Small business owners remain 'cautiously optimistic' heading into 2026 amid rising costs, labor challenges

Many small business owners are betting on growth in the year ahead, even as inflation, labor shortages and economic uncertainty continue to pressure operations, a new survey finds.

About 80% of small business owners say they are confident in their outlook, and about 79% expect revenue growth in 2026, according to Comerica Bank’s Small Business Pulse Index released Dec. 9.

Those expecting growth project an average revenue increase of 7.9%.

"It is evident that challenges are still weighing heavily on them...