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Small Businesses Stay Confident Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty

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According to new research from GoDaddy (GDDY), small business owners remain resilient despite economic uncertainty. The survey of 2,100 U.S. microbusiness owners reveals that while 49% expect a weaker economy in the next six months (up 17 points from 2024), 66% still anticipate revenue growth, with only 9% forecasting decline. Key findings show evolving business strategies, with 40% of entrepreneurs now planning to remain solo operators (up from 36% last year). Cost pressures are significant, with 52% citing limited cash flow as their main financial barrier, while 34% struggle with existing expenses. Construction, Home Trades, and Creative-Media businesses face the strongest pricing pressures. Notably, access to capital concerns have decreased, with only 8% naming it their top challenge, down from 10% previously.
Secondo una nuova ricerca di GoDaddy (GDDY), i piccoli imprenditori mostrano una notevole resilienza nonostante l'incertezza economica. Il sondaggio condotto su 2.100 microimprese statunitensi rivela che, mentre il 49% prevede un'economia più debole nei prossimi sei mesi (in aumento di 17 punti rispetto al 2024), il 66% si aspetta comunque una crescita dei ricavi, con solo il 9% che prevede un calo.

I risultati chiave mostrano strategie aziendali in evoluzione, con il 40% degli imprenditori che ora intende rimanere operatori individuali (in aumento rispetto al 36% dell'anno scorso). Le pressioni sui costi sono significative, con il 52% che indica il flusso di cassa limitato come principale ostacolo finanziario, mentre il 34% fatica a gestire le spese correnti. I settori dell'edilizia, dei lavori domestici e dei media creativi affrontano le maggiori pressioni sui prezzi. Da notare che le preoccupazioni riguardo all'accesso al capitale sono diminuite, con solo l'8% che lo indica come sfida principale, rispetto al 10% precedente.
Según una nueva investigación de GoDaddy (GDDY), los propietarios de pequeñas empresas mantienen su resiliencia a pesar de la incertidumbre económica. La encuesta a 2,100 microempresarios de EE. UU. revela que, aunque el 49% espera una economía más débil en los próximos seis meses (un aumento de 17 puntos desde 2024), el 66% aún anticipa un crecimiento en los ingresos, y solo el 9% pronostica una disminución.

Los hallazgos clave muestran estrategias comerciales en evolución, con un 40% de emprendedores que ahora planean seguir siendo operadores individuales (un aumento desde el 36% del año pasado). Las presiones de costos son significativas, con un 52% que cita el flujo de caja limitado como su principal barrera financiera, mientras que un 34% lucha con los gastos existentes. Las empresas de construcción, oficios domésticos y medios creativos enfrentan las presiones de precios más fuertes. Notablemente, las preocupaciones sobre el acceso al capital han disminuido, con solo un 8% que lo nombra como su principal desafío, frente al 10% anterior.
GoDaddy (GDDY)의 새로운 연구에 따르면, 경제 불확실성에도 불구하고 소규모 사업주들은 여전히 회복력을 유지하고 있습니다. 미국 내 2,100명의 마이크로비즈니스 소유자를 대상으로 한 설문조사 결과, 49%가 향후 6개월간 경제가 약화될 것으로 예상하는 반면(2024년 대비 17포인트 상승), 66%는 여전히 매출 성장을 기대하며, 단지 9%만이 매출 감소를 예측했습니다.

주요 결과는 사업 전략의 변화를 보여주며, 40%의 기업가가 올해는 혼자 운영할 계획이라고 답해 작년의 36%에서 증가했습니다. 비용 압박이 심각하며, 52%는 제한된 현금 흐름을 주요 재정적 장애물로 꼽았고, 34%는 기존 비용 부담에 어려움을 겪고 있습니다. 건설, 가정 관련 직종, 창작 미디어 사업이 가장 큰 가격 압박을 받고 있습니다. 특히 자본 접근성에 대한 우려는 감소하여, 단지 8%만이 이를 주요 과제로 꼽아 이전의 10%에서 줄어들었습니다.
Selon une nouvelle étude de GoDaddy (GDDY), les propriétaires de petites entreprises restent résilients malgré l'incertitude économique. L'enquête réalisée auprès de 2 100 micro-entrepreneurs américains révèle que si 49% s'attendent à une économie plus faible dans les six prochains mois (en hausse de 17 points depuis 2024), 66% anticipent toujours une croissance du chiffre d'affaires, seuls 9% prévoyant une baisse.

