Small businesses are a big part of the economy. You can grow your business better by understanding the current SBA / business trends.
Small business is a good place to be in 2025, as 75% of owners report being happy. Changes in technology, the demographics of business owners, and the economy are just a few factors that impact small businesses.
Contact Business Funding Group (BFG) to discuss strategies for positioning your business for advancement, taking into account current trends and shifts.
5 Trends Identified by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA identified several trends that demand your attention as a business owner in 2025. Ignoring trends could have a negative effect on business growth, leaving your company behind.
1) E-Commerce Growth
E-commerce businesses are on the rise and have the potential for huge success. Consumers continue the shift toward online shopping, which has almost completely changed the market for product-based businesses over the last few decades.
Online sales are not going anywhere. In fact, they are only increasing each year. Small businesses have an opportunity to expand by offering products or services online. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to break into the e-commerce world and reach a much broader market than you can on a local level.
2) Social Media Marketing and Website Presence
We live in a social media and online era where a lack of online presence can be detrimental to your business. Consumers increasingly rely on social media platforms and search engines to find products and services. Some even look to influencers who have brand deals, which can increase their reach.
Social media allows you to connect with your audience. This can lead to brand loyalty and increased sales.
Having a professional website can impact your visibility and credibility. In the world we live in, having an online presence is absolutely essential for small business success.
3) Increased Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has taken the world by storm, and you can either fall behind or leverage it to get ahead. Accepting and utilizing AI helps your small business with customer support, more efficient operations, AI-driven data analysis, and more. It can save you both time and money.
4) Data Security and Privacy
Protecting data and confidentiality is critical for small businesses. Cybersecurity is important to protect your business’s and customers’ private information. It can also make it easier to remain compliant with privacy laws that apply to businesses in varying industries.
You can invest in technology tools to prevent data breaches. Conducting workshops about preventative measures with staff is another way to get ahead of cybercrime before it happens.
5) Relational Aspect of Business
Even though shopping has seen a large shift toward online transactions without a personal interaction, many customers still want to experience that relational aspect with a business. Customers value personal connection, and you can foster it through friendly customer service, personalized email follow-ups, birthday discounts, and more.
Social media can help by putting a face to your business, showing processes, and working with influencers. You should not ignore the connection that can occur when a customer supports a small business.
SBA Lending Trends for Small Businesses
Based on the Small Business Credit Survey, revenue and employment were lower in 2024 than between 2016 and 2019, but up since the 2020 drop. The percentage of firms experiencing financial challenges has increased significantly since 2016, from 59% to 94%.
SBA loan trends show that nearly all banks lend to small businesses. There are some small banks or credit unions that are especially focused on lending to small businesses, but it is a common misconception that large banks do not offer loans to small businesses. According to the FDIC’s Small Business Lending Survey, around 94% of small banks and 90% of large banks reported giving loans to small businesses in 2021.
Contact BFG To Learn More About Trends and SBA Loans for Your Industry
Business owners are wise to stay up-to-date on small business trends in 2025. This helps you secure financing and achieve sustainable, long-term growth for your business, while evolving with new technology advances, market realities, and consumer preferences.
At BFG, we have decades of experience in the small business industry. We can help you apply for and get fully funded loans to use toward investing in your business. Contact us to discuss how an SBA loan could serve your company.