If 2025 Was This Hard, What Will 2026 Be Like? A Small Business Owner Shares Their Experience

As a small business owner, 2025 has felt like one challenge after another. From rising expenses to changing customer habits, it’s getting harder and harder to keep things going. Every month seems to bring a new problem, and just when I think I’ve figured things out, another wave of uncertainty hits.

If 2025 has been this hard, I can’t help but ask: what will 2026 bring?

The Struggles of 2025: A Year of Survival
The Emotional Toll: A Business Owner’s Mental Health
Looking Ahead: What Could 2026 Bring?
Adapting to Survive: What Can Small Businesses Do?
A Glimmer of Hope

The Struggles of 2025: A Year of Survival

Let’s start with what’s clear—everything is more expensive. Prices for supplies, utilities, and wages have all gone up. My profits, which were already very thin, are now so low that I sometimes wonder if I should keep going. Customers are also spending less. They’re more careful with money, buying fewer extras. For a small business like mine, that has a big impact.

Hiring has also been tough. It’s harder than ever to find and keep good workers. Bigger companies can offer better pay and benefits, and I can’t compete with that. I’ve had to do more of the work myself, and I’m often running on empty. I know I can’t keep up this pace forever.

Problems with supply chains are still around. I often wait longer for inventory and struggle to meet customer demand. Some people have stopped buying from me and are going to larger stores that have more in stock. It’s frustrating, but I understand their need to get what they need, when they need it.

On top of that, new rules and laws seem to appear out of nowhere. Trying to keep up with changes in compliance is like having another full-time job, but I don’t have the money or staff to manage it easily.

The Emotional Toll: A Business Owner’s Mental Health

Beyond the money and workload, there’s the emotional side. Running a small business has always been stressful, but this year has pushed me to my limits. The constant worry, fear of failure, and pressure to take care of staff and customers are exhausting. I’ve lost sleep many nights thinking about bills and trying to find new ways to save money without cutting corners.

It also gets lonely. As a small business owner, I often feel like I’m carrying the full load alone. My friends and family try to be there for me, but unless you’re the one paying the bills and making the tough calls, it’s hard to truly understand.

Looking Ahead: What Could 2026 Bring?

If this year has been so tough, I worry about what 2026 might look like. Some of the challenges I see coming include:

Economic Uncertainty: Some experts think a recession is coming, while others predict slow growth. Either way, small businesses are at risk. A recession means less spending, and a slow recovery means longer struggles.
Fast-Changing Technology: New tools are coming out quickly, and if small businesses can’t keep up, we fall behind. Tools like AI and data software are helpful but often too costly for us to use right away.
Sustainability and Climate Change: Customers and the government are pushing for more eco-friendly business practices. While I support this, these changes often cost money and time, both of which are already in short supply.
Global Instability: Ongoing trade issues, conflicts, and supply problems make it harder to run a business that depends on imported goods or international customers.
Health Risks: After COVID-19, we’ve all seen how fast things can change. If another major health event happens, small businesses like mine will again be among the first to feel the pain.

Adapting to Survive: What Can Small Businesses Do?

Even with everything going on, I know giving up is not an option. Small businesses are a key part of the economy, and we’ve gotten through hard times before. Here’s what I’m doing to prepare for 2026:

Diversifying Income: Relying on one main product or service is risky. I’m exploring ways to add new offers, either on my own or by teaming up with other businesses.
Using Technology Wisely: Even if I can’t afford the most advanced tools, I’m looking for affordable ones that can save time, improve service, or help track trends.
Building Customer Loyalty: Returning customers are more important than ever. I’m focusing on giving them great service, personal touches, and reasons to come back.
Speaking Up for Support: Small businesses need more help—from fair tax policies to grants and easier rules. I’ve joined local business groups and I’m pushing for changes that can make a difference.
Caring for Mental Health: A business is only as strong as the person running it. I’m learning to take breaks, get support when I need it, and not ignore my own well-being.

A Glimmer of Hope

The future is uncertain, but I remind myself that small businesses are strong. We’ve made it through economic crashes, a pandemic, and more. We’re creative, flexible, and deeply tied to our communities. If 2026 brings more problems, I’ll face them with the same determination I’ve always had.

Still, I know that strength alone isn’t enough. We need real support. If we keep going through one crisis after another without help, many small businesses won’t survive. And that loss would affect not just the economy, but the communities we serve every day.

So, if 2025 was this hard, what will 2026 be like? The answer depends on what happens—and how we respond. For small business owners like me, that response will come from hard work, new ideas, and a deep belief in the work we do.

The Millentrepreneur