How Are SMBs Doing?

To monitor SMB outlook, we ask them about their optimism in several areas in our monthly survey of 500 U.S. SMB principals. In our September survey, very small businesses (VSBs, with fewer than 20 employees) rated their overall business confidence at 71.4 out of 100, the highest since December. At 80.7, small businesses (SBs, with 20 to 99 employees) are more optimistic than VSBs, and the second most optimistic they’ve been since we started tracking SMB outlook in 2021 (although down slightly from June). At 80.4, midsized businesses (MBs, with 100 to 500 employees) are also down slightly from June, but still the second most optimistic they’ve been since October 2021.

Very Small Business (1-19EE) Outlook

SBs and MBs are much more optimistic than VSBs on every measure, especially on growth measures such as hiring and expansion.

Small Business (20-99EE) Outlook

SBs and MBs have similar outlooks. However, MBs are consistently more optimistic about hiring and expansion, and MBs had a pronounced confidence dip in April 2023, unlike VSBs and SBs.

Midsize Business (100-500EE) Outlook

Each month, we also ask SMBs about their priorities. In our most recent survey, VSBs prioritize customer retention and cash flow. SBs and MBs rate employee retention their most important task. For SBs, managing costs is second; for MBs, data security.

What’s Important to SMBs

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