2025 editionBusiness Owner Success Survey
This survey of Small Business Owners (SBOs) reveals that many
are taking steps to start the year strong, while others are focused
on avoiding missteps that could slow them down.
Read on to see what's working for SBOs, how SBOs are
approaching their finances, and what’s top of mind for SBOs like
you as we navigate the landscape of a new administration.
Confidence in
the future
SBOs are controlling costs, and viewing 2025 with a sense of optimism.
79%
Almost eight out of every 10 surveyed SBO said their business confidence was optimistic for 2025
65%
Almost two-thirds of respondents feel the new federal administration will be a positive for their businesses
48%
Nearly half are forecasting revenue growth in 2025, compared to only 13%
expecting a decrease
57%
of respondents said
business
performance
in 2024 beat
expectations
Eye to inflation
Years of inflation and volatility have forced SBOs to adjust their tactics to stay ahead. 81% of SBOs polled mentioned inflation as being difficult.
SBOs are using a number of tactics to stay ahead of inflation in 2025:
lowering margins52%
Cautious hiring approach
55% of SBOs began 2025 with
no change to their hiring plans.
planned25%
planned20%
hiring plans55%
Maintaining expenses
41%
will cut
spending
45%
will keep spending
the same as planned
15%
will increase
spending
Using capital to build smart in 2025.
SBOs are approaching the new year with tact:
52%
More than half of respondents who have accessed new capital are using it to grow in 2025.
70%
of SBO business credit applicants received the line of credit they applied for. That money is used for everything from working capital to R&D.
+28%
The percentage growth of single-operator SBOs from mid-year—from 10% to 38%—who reported seeking capital for debt restructuring, signaling a conservative approach to growth in the new year.
49%
Nearly half of respondents said they were still using personal credit cards for business uses, indicating there's still room for SBOs to optimize further.
Survey Methodology
Bluevine’s Business Owner Success Survey (BOSS) is meant to inform business owners about what is working for their peers, so they can better plan, budget, and perform to achieve the success they want for their own companies.
Bredin, an independent market research firm, conducted a survey of 1,200 respondents across the U.S. between November 14–27, 2024. Respondents are company owners, founders, partners, CEOs, presidents, or managing directors of businesses with annual revenue between $100,000 and $5,000,000.
Report archive
Explore past surveys and see how small business owners have evolved.
