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Detroit Regional Chamber > Small Business > July 2026 Small Business Outlook: Small Businesses Remain Resilient, Expect Sales and Revenue to Improve

July 2026 Small Business Outlook: Small Businesses Remain Resilient, Expect Sales and Revenue to Improve

July 28, 2026

July 2026 Small Business Data

Summary: While still bargain hunting, consumers are willing to spend more and small businesses benefit.

  • Month-over-month sales at small businesses rose in June (+0.8%) after flatlining for April and May and year-over-year sales continued upward (+2.4% compared to June 2025).
  • Average checkout totals rose 3.7% compared to a year ago.

Learn more about this data from the Fiserv May Small Business Index, published on July 6, 2026.

visual icons of things contributing to sales

93% of small businesses anticipate moderate to significant growth over the next year (no change from last quarter) and 30.4% anticipate significant growth (1.6% lower than last quarter).

Summary: Inflation re-takes the top spot of small business concerns, confidence on Main Street remains high, and AI adoption continues upward, especially for younger firms.

  • 34% of small business owners cited inflation as their highest concern (five points higher than last quarter) and 30% of small business owners cited cash flow as their highest concern (one point lower than last quarter).
  • 61% of small business owners actively use AI (three points higher than last quarter).
  • 71% of small businesses established within the past five years have adopted AI compared to 45% of businesses that have operated for more than 20 years.
  • 31.4% of small business owners listed “being my own boss” as the top reason for starting a business followed by the potential for more income (26%), to pursue their passion (24.2%), and for schedule flexibility (9.6%).

Learn more about this data from the 2026 OnDeck + Ocrulus Small Business Q2 Cash Flow Trend Report, published on July 23, 2026.