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Business Tips From The Editor - September 2025

BUSINESS TIPS FROM THE EDITOR

September 2025

Richard T. Hendee, Editor
The Silver Fox Advisor

         “Wall Street Journal/Vistage Small Business August

 2025 Small Business CEO Survey”

As many small business owners work through their issues of the day, month, quarter, or the year, some occasionally wonder as they have their morning coffee and closing beverage if they are the only business experiencing the issues that they are.

 Last week, I saw an August 2025 small business survey that I thought was interesting and decided I would share the results with our readers so they can get some information on how other small businesses are currently feeling. Below is the data from that survey:

·        24% of small business owners say the economy has improved compared to a year ago; 44% say the economy has gotten worse.

·        32% of small business owners believe the economy will improve in the next 12 months; 35% believe the economy will worsen.

·        44% of small businesses plan on increasing employees this year; 12% plan on decreasing employees this year.

·        35% of small businesses are expecting to increase fixed investments.

·        57% of small businesses expect increased revenues in the next 12 months; 16% believe revenues will decrease.

·        43% of small business owners believe profitability will increase in the next 12 months; 25% believe that profitability will decrease.

·        32% of small business owners are positive about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its expected impact on their business. 28% are neutral. 24% are negative and 16% are uncertain.

·        24% of small businesses plan on hiring additional workers within the next 12 months as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s passage. 23% plan on giving raises to existing staff. 21% plan on purchasing business property or equipment; 14% plan on making a significant new or increased capital investment.

·        80% of small businesses think AI will help them in their business.

·        58% of small businesses use generative AI.

·        83% of small business owners believe that technology helps them compete.

OK, so now you have a little better idea about how your peers are thinking about some key business issues and positions. Whichever quartile you fit into, you will have a better understanding that you will not be making the decision alone. Only time will tell if the decision was a good one or maybe a not so good one. 

If you need help with assessing or making a decision in your business, I would recommend you seek an experienced business advisor, coach, consultant, or mentor with a financial or business background for your business: Contact a Silver Fox Advisor. Remember, having experience on your side always helps.

We encourage you to visit our Website at www.silverfox.org or www.silverfoxadvisors.com to select a Silver Fox Advisor and also to learn more about the Silver Fox Advisors and their businesses, as well as our great programs and community outreach endeavors.