The U.S. economy is navigating uncertain waters. Inflation is high and geopolitical tensions are charged. Tariffs on imported goods have disrupted the global supply chain and consumer spending is on the decline.
For small business owners, the outlook is sobering. In a June survey of more than 4,000 entrepreneurs from the business networking platform Alignable, 44% reported declining revenues. And 20% said they fear they won’t make it to 2026 if tariff threats persist.
Even with headwinds, though, some business owners are finding room to maneuver. Across industries, they’re testing new bets — and taking calculated risks they hope will turn today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s growth.