SMBs Remain Optimistic Despite Uncertainty

How do SMBs feel about their business prospects in this uncertain economy? What is their outlook for revenue and profitability, and are they hitting the gas or the brakes on hiring and expansion?

To stay current on SMB sentiment, we ask them their outlook in our monthly survey of 500 U.S. SMB principals.

Our latest survey shows that SMB sentiment is essentially holding steady, with some variations by headcount. The outlook for very small businesses (VSBs, with fewer than 20 employees) is mostly unchanged from March, except that their hiring outlook has rebounded from 42 (on a 0-100 scale) in March to 49.

Very Small Business (1-19EE) Outlook

Small businesses (SBs, with 20 to 99 employees) continue to be more optimistic than VSBs on every measure, especially on growth measures such as hiring and expansion. Their optimism mostly held steady since March, although it has increased slightly in expansion.

Small Business (20-99EE) Outlook

Like SBs, midsized businesses (MBs, with 100-1,000 employees) are consistently much more optimistic than VSBs on every metric. Despite the uncertainty of tariff policy, inflation, supply chain and interest rates, MB outlook has grown slightly on every metric since March. In fact, it has reached the highest point for overall optimism, revenue, and hiring outlook since 2022.

Midsize Business (100-500EE) Outlook

The takeaway for SMB marketers? Despite economic uncertainty, SMBs remain generally upbeat, especially MBs. This means opportunity for SMB marketers – especially technology marketers, as AI drives productivity gains.

‍Looking for actionable SMB insight? Bredin’s global research gives you high-value insights to improve your go-to-market and product strategies. We also generate uniquely valuable data for high-impact content, PR, social, and sales support programs.