Small Businesses Enter 2026 with Cautious Optimism Amid High Uncertainty
Event summary
- 39% of small businesses surveyed by Thryv expressed no optimism about any business factors for 2026.
- 49% cited growth in the economy as their top concern, followed by employment costs (44%).
- Two-thirds (67%) of SMBs believe AI won’t impact their business in 2026.
- 50% of respondents said their 2025 revenue and overall business health met expectations.
The big picture
Thryv’s survey highlights the cautious optimism among small businesses as they navigate economic uncertainty and rising costs. The data underscores the strategic importance of AI adoption, with a significant portion of SMBs still uncertain about its impact. This sentiment reflects broader industry trends where technology adoption remains uneven, potentially creating a competitive divide between early adopters and laggards.
What we're watching
- AI Adoption
- How the divide between AI adopters and skeptics will affect competitive positioning among SMBs.
- Economic Resilience
- Whether small businesses can sustain growth amid rising employment costs and economic turbulence.
- Market Differentiation
- The pace at which SMBs leverage technology to gain a competitive edge in 2026.
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