The Revenued 2025 Year in Review SMB Report: Tariffs, AI, and Resiliency Unveils How Small Businesses Navigated a Year of Uncertainty
Drawing on a full year of research that includes the company’s AI Usage Study, Q3 Tariff Report and Tariff Ripple Report, the new report details the operational, financial and emotional pressures faced by 446 small business owners across more than 20 industries. The research, conducted by Revenued’s Marketing and Research Team led by Grant Pastor, highlights the practical steps business owners took to remain viable throughout 2025.
The report finds that while volatility defined the year, resilience defined the response. Many business owners reported feeling better prepared for 2026, not because conditions improved, but because they adapted to shifting demand, rising costs and tightening access to capital.
Key Insights from The Revenued Q3 2025 State of Small Business Report
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Financial strain was widespread. 68% of owners experienced at least one moment in 2025 when they feared their business might not survive.
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Stress levels rose sharply. 43% of owners said financial pressure significantly increased their stress, and another third said it somewhat increased their stress.
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Operational adjustments were essential. Many owners described redesigning workflows, renegotiating supplier terms or introducing new service tiers to stabilize cash flow.
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Technology and AI adoption grew. Owners reported using AI tools for scheduling, invoicing and administrative work, often out of necessity rather than innovation.
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Traditional financing fell short. Many owners said bank approvals were too slow or did not fit their revenue patterns, leading them to rely on flexible alternative financing options.
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Resilience strengthened across the year. Owners said they feel better prepared for 2026 because they adapted to volatility, rather than waiting for conditions to improve.
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The Revenued Q3 2025 State of Small Business Report was conducted in July 2025 by the Revenued Research Team. This report reflects the aggregated and individual opinions of participating business owners from across the United States who are also Revenued accountholders. The views expressed within this survey report are those of the individual respondents and do not necessarily reflect the official views or positions of Revenued.