Key Takeaways
Well, it’s 2025. Many of us thought that we’d be zipping around on hoverboards at this point, but we’re still walking around with our feet firmly on the ground. Disappointment over the lack of hoverboards aside, we are keeping our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the small business world. And we can tell you, it’s been a wild ride so far, and there are no signs of it slowing down.
From what we’re calling the “Great Boomer Business Handoff” to the rise of e-commerce to a future that’s anything but certain, these are the small business trends we’re seeing from our lending desk and the opportunities we see coming with them.
The “Great Boomer Business Handoff”
Baby Boomers have spent the last 40 to 50 years building their businesses and now they’re getting ready to pass the reins to the next wave of entrepreneurs. Over the next decade, the State of Owner Readiness Report revealed that 75% of business owners want to exit their business. This means that 4.5 million of these small businesses will be up for grabs as record numbers of Baby Boomers retire and conversations that start with “maybe we should buy that bakery down the street” can end up becoming a reality.
What this means for you: As a referral partner, you’re in the perfect spot to help clients navigate multi-generational planning conversations and provide support for ambitious owners who want to jump into buying an established business. We're seeing this trend play out across lots of different industries, so when someone comes to you with a business they want to buy, that’s your cue to loop us in. SBA 7(a) loans often provide the green light entrepreneurs need to move forward with a business acquisition, and we can help guide them through turning “what if” into “why not!”
The Amazon effect goes mainstream
Online shopping is a booming industry, but it’s not just for Amazon and other e-commerce giants. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores are finding success with their own online sales and brands are leaning into direct-to-consumer sales. Whether a business is selling through Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, or TikTok Shop, they’re expanding their possibilities and serving their clients in entirely new ways.
What this means for you: If a client has concerns about cash flow or needs to buy more inventory, that’s where SBA 7(a) financing and microloans come in. They provide working capital for business owners to buy rolling inventory, make technology and software investments, upgrade their warehouse, or even cover marketing and brand development costs. The reality is that not every business needs to be on Amazon, but most need some digital presence and success often comes down to making the right moves with the right funding.
The ability to adjust and adapt
There’s a lot of talk about how industries and businesses are leaning into automation, but we’re seeing the opposite—many small businesses remain people-powered. However, it’s no secret that technology and the rise of AI are changing the game. On a different front, tariffs are creating price hikes across industries and wages are climbing steadily upward. What businesses need to do regardless of their industry is master the art of adaptability, so they’re able to adjust as technology advances and the economy shifts around them.
What this means for you: Certain realities, like tariffs and higher wages, can impact cash flow planning and can really affect an owner’s ability to cover expenses like inventory and new technology. But this is an opportunity to support business owners as they navigate uncertain territory. SBA 7(a) loans provide funding and flexibility in the face of advancing technology and an uncertain market. Being adaptable and making smart financing moves can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.
The bigger picture: Opportunities disguised as uncertainty
If you turn on the news, things often look pretty overwhelming. Trust us, we get it. But here’s what we see: focusing on relationships and preparing yourself for the future creates opportunities to adapt and adjust.
The mass exodus of Baby Boomers, the rise of online sales and AI, and economic changes means that the future of small businesses is anything but certain. But what is certain is that we’ll be there to support you and your clients through it all with enthusiasm and excitement.
These trends are creating opportunities for financing. We’re staying ahead of these shifts to structure creative solutions to support business owners as they navigate their way through a changing world. Early conversations with your clients about their options can lead to incredible opportunities to capitalize on these trends rather than simply react to them.
Recognizing the signs of a good SBA opportunity means you’ll know exactly when to reach out and get us involved. We’re here to help you prepare for whatever comes next. The conversations with you about what you’re seeing also helps us serve businesses and you to the best of our ability. Let’s figure out what’s possible together!
