Small Business Trends 2025: Financing, Economy, and AI
Gain insight from nearly 150 small business owners about their challenges of the past year, trends in small business lending and AI, and their economic outlook for 2026.
What trends did small businesses experience in 2025?
The start of 2025 introduced a new set of concerns for small businesses with changes in the U.S. administration. Still, small business owners persisted in innovative ways to support growth through shifting economic certainty. As the small business landscape transitions within the U.S. economy, business owners are still strategically planning with small business financing and now, AI.
In our 2025 research report, Credibly surveyed nearly 150 small business owners to understand their current challenges, opportunities, and advice for other businesses. From rising tech to economic outlook and capital access, this year’s data reveals the experiences of small businesses and their outlook for what is to come.
Dive into the full report to unlock actionable advice from fellow business owners, as well as emerging small business trends and industry expertise to fuel the next year of your business.
Executive insights on the latest small business trends
3 key small business trends for 2025
When seeking financing, business owners are more influenced by the state of the economy.
68% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that the state of the economy “greatly influences” financing decisions this year, compared to 53% in 2024.
Small business owners are less optimistic about growth expectations for the upcoming year.
Only 38% of respondents expect revenue growth over the next 12 months, a significant drop from the 70% in 2024.
Small business owners are continuing to invest in growth, now using AI for expansion.
Marketing and consumer acquisition were ranked the top priorities for investment, followed by technology and automation, with 69% of respondents either using or planning to use AI.
Marketing and advertising emerged as the leading application area at 37%.
"Never stop learning and adapting. The market changes daily, and if you're not changing with it, you're dying."
– Small Business Owner | 2025 Annual Small Business Trends Report
Unlock the latest small business trends
Key data to guide strategic growth for your business with this year’s research report
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