher confidence in financial stability compared to female owners across all measures.
- 25% of respondents would not consider using home equity for business funding, with reluctance increasing from 19% among millennials to 40% among baby boomers.
The big picture
Hometap's survey highlights the persistent challenges small business owners face in accessing flexible capital, despite their optimism for growth. The data underscores the need for innovative financing solutions that cater to the unique financial realities of small businesses, particularly in an environment marked by rising costs and economic uncertainty. The findings also reveal significant disparities in financial confidence between male and female owners, suggesting broader systemic issues in small business funding.
What we're watching
- Funding Accessibility
- How small business owners will adapt their funding strategies in response to rising costs and economic uncertainty.
- Generational Divide
- Whether younger small business owners will increasingly turn to home equity solutions as older generations remain hesitant.
- Economic Resilience
- The pace at which small businesses can build financial resilience amid fluctuating economic conditions.