Economic Trends for 2026 and Beyond
In Part IV of our series, we focus on Economic Trends facing small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in 2026 and beyond.
Margaret Thatcher once said, “Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.”
Small and midsize businesses are under pressure to maintain volume and pricing as tariffs and other inputs bite into margins. After spiking to 40-year highs, inflation has cooled but continues to run above the Federal Reserve’s target. Labor is scarce and expensive, with wages and benefits climbing fast. All this at a time when the cost of capital remains high, and growth plans are muted.
The Strategy Experts
Marc Emmer is President and Chief Strategist & Facilitator at Optimize Inc.
He is an author, speaker and consultant recognized as a thought leader throughout North America as an expert in strategic planning.