Les résultats clés montrent une évolution des stratégies commerciales, avec 40% des entrepreneurs qui prévoient désormais de rester opérateurs individuels (contre 36% l'an dernier). Les pressions sur les coûts sont importantes, 52% citant un flux de trésorerie limité comme principal obstacle financier, tandis que 34% ont du mal à gérer les dépenses actuelles. Les entreprises du secteur de la construction, des métiers de la maison et des médias créatifs subissent les plus fortes pressions sur les prix. Notamment, les préoccupations liées à l'accès au capital ont diminué, avec seulement 8% le citant comme principal défi, contre 10% auparavant.
Laut neuer Forschung von GoDaddy (GDDY) bleiben Kleinunternehmer trotz wirtschaftlicher Unsicherheit widerstandsfähig. Die Umfrage unter 2.100 US-Mikrounternehmern zeigt, dass zwar 49% in den nächsten sechs Monaten eine schwächere Wirtschaft erwarten (ein Anstieg um 17 Punkte seit 2024), aber dennoch 66% mit Umsatzwachstum rechnen, während nur 9% einen Rückgang prognostizieren.

Wesentliche Erkenntnisse zeigen sich in sich wandelnden Geschäftsstrategien, wobei 40% der Unternehmer nun planen, als Einzelunternehmer zu bleiben (ein Anstieg von 36% im Vorjahr). Kostendruck ist erheblich, 52% geben eingeschränkte Liquidität als größte finanzielle Hürde an, während 34% mit laufenden Ausgaben kämpfen. Bau-, Heimwerker- und Kreativmedienunternehmen erleben den stärksten Preisdruck. Bemerkenswert ist, dass die Sorgen um den Zugang zu Kapital abgenommen haben, nur noch 8% nennen dies als größte Herausforderung, zuvor waren es 10%.
Positive
  • 66% of small business owners expect revenue growth
  • Access to capital improving - only 8% cite it as top challenge, down from 10%
  • Strong entrepreneurial resilience despite economic uncertainty
Negative
  • 49% expect weaker economy in next 6 months, up 17 points from 2024
  • 52% cite limited cash flow as biggest financial barrier
  • Declining business optimism trend - revenue growth expectations dropped from 73% in 2023 to 66% in 2025
  • 33% of owners report financial strain as primary stress source

Insights

GoDaddy's research shows small businesses remain resilient despite increasing economic concerns, revealing both challenges and adaptability in their customer base.

GoDaddy's latest research illuminates a shifting sentiment landscape among U.S. microbusinesses. The data reveals 49% of small business owners anticipate economic weakening in the next six months—a substantial 17-point increase from 2024. This growing pessimism represents a significant shift in the small business outlook.

What's particularly revealing is the resilience paradox: despite broader economic concerns, 66% of these entrepreneurs maintain positive revenue expectations for their own ventures. This represents a gradual cooling from 73% in 2023, establishing a clear multi-year trend of moderating optimism while maintaining overall confidence.

The findings highlight evolving business strategies in response to economic uncertainty. 40% of entrepreneurs now plan to remain solo operators rather than expand—up from 36% last year. This indicates a strategic pivot toward sustainable, right-sized operations versus aggressive growth models.

Financial pressures are mounting on multiple fronts. Limited cash flow tops financial barriers at 52%, while existing expenses (34%) and pricing pressures (33%) rank as primary cost challenges. These constraints disproportionately affect certain sectors—Construction & Home Trades (40%) and Creative-Media businesses (36%)—suggesting uneven impact across industries. For businesses with 5-9 employees, wages emerge as the dominant pressure point (45%).

One bright spot appears in capital access, with only 8% citing it as their top challenge, down from 10% previously. This suggests potential improvements in small business financing despite overall economic concerns.

These findings provide important context about the small business ecosystem that forms GoDaddy's primary customer base. The mixed signals—increased economic caution balanced against continued business resilience—reflect the nuanced environment shaping entrepreneurial demand for digital services.

