In this year’s trend series, we reflect on a business cycle shaping a new set of challenges for Vistage members. Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) wrestle with tariff uncertainty, higher input costs, the no-hire/no-fire job market, and accelerating technological disruption.

2026 will test our resilience, discipline, and adaptability. The trend series illuminates 5 converging forces.

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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.