If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely felt the weight of uncertainty coming out of 2025—rising costs, shifting trade policies, labor challenges, and persistent regulatory burdens. But guess what? 2026 holds real opportunity for growth—if you lean into agility, smart planning, and new legislation on your side.
- Harness the Power of Pro-Growth Tax Reforms
In July 2025, the U.S. enacted the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA), embedding permanent tax cuts that directly benefit small businesses. Highlights include:
- 100% bonus depreciation on qualifying business assets placed in service after January 19, 2025—great for investing in equipment or tech.
- A permanent deduction under Section 199A, enabling up to 20% deduction for qualified business income.
- Accelerated expensing and deductibility for domestic R&D and business interest—fueling reinvestment and innovation.
What does that mean for business growth in 2026? If you’re planning new equipment purchases, expanding operations, or investing in innovation, now’s the time to move fast. Take advantage of these provisions before deadlines or expiration windows begin to bite.
- Boom in Lending & Financing Opportunities
Uncertainty remains high—59% of small business owners cite it as their top concern, even above inflation or supply‑chain issues. Yet this uncertainty has unlocked new opportunities: small business lending is expected to surge in 2025 and 2026.
Entrepreneurs stepping away from traditional jobs, rising demand for local supply chains, and lenders eager to diversify portfolios all point toward favorable loan terms and government-backed funding availability. Capitalize on this window if you’re considering expansion, hiring, or inventory buildup.
- Embrace Smart Tech & AI to Scale Efficiently
2026 is shaping up to be a year where small business growth equals smart adoption of tech:
- Generative AI tools (think ChatGPT, AI-powered planning apps) are becoming mainstream for automating marketing, content, and customer service—even for business owners with limited tech experience.
- Digital CRM, local SEO, e-commerce platforms, and automation tools let you operate leaner while delivering a better customer experience.
Invest in training or low‑code tools so your team (even digital novices) can leverage these systems.
- Build Resilience Amid Regulatory Shifts
Federal and state legislative sessions in 2025 introduced numerous proposals with direct impact on small businesses:
- Laws passed or proposed include the Small Business Growth Act, Investing in Main Street Act, Small Business Procurement Reform, and more, aimed at easing regulatory burden.
- States considered updates on paid leave, tort reform, unemployment insurance, and swipe fee limitations.
Across the pond in the UK, new rules are forcing large buyers to pay suppliers within 60 days (later shrinking to 45), with audits and fines for non-compliance—presenting a template for cash‑flow improvements globally.
Your takeaway: Stay informed on local and federal policies that can reduce compliance costs, improve supplier terms, and open new incentive programs.
- Adopt a Resilience‑First Mindset
Industry experts emphasize that resilience and flexibility distinguish businesses that thrive in 2025–26. Forcast demand, diversify suppliers, build out digital sales channels, and create contingency plans for staffing or cash flow shocks.
Business planning, revisited mid-year, can help you adapt strategy on the fly—turning uncertainty into opportunity.
✅ Quick Growth Checklist for 2026
Strategy Area | Action to Take Now |
Tax & Depreciation | Invest before 2026 to leverage bonus depreciation and 199A deduction |
Financing | Explore SBA or bank loans while lending conditions are favorable |
Technology & AI | Integrate low‑barrier AI tools and e‑commerce or CRM platforms |
Regulatory Awareness | Monitor new small business legislation at federal and state levels |
Planning & Resilience | Revisit your business plan; diversify and forecast strategically |
By tapping into these legal advantages, funding trends, and digital tools, business growth 2026 can become more than a goal—it can be your reality.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us at team@onekeyaccounting.com—we’ll help tailor a growth strategy that aligns with your vision, your industry, and today’s landscape.