New GoDaddy research shows entrepreneurs remain focused on growth despite rising concern

TEMPE, Ariz., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly half of U.S. small and microbusiness owners expect the national economy to weaken in the coming months. Despite the outlook, most still believe their own businesses will grow, according to new survey data released today by GoDaddy.

In the latest findings from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, formerly known as Venture Forward, 49% of 2,100 U.S. microbusiness owners* surveyed predict a weaker economy in the next six months. That is up 17 points from 2024. Even so, 66% of respondents have positive revenue expectations, and only 9% forecast a sales decline.

"Small business owners are realistic about the economy, but they believe in themselves," said GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani. "GoDaddy's research shows they remain intent on pushing their small businesses forward."

The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab findings reflect a steady shift over time. In 2023, 73% of microbusiness owners said they expected to grow revenue in the first 6 months of the year. Now in 2025, it stands at 66%. Most respondents still expect growth, clearly, but the trend indicates weakening optimism.

Entrepreneurs are also adjusting their long-term goals. 40% now say they plan to remain solo entrepreneurs – up from 36% last year – versus aspiring to build mid-size or corporate enterprises. This points to a growing interest in right-sized businesses that match owners' lifestyles and risk tolerance.

Rising Costs Put Pressure on Small Business Margins

While optimism holds, cost pressures are rising and showing up not just in what small businesses pay, but what they can charge. Over half (52%) of respondents cited limited cash flow as their biggest financial barrier, but existing expenses (34%) and pricing pressure on goods and services (33%) ranked highest among specific cost challenges.

These pricing pressures are especially acute among Construction & Home Trades (40%) and Creative-Media businesses (36%), with solo operators and small teams reporting they are feeling the pinch of existing operating costs the most. For businesses with 5–9 employees, wages emerged as the top cost barrier (45%), reflecting a shift toward labor-related pressure once headcount rises.

One in three owners (33%) also named financial strain as their primary source of stress—ranking it above challenges like adopting new technology, managing vendors, or finding and retaining customers.

Access to capital, often a major hurdle for new businesses, appears to be improving. Only 8% of owners say it is their top challenge, down from 10% the year before.

Sharing their perspective on the results, Victor W. Hwang, founder and CEO of Right to Start, a nonprofit that promotes U.S. small business growth, added: "The results of this GoDaddy survey demonstrate quantitatively the drive and resilience of entrepreneurs all across the United States. Their commitment to their enterprises is relentless and innovative. America's entrepreneurs are an extraordinary resource for strengthening the U.S. economy and growing new businesses and jobs nationwide."

Commenting on the findings, small business owner Leo Lopez owner of San Jose-based La Fenice Pizza said: "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. That's how I've built my business, and I think a lot of us are doing the same."

"Entrepreneurs are planning for what is ahead," Bhutani added. "They are navigating these times by staying focused and determined. At GoDaddy, our job is to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed."

For more insights from GoDaddy's latest small business research, visit the full report here:
https://www.godaddy.com/ventureforward/the-future-of-entrepreneurship-is-leaner-smarter-and-more-resilient

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company's AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com

* Microbusinesses are small businesses that typically employ fewer than 10 employees.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/small-businesses-stay-confident-amid-us-economic-uncertainty-302445983.html

SOURCE GoDaddy Inc.

FAQ

What percentage of GoDaddy survey respondents expect revenue growth in 2025?

66% of small business owners surveyed by GoDaddy expect their revenue to grow, while only 9% forecast a sales decline.

What are the main financial challenges facing small businesses according to GoDaddy's 2025 survey?

The top financial challenges are limited cash flow (52%), existing expenses (34%), and pricing pressure on goods and services (33%).

How has small business optimism changed from 2023 to 2025 according to GoDaddy's research?

Business optimism has declined, with revenue growth expectations dropping from 73% in 2023 to 66% in 2025.

What percentage of entrepreneurs plan to remain solo operators in 2025?

40% of entrepreneurs now plan to remain solo operators, up from 36% last year, indicating a trend toward right-sized businesses.

How many small business owners expect the U.S. economy to weaken in 2025?

49% of small business owners expect the economy to weaken in the next six months, an increase of 17 points from 2024.
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