Customer growth remains a top priority

According to the 2025 Bank of America Business Owner Report, 47% of small business owners plan to expand their customer base. This focus reflects a push toward broader market reach through improved marketing, stronger customer relationships, and more intentional outreach. Many owners see customer diversification as a way to manage risk, improve stability, and build long-term revenue resilience.

Businesses are expanding their products and services

Thirty-nine percent of owners plan to expand their products or services. This focus on innovation signals a desire to capture new demand, meet evolving customer needs, and create additional revenue streams. For many small businesses, this may include upgrading offerings, exploring new partnerships, or packaging services more strategically.

Marketing innovation is gaining momentum

Thirty-five percent of business owners plan to explore new marketing tactics over the next few years. This includes strengthening digital marketing, improving social media engagement, and testing new ways to reach target customers. Many owners see modern marketing capabilities as essential for growth, especially as consumer behavior shifts and digital channels continue to influence buying decisions. A stronger marketing strategy supports both customer acquisition and long-term brand visibility.

AI and digital tools are shaping future strategy

Thirty-one percent of business owners plan to adopt AI and digital tools in the coming years. This shift is not about technology for technology’s sake. Many owners view digital adoption as a way to streamline workflows, reduce manual processes, and strengthen customer engagement. It also supports productivity growth without always requiring additional staff.

As you plan for the years ahead, consider which of these strategic priorities aligns most with your growth goals. Building a deliberate strategy now can help position your business for success well into the next decade.

Let’s Strengthen Your Next Stage of Growth
Preparing for long-term growth requires a clear strategy and strong financial readiness. We help business owners stay lender-ready, improve operational stability, and position their companies for sustainable growth. If you are planning your next stage of development, let’s connect.

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The post How Small Businesses Are Planning for Growth appeared first on Strategic Thinktank, Inc. | Your SMB Experts | Consulting services for small and mid-sized businesses.

This week, we shift from planning to the real-world pressures owners are navigating every day. Rising costs, supply chain challenges, and labor shortages are shaping how small businesses operate and make decisions, and the latest data gives us a clearer picture of what this means for the year ahead.

These concerns provide the backdrop for the operational pressures owners are navigating today.

The concerns shaping operational decisions

According to the 2025 Bank of America Business Owner Report, the top issues business owners see over the next 12 months include inflation (70%), tariff policy (64%), the US political environment (64%), interest rates (58%), and recession concerns (57%). These concerns influence pricing, vendor selection, cash flow decisions, and borrowing behavior. They also help explain why so many owners are reviewing operations more closely as they plan for 2026.

Costs and cash flow are under pressure

Seventy-seven percent of business owners say their costs increased over the last 12 months, with an average rise of 18%. During the same period, prices increased by only 12%. This gap signals margin pressure for many small businesses and highlights the need to keep a close eye on costs, pricing decisions, and cash flow needs. Owners are responding by reviewing expenses, tightening spending, and revisiting how they price products and services.

Supply chain instability continues

Seventy-five percent of business owners report that they are still experiencing supply chain issues. Among those affected, 52% raised prices to offset the impact, and 32% are having difficulty sourcing products or supplies. These realities often lead to changes in vendor relationships, inventory planning, and customer communication. For many small businesses, refining procurement strategies and building more resilient supply chains can help reduce operational risk.

Labor challenges are shaping staffing decisions

Labor shortages remain a real constraint. Sixty-one percent of owners say they are impacted, and half are working more hours to fill the gaps. Others are offering higher wages or investing in tools that make the team’s work more efficient. Simple digital tools and workflow improvements can support productivity without adding headcount.

As you review your own plans for 2026, reflect on which of these pressures you are experiencing the most. In the next article in the series, we will explore the strategic decisions business owners are prioritizing for long-term growth.

Let’s Strengthen Your Next Stage of Growth
Preparing for 2026 requires a clear strategy and strong financial readiness.

We help business owners stay lender-ready, improve operational stability, and position their companies for sustainable growth. If you are planning your next stage of growth, let’s connect.

The post Operational Pressures Shaping Small Business Decisions in 2026 appeared first on Strategic Thinktank, Inc. | Your SMB Experts | Consulting services for small and mid-sized businesses.