New Report: Small Businesses Anticipate Strong Growth While Proactively Planning for AI Implementation and Tariffs

Rhea-AI Summary

Enova International (NYSE: ENVA) and Ocrolus released their Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report, revealing strong optimism among small businesses. The survey found that 92% of small business owners expect growth in the next year, with 26% anticipating significant expansion.

Key findings show that 72% of small businesses prefer non-bank lenders for working capital needs. Inflation (32%) and cash flow (31%) remain top challenges, while 66% of AI-adopting businesses use it for marketing. Additionally, 57% of small businesses are preparing for potential tariff impacts.

The comprehensive report analyzed responses from 410 small businesses and over 2.9 million small business loan applications over the past 15 months.

Positive

• 92% of small businesses expect moderate to significant growth over the next year
• Strong preference (72%) for non-bank lenders like OnDeck indicates market leadership potential
• 66% of small businesses are actively adopting AI for marketing purposes
• Survey based on extensive data from 2.9 million small business applications

Negative

• 32% of businesses still struggle with inflation as a top challenge
• 31% of surveyed businesses face cash flow difficulties
• Potential impact of tariffs creating uncertainty, with 57% of businesses preparing for effects

Insights

Financial Services Analyst

Enova's OnDeck survey reveals robust small business optimism with 92% expecting growth, highlighting strong potential for Enova's lending business.

The latest Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report from OnDeck and Ocrolus presents a remarkably positive outlook for Enova's small business lending segment. With 92% of surveyed small businesses anticipating growth in the coming year—including 26% expecting significant expansion—this signals continued strong demand for Enova's lending products.

Particularly noteworthy is the finding that 72% of small businesses prefer non-bank lenders like OnDeck over traditional banks for their capital needs. This trend directly benefits Enova's market positioning as it captures market share from conventional banking institutions. The company's strategic focus on speed and accessibility appears well-aligned with current small business preferences.

The report identifies inflation (32%) and cash flow concerns (31%) as top challenges for small businesses—precisely the pain points that OnDeck's lending solutions address. This creates a natural market opportunity for Enova to expand its small business lending portfolio, which has already provided over $63 billion in loans across its broader platform.

Additionally, the data showing 57% of small businesses actively preparing for potential tariff impacts suggests Enova's customers are taking a proactive approach to financial planning, potentially leading to increased demand for working capital financing. The substantial dataset behind the report—410 surveyed businesses plus 2.9 million loan applications over 15 months—provides credible support for these findings and demonstrates Enova's significant market reach in the small business lending space.

Survey Finds 92% of Small Businesses Expect to Grow Over the Next Year, and Majority of Those Adopting AI Use It to Improve Marketing

CHICAGO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Small businesses continued to show confidence in their future growth, according to the latest Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report from OnDeck, the leading small business lending company at Enova (NYSE: ENVA) and Ocrolus, the document AI and cash flow analytics platform for lenders.

Key findings include:

• Growth expectations. An overwhelming 92% of small business owners are confidently anticipating moderate to significant growth over the next year, with 26% expecting significant expansion.
• Non-bank lender preference. Small businesses are increasingly leveraging the speed and ease of non-bank lenders for their working capital needs, with 72% choosing these solutions over traditional banks.
• Top Challenges. Small business owners continue to see inflation (32%) and cash flow (31%) as top challenges.
• Marketing with AI. Among small businesses using AI, 66% apply it to marketing tasks.
• Tariff Plans. A majority of small businesses (57%) are actively preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

"The optimism and proactive planning reported by small business owners speak volumes about their determination and adaptability. OnDeck will continue to support small businesses with transparent and accessible financing as they continue to grow and navigate through daily challenges," said Jim Granat, Co-President of Small Business at Enova.

"Our data shows that businesses aren't just reacting—they're planning ahead and positioning themselves to succeed," said David Snitkof, General Manager of Small Business at Ocrolus. "By using real-time, AI-powered analytics, lenders can better support small businesses and help them thrive in today's dynamic market."

The report is based on responses from 410 small businesses with working capital loans and over 2.9 million small business applications for working capital financing during the past 15 months. The nationwide survey was completed between June 17 — 30, 2025. For more information and complete survey results, please visit: ondeck.com/small-business-trends.

About OnDeck®
OnDeck®, part of Enova International, is the proven leader in transparent and responsible online lending to small businesses. Founded in 2006, the company pioneered the use of data analytics and digital technology to make real-time lending decisions and deliver capital rapidly to small businesses online. Today, OnDeck offers a wide range of term loans and lines of credit customized for the needs of small business owners. OnDeck has provided loans to customers in 900 different industries nationwide. For more information, visit www.ondeck.com.

About Enova
Enova International (NYSE: ENVA) is a leading online financial services company that serves small businesses and consumers who are underserved by traditional banks. For over 20 years, Enova has provided over $63 billion in loans and financing to more than 13 million customers by offering a suite of market-leading products powered by the company's world-class analytics, machine learning algorithms and proprietary technology. You can learn more about the company and its portfolio of businesses at www.enova.com.

About Ocrolus
Ocrolus is an AI-powered data and analytics platform that enables financial institutions to make faster, more accurate decisions. The company analyzes documents with over 99% accuracy regardless of format or quality, supporting a wide variety of document types including bank statements, pay stubs and tax forms. Ocrolus provides over 400 customers with a trusted solution to classify documents, analyze cash flows and income and detect fraud. To learn more visit Ocrolus.com.

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SOURCE Enova International, Inc.

FAQ

What percentage of small businesses expect growth according to Enova's 2025 report?

According to the report, 92% of small businesses expect moderate to significant growth over the next year, with 26% anticipating significant expansion.

What are the main challenges facing small businesses in 2025 according to ENVA's survey?

The survey identified inflation (32%) and cash flow (31%) as the top challenges facing small businesses.

How are small businesses using AI according to the Enova report?

Among small businesses implementing AI, 66% are using it specifically for marketing tasks.

What percentage of small businesses prefer non-bank lenders according to the ENVA study?

The report shows that 72% of small businesses prefer non-bank lenders over traditional banks for their working capital needs.

How many small business applications did Enova analyze for their 2025 trend report?

The report analyzed over 2.9 million small business applications for working capital financing during the past 15 months, along with responses from 410 small businesses.