Revenued's Insights on Small Business Struggles
As we approach the end of 2025, small businesses are confronted with a myriad of challenges stemming from rising tariffs and inflation. A recent report released by Revenued, a prominent provider of working capital solutions, sheds light on how these external pressures are shaping the landscape for entrepreneurs. This report, entitled
Q4 2025 State of Small Business, is based on insights gathered from over 100 small business owners across a variety of sectors, including retail, manufacturing, construction, and wholesale.
Key Findings and Concerns
The findings reveal a concerning yet resilient landscape. Approximately 78% of respondents indicated that their operational costs had increased due to tariffs over the past six months. As the holiday season approaches, the worries of cash flow management are more pronounced than ever, with three out of four business owners identifying it as their most pressing challenge. This indicates a palpable sense of pressure weighing heavily on small businesses.
When asked about their confidence in handling additional cost increases, the average rating was a mere 2.3 out of 5. This reflects a cautious optimism among business owners who understand that the road ahead is fraught with uncertainties. The survey showed a shift toward domestic sourcing practices, even if it meant facing higher prices—something that many businesses are embracing in a bid to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
Adapting to Economic Pressures
Grant Pastor, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Revenued, articulates the urgency to delve deeper into how these policy changes affect businesses on the ground. The report doesn’t just highlight statistics but also shares real stories from business owners who are grappling with decisions such as rethinking their inventory cycles and adjusting their supply chains to remain competitive. These narratives lend a personal touch to the figures, providing context to the numbers.
Elona Bregasi, Marketing Lead at Revenued, reinforces this sentiment by noting the sheer determination of small business owners to adapt in real-time. The current atmosphere has necessitated significant operational adjustments, including altering supply chains and managing tinier inventories, yet there’s an undeniable spirit of perseverance that prevails.
Comprehensive Insights into the Small Business Sector
This edition of the
State of Small Business report is the most thorough produced by Revenued to date. It combines survey findings with multimedia stories, showcasing the voice of small business owners nationwide, featured prominently in the Revenued Review Podcast. This effort underscores the continuous commitment of Revenued to present an authentic view of how small business owners are responding to economic pressures.
In recent years, Revenued has become known for tackling critical issues facing small enterprises, having previously examined AI adoption, inflation trends, and the shifting financial priorities of business owners. These comprehensive insights aim to equip small business leaders with the understanding and data necessary to navigate the tumultuous economic climate.
Conclusion
As we transition into 2026, the ultimate takeaway from Revenued’s report is that while small businesses are clearly feeling the squeeze of rising tariffs and operational costs, there exists an inherent resilience among them. This resolve will be essential as they look to adapt, innovate, and thrive amid increasing pressure. The report invites readers to explore its full contents online at
Revenued's website to gain a clearer understanding of the ongoing challenges and resilience of small businesses in America.