The newly released 2026 U.S. Bank Small Business Perspective Survey paints a realistic picture of today’s small business environment. While optimism has softened compared to last year, business owners continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience by investing in growth, hiring employees and positioning their businesses for long-term success.
“The optimism reflected in this survey mirrors what we’re seeing here in the Greater Mankato region,” said Andy Wilke, Executive Vice President of Greater Mankato Growth. “Businesses continue to face real challenges—from rising costs and workforce needs to an evolving economy—but our employers aren’t standing still. They continue to innovate, invest and look for opportunities to grow. Our role at Greater Mankato Growth is to help create the environment where that optimism can turn into lasting success.”
The survey found that compared to 2025:
- Business optimism declined from 93% to 83%.
- Businesses reporting growth fell from 88% to 68%.
- Businesses describing themselves as successful declined from 96% to 87%.
Those numbers highlight the reality many business owners are experiencing. Economic uncertainty, inflation, rising operating costs, access to capital and workforce challenges continue to create headwinds for businesses across the country. Yet despite those pressures, business owners remain focused on the future rather than standing still.
Among the survey’s encouraging findings:
- 91% plan to take at least one action to grow their business.
- 60% expect to hire additional employees.
- 56% plan to invest more capital.
- 46% plan to introduce new products or services.
Those findings feel especially relevant here in the Greater Mankato region. Every day, we see local businesses investing in new facilities, expanding product lines, developing their workforce and finding innovative ways to meet customer needs. While every business has its own unique opportunities and challenges, our region continues to benefit from an entrepreneurial spirit and a business community committed to moving forward.
That’s where Greater Mankato Growth plays an important role.
No business succeeds alone. Strong businesses thrive in communities where leaders are connected, informed and engaged. Through advocacy, workforce initiatives, leadership development, networking opportunities and business resources, Greater Mankato Growth works every day to strengthen the business climate and create the conditions for long-term economic success.
When businesses invest in Greater Mankato Growth through membership, they’re investing not only in their own organization but also in the broader business community that helps attract talent, supports entrepreneurs, advocates for pro-business policies and strengthens our regional economy.
We also want to thank U.S. Bank for its continued commitment to small businesses. Beyond providing financial solutions and resources for entrepreneurs, U.S. Bank’s annual Small Business Perspective Survey offers valuable insights that help business leaders, policymakers and organizations like Greater Mankato Growth better understand the challenges and opportunities facing America’s small businesses.
Read the full 2026 U.S. Bank Small Business Perspective Survey:
https://www.usbank.com/business-banking/business-resource-center/small-business-survey.html
Interested in learning how Greater Mankato Growth can help your business grow? We’d welcome the opportunity to connect and share how membership can strengthen both your organization and the Greater Mankato business community.