New research from GoDaddy shows that even as concerns about the national economy rise, small and microbusiness owners across the United States remain focused on their own success.
GoDaddy’s Small Business Research Lab surveyed 2,100 U.S. microbusiness owners and found that 49% expect the national economy to weaken over the next six months. That figure marks a 17-point jump from last year. Despite this, 66% of respondents believe their businesses will grow, and only 9% anticipate a decline in sales.
GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani summed up the mood: “Small business owners are realistic about the economy, but they believe in themselves. GoDaddy’s research shows they remain intent on pushing their small businesses forward.”
Shifting Trends and Changing Goals
The data highlights a subtle but steady trend over time. Back in 2023, 73% of microbusiness owners expected revenue growth. In 2025, that number has dipped to 66%. While optimism remains, it’s clear that expectations have cooled slightly.
An important change is happening in how entrepreneurs define success. More owners are choosing to stay small by design. This year, 40% say they plan to remain solo operators, compared to 36% last year. Rather than focusing on expanding into mid-size or large businesses, they are emphasizing sustainability, control, and a size that matches their lifestyle.
Rising Costs and Financial Pressure
Even with a positive outlook, business owners face growing cost challenges. Over half (52%) said limited cash flow was their biggest financial concern. Specific issues like general expenses (34%) and pricing pressure (33%) weighed heavily, especially for businesses in Construction & Home Trades and Creative-Media sectors.
For companies with 5–9 employees, wages stood out as the top cost issue (45%), showing how labor costs take on greater importance as teams grow.
Stress related to finances was a major theme, with 33% of owners citing financial strain as their biggest source of stress—ranking above issues like technology, vendor management, or customer retention. Interestingly, only 8% named access to capital as their top challenge, down slightly from 10% last year.
Voices from the Field
Victor W. Hwang, founder and CEO of Right to Start, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurship, praised the survey results: “The data proves the drive and resilience of entrepreneurs nationwide. Their commitment to their businesses is innovative and relentless.”
Leo Lopez, owner of San Jose-based La Fenice Pizza, shared his perspective: “The economy is definitely uncertain right now, but as a small business owner, you learn to live with that. I’ve had to adjust, simplify, and focus on what really works, and that’s helped me grow stronger. For me, resilience isn’t about being unaffected. It’s about finding a way to keep going, even when things get unpredictable.”
Digital Tools Play a Bigger Role
The survey also highlighted how small businesses are turning to digital tools to stay agile. Many owners are using online solutions to streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and strengthen their businesses. Access to funding still matters, but fewer owners now list it as their top concern—a sign that more are finding ways to work smarter and stay resourceful.
GoDaddy’s Commitment to Entrepreneurs
GoDaddy has positioned itself as a key supporter of small businesses, offering tools and services for websites, online stores, marketing, and payments. Its mission is to make entrepreneurship more accessible, whether for solo entrepreneurs or businesses scaling up.
GoDaddy’s research reinforces the idea that small business success today is not defined by the number of employees or physical footprint. Instead, success is measured by adaptability, determination, and the ability to find opportunities even in uncertain times.
While nearly half of U.S. small business owners predict economic challenges ahead, most are still confident about growing their own companies. Rising costs and financial pressures persist, but entrepreneurs are adjusting their strategies, using digital tools, and focusing on business models that fit their real lives. GoDaddy’s survey offers a clear picture: U.S. small businesses are staying focused, flexible, and ready for what’s next.
