Fiverr has unveiled insights from a recent survey of 1,001 U.S. small business owners, showcasing a strong sense of optimism for 2025, despite numerous challenges posed by economic policies under the new administration. The survey reveals that small business owners are concerned about tariffs, taxes, inflation, and workforce issues, while also indicating a growing dependence on freelancing as a strategy to cope with current economic uncertainties.
The findings indicate that nearly 90% of small business owners are optimistic about 2025, with particularly elevated confidence in sectors such as education (92%), finance (89%), and retail (89%). Additionally, 85% of respondents believe that the new administration will positively influence the economic landscape for small businesses, a belief held by both male (85%) and female (83%) entrepreneurs. Notably, women-led enterprises demonstrate even greater optimism, with 92% anticipating revenue increases in 2025. Conversely, older demographics like Baby Boomers exhibit less confidence, with 41% expressing skepticism, while a remarkable 89% of Gen Z leaders are optimistic.
Economic challenges are at the forefront of small business concerns as they approach 2025, with rising costs, tariffs, and inflation leading their worries. Key statistics from the survey include:
- 55% of business owners identify rising costs as their leading challenge.
- 38% express apprehension about a potential economic recession.
- Inflation concerns are particularly significant in sectors reliant on logistics, such as manufacturing (64%), healthcare (62%), and retail (59%).
Women-led businesses confront additional challenges, with 21% citing equitable access to capital as a major hurdle. Meanwhile, political instability is viewed as a priority concern across different generational groups, with 31% of both Baby Boomers and Gen Z leaders flagging this issue.
The survey outlines expected impacts of future policies on tariffs, taxes, and workforce regulations on small businesses in 2025:
- 72% of respondents indicate that proposed tariff policies will influence their daily operations, especially in HR (87%), retail (80%), and education (80%).
- 84% anticipate that the new tax framework will affect their businesses, with Gen Z (91%) and Millennials (86%) feeling the most pronounced impact.
- Women-led businesses report that these policies disproportionately affect them compared to their male counterparts.
Small businesses are preparing to tackle unique challenges in 2025, including talent shortages, regulatory compliance, and initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Specific challenges noted by respondents include:
- 27% of owners cite hiring skilled talent as a primary obstacle, alongside difficulties in obtaining materials and products.
- 30% of Gen Z leaders recognize critical skills gaps as a significant issue.
- 20% highlight the absence of DEI measures as a challenge, with women (25%) raising this concern more than men (18%).
Hiring remains a crucial concern for small businesses, with 76% stating that the administration’s workforce policies will affect their operations. Labor shortages and skill gaps are on the minds of 24% of business owners.
As small businesses prepare for the year ahead, budget priorities for 2025 are increasingly focused on:
- 39% investing in marketing and growth services to broaden customer reach.
- 33% intending to implement new technologies, such as AI and automation, to improve operational efficiency.
