Business owners poured over the 2024 U.S. General Election results, and many entrepreneurs now feel a renewed sense of hope.
Fiverr International Ltd. surveyed 1,001 small business owners to explore their sentiments about new policies, economic changes, and workforce developments.
Many leaders foresee both advantages and hurdles in 2025. They hope the new administration’s approach will improve the economic environment.
Survey results revealed interesting generational differences. Baby Boomers hesitate to celebrate, while Gen-Z entrepreneurs show unrestrained optimism.
A Groundswell of Confidence for the New Era
Over 85% of participants expect the new president to boost small business growth. Education and retail industries lead this hopeful trend.
Larger organizations also anticipate benefits. Those with 100 or more employees express even stronger faith in the economic outlook.
Female entrepreneurs echo this confidence. Nearly 92% of women-led firms predict revenue gains in the upcoming year.
However, not everyone feels the same spark. Boomers maintain a cautious stance, with 41% expressing doubts about 2025.
Inflation remains the biggest headache. Over 40% of owners cite rising costs as a dominant issue.
Industries that rely on logistics fret over swelling expenses. Manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors are especially worried about increased operational costs.
Leaders also fear an economic recession. More than a third expect a potential downturn to disrupt plans.
Female owners face another obstacle. They often cite limited access to capital, which 21% label as a significant concern.
Political stability is also a hot topic. Boomers and Gen Zers want reduced partisanship and more transparent policies.
Charting a Path Through Policy Shifts and Future Goals
72% of respondents worry about proposed tariff changes. Retailers, educators, and HR specialists say daily operations will shift.
New tax structures also cause anxiety. Leaders anticipate changes to their bottom line, especially younger entrepreneurs.
Gen Z owners responded with a resounding 91%, expecting a significant impact on planning. Millennials followed close behind, at 86%.
These policies hit women-led businesses harder. They note a 6% higher effect from tariffs, 5% more from taxes, and 9% from workforce rules.
Leaders also foresee workforce shifts. Over three quarters say the new workforce approach will affect hiring.
24% express concern about labor shortages. They also fret over skill gaps in pivotal roles.
Businesses view freelance talent as a vital solution. Freelancing offers agility in uncertain times.
More companies want flexible staffing models. That strategy helps leaders sidestep full-time labor costs and fosters on-demand expertise.
Owners also plan key investments. They see digital marketing, AI, and automation as top priorities.
About 39% will boost funds for marketing services. Leaders aim to reach new customers and broaden their footprint.
Meanwhile, 33% intend to adopt new technologies. They hope to integrate AI tools and streamline processes.
Business owners also want stronger DEI measures. 20% highlight the lack of diversity as a pressing organizational challenge.
Women express more concern about inclusive leadership. 25% mention it, compared to 18% of men.
Regulatory compliance ranks high on many lists—22% worry about staying current with new rules.
Fiverr is seeing a growth in demand for freelancers who specialize in compliance. These experts can help businesses manage these shifting landscapes.
Matti Yahav, Fiverr’s Chief Marketing Officer, believes agility remains key and encourages leaders to adopt flexible approaches.
Business owners express cautious optimism. They value creative solutions to mitigate tariff and tax pressures.
Many plan rapid responses if inflation worsens. They might pivot supply chains or negotiate better import deals.
Boomers remain somewhat reserved. They voice concerns that extended political battles could derail small business momentum.
Gen Z owners, on the other hand, eagerly embrace policy changes. They see opportunities to reshape the entrepreneurial landscape.
Fiverr’s data underscores a significant theme: small businesses want clarity, straightforward rules, and consistent regulations.
Political uncertainty fuels anxiety across the board. Many owners desire simpler processes that let them focus on growth.
Despite these concerns, most remain determined to thrive. They point to emerging opportunities in the freelance economy.
Technological advancements excite those who want more automation. Business leaders see AI as a tool to cut overhead.
Marketing budgets will likely increase for many. Entrepreneurs believe a strong brand presence will help offset rising expenses.
Collaboration between small businesses and freelancers will continue to climb. This synergy fosters specialized expertise without long-term commitments.
Experts predict that the freelance community will broaden. Skilled workers often prefer flexibility, which drives this growing marketplace.
Fiverr’s marketplace stands ready to support this demand. Its platform connects business owners with talent across diverse fields.
This approach can reduce friction during economic shocks. Freelancers offer scalable solutions that adapt to changing budgets.
Consequently, small businesses feel equipped to handle unpredictable market forces. They also see more significant returns from short-term contracts.
2025 stands poised to test their adaptability. Many plan to pursue bold strategies and remain flexible.
Despite fears over tariffs, taxes, and inflation, optimism prevails. Small businesses trust their resourcefulness to meet challenges head-on.
Fiverr’s survey data confirms that environment. Leaders embrace fresh perspectives on labor, investment, and operational strategies.
Growth prospects look strong for those who manage risk effectively. This new era demands creativity, preparation, and quick action.
Small businesses display that drive in spades. They push ahead with strategic plans and cutting-edge tools.
Industry watchers expect dynamic shifts under the new administration. Small businesses are ready to seize every opportunity.
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About the author
Mark Beck is an experienced financial advisor with an MBA from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. He specializes in tax, investing, creating a healthy budget, strategizing debt pay-off, developing a retirement roadmap, and creating personalized investing plans. Mark is committed to helping his clients secure their financial futures by providing personalized retirement planning advice.
