Despite prevailing economic uncertainties and pressures stemming from tariffs, a significant majority of small business owners across the United States continue to hold positive expectations for their future revenue, according to a new report published by website hosting company GoDaddy on May 9, 2025.
The report, based on a comprehensive survey of 2,100 small business owners, highlights a notable resilience within the sector. The data reveals that 66% of respondents expressed “positive revenue expectations” looking ahead, a figure that underscores a persistent belief in their capacity for growth even in a challenging climate.
Conversely, only a small fraction of those surveyed, specifically 9%, forecasted a decline in their sales performance.
Enduring Optimism Amidst Economic Headwinds
The findings present a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial grit against a backdrop of economic volatility. While broader economic indicators and policy debates surrounding tariffs often paint a cautious picture, the sentiment captured by the GoDaddy survey suggests that individual business operators are finding ways to navigate these pressures. This optimism is not merely wishful thinking; it implies active strategies and a deep-seated confidence in their specific business models and customer bases.
The survey specifically referenced the “current economic climate and pressures from tariffs” as factors potentially influencing business outlooks. However, the strong positive sentiment reported by two-thirds of the participants indicates that, for many, the impact of these external forces has not eroded their fundamental belief in their business’s future prosperity.
The Microbusiness Paradox
The report also offered a granular look at the outlook of microbusiness owners, defined as enterprises typically employing fewer than 10 individuals. This segment, which represents a substantial portion of the small business landscape, presents a seemingly paradoxical view of the economic future.
According to the GoDaddy research, half of microbusiness owners, precisely 50%, predicted a “weaker economy in the next six months.” This forecast aligns more closely with general economic anxieties often reported in the media.
Yet, strikingly, even within this group anticipating a potential economic slowdown, a robust 66% still maintained positive revenue expectations for their own businesses. This divergence suggests that microbusiness owners may perceive their own ventures as relatively insulated from, or adaptable to, broader economic shifts, or perhaps are banking on their agility to outperform during challenging periods.
The Rise of the Solo Entrepreneur
Beyond revenue forecasts, the survey illuminated a notable evolution in the long-term strategic objectives of entrepreneurs. A significant trend identified was a growing inclination towards maintaining leaner operations rather than pursuing traditional expansion models through hiring.
The report indicates a shift in aspirations, with approximately 40% of respondents now stating their expectation to remain “solo entrepreneurs” in the long term. This figure represents an increase from 36% in the previous year’s survey, signaling a tangible movement towards prioritizing independent operation over building a larger staff base.
This preference for remaining a “solo entrepreneur” rather than actively expanding by hiring staff suggests that entrepreneurs may be recalibrating their definition of success and sustainable growth in the current environment. It could be a strategic response to labor costs, hiring complexities, or simply a preference for maintaining direct control and agility.
Navigating Uncertainty with Focus
GoDaddy’s analysis accompanying the report posits that these findings collectively paint a picture of entrepreneurs who are actively navigating the current business environment by remaining focused and determined. The decision to stay solo, for instance, might not stem from a lack of ambition but rather a deliberate choice to concentrate resources and energy on core operations, customer service, and efficient delivery in the face of uncertainty.
The resilience shown in revenue expectations, coupled with the strategic shift towards independent operation, suggests a dynamic adaptation occurring within the small business sector. Entrepreneurs are demonstrating a capacity to temper broader economic concerns with confidence in their individual enterprises, while simultaneously adjusting their growth models to suit the realities of the post-pandemic and current economic landscape.
These insights from the GoDaddy survey offer valuable perspectives for policymakers, lenders, and support organizations seeking to understand the contemporary mindset and strategic priorities of the small business community, which remains a vital engine of economic activity and innovation.
