Small Business Weekly Outlook

Rob Philion • December 2, 2024


A small business weekly outlook for the week of 12/24

In the first set of data collected after the election, small business owners are bullish about growth and profitability. 


Our weekly survey and analysis of the latest data from leading organizations highlights improved confidence and strong growth expectations for 2025.


Our survey about small businesses also reveals optimism about the economy coupled with inflation worries, ongoing hiring pressures and an upward trend in capital spending.


Meanwhile, the Q3 MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index is out with insights on the economy. And our Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business report shows how AI is helping small businesses.


This Week's Highlights


  • Small business confidence continues to rise, with 63% of owners believing the economy will improve over the next year, a notable increase of 27 points from October.

  • 92% of small business owners anticipate moderate to significant growth in the next six months, with optimism especially pronounced among immigrant-owned and veteran-owned businesses.


New Small Business Data


Summary: Small business confidence improves after the election with skyrocketing anticipation of higher revenues and profitability.

  • 28% of small business owners say the economy has improved (5 points higher than October) and 28% say the economy has gotten worse (3 points better than October).

  • 63% of small business owners believe the economy will improve in the next 12 months (27 points better than October) and 13% believe the economy will worsen (1 point better than October).

  • 64% of small businesses plan on increasing employees next year (12 points higher than October) and 3% plan on shrinking their workforce (4 points lower than October).

  • 45% of small businesses expect to increase fixed investments in the next year (9 points higher than October).

  • 79% of small businesses expect increased revenues in the next 12 months (13 points higher than October) and *69% believe profitability will improve (16 points higher than October).

  • 51% of small business owners rank “tax policies” as the most likely to impact their business within a list of anticipated policy priorities of the new Administration.

  • 92% of small business owners expect moderate to significant growth in the next 6 months (up ½ a point since last quarter).

  • 97% of immigrant-owned small businesses are forecasting growth (up 2 points).

  • Almost 97% of veteran-owned small businesses are forecasting growth (up 12 points).

  • 58% of small businesses that are family-owned plan on keeping the business in the family.


  • 35% of small business owners are positive about the nation’s economic health (decreased 1 point since last quarter) and 48% are negative about the U.S. economy (1 point more negative).

  • 38% of small business owners are positive about the health of their local economy (decreased 5 points since last quarter) and 34% are negative about their local economy (7 points more negative than last quarter).

  • 56% of small business owners rank inflation as their top concern (1 point higher than last quarter and the 11th consecutive quarter where inflation tops the list).

  • 66% of small businesses are confident in the health of their own business (no change from last quarter) and 68% are comfortable with their current cash flow (5 point decrease from last quarter).

  • 22% of small businesses increased staff over the past year (no change from than last quarter and tied with the highest level reached 2-years ago) and 44% of small businesses anticipate increasing staff in the next 12-months (3 points higher than last quarter).

  • 71% of small business owners are more interested in the upcoming election than 4-years ago.

  • 84% of small business owners feel that partisan gridlock is a serious problem in Washington and 75% believe that political leaders should compromise to get things done (7 points higher than 4-years ago).

  • 88% of small business owners said that it is very important the next Congress does not raise taxes on businesses.


Article written by Thomas M Sullