Predicting Success: The Economy Forecast for Small Business

Small businesses are navigating an economic landscape filled with both challenges and opportunities. By embracing innovation and leveraging new technology, they are adapting to a dynamic marketplace and ensuring their long-term growth. Here’s what small business decision makers anticipate for the 2025 economy forecast.

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The future looks bright

While concerns about the economy still abound, small businesses are feeling more secure than in the past—and anticipate that business will continue to improve.

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Expect the financial security of their business to improve1

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Predict positive changes in the U.S. economy2

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Predict conditions will improve for small businesses overall3

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Believe the overall state of their business will be better a year from now4

Seizing opportunities with technology

Small businesses aren’t just waiting to see what happens to the economy. They’re taking proactive steps to improve their odds by investing in their people and operations:5

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Implemented new systems or technology for employee onboarding and training

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Provided new devices or technology to help attract and retain employees

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Invested in technology to enable remote collaboration

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Added automation to help overcome worker shortages

Looking ahead to 2025

Some small businesses believe they will be busier over the next year, but many more are tempering their expectations due to lingering economic issues.

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Believe they’ll have more open positions in the second half of 2025 than they do now6

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Worry about the effect of rising inflation7

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Are concerned about maintaining adequate staff8

Learn more

For more insights into the economic forecast for small businesses, check out the Verizon Business’ 5th Annual State of Small Business Survey.

The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.

1 Verizon, Verizon Business’ 5th Annual State of Small Business Survey, August 2024. Page 6.

2 Ibid, page 6.

3 Ibid, page 6.

4 Ibid. Page 8.

5 Ibid. Page 9.

6 Ibid. Page 22.

7 Ibid. Page 11.

8 Ibid. Page 13.