Let’s be honest — the past few years haven’t been easy for small business owners. Rising costs, tighter credit, inflation eating into margins — it’s been a grind. So when a new report drops saying 93% of small businesses expect growth this year, that’s worth paying attention to.

According to a May 2026 report from OnDeck and Ocrolus, small businesses aren’t just surviving — they’re actively planning ahead and finding smarter ways to operate. And the numbers back it up.

One of the biggest drivers? AI. Fifty-eight percent of small businesses are now using artificial intelligence in some capacity, up from previous years, and of those, a whopping 89% say it’s had a positive impact on their business. We’re not talking about big tech companies here — we’re talking about your local shop owner automating their scheduling, a freelancer using AI to draft proposals faster, or a small retailer using it to manage inventory. The barrier to entry has dropped dramatically, and small businesses are taking full advantage.

Flexible financing is another piece of the puzzle. With interest rates still elevated and traditional bank loans harder to access, more small business owners are turning to alternative lending options to fund their growth. The ability to access capital quickly — without jumping through a thousand hoops — is keeping momentum going even when economic conditions aren’t ideal.

And here’s something encouraging: 46% of business owners surveyed said their business health is stronger right now than it was at the same point last year. That’s not blind optimism. That’s real confidence built on real results.

The takeaway for anyone running a small business in 2026? The tools are there, the financing options are expanding, and the mindset is shifting from survival to strategy. The businesses winning right now aren’t necessarily the biggest ones — they’re the most adaptable ones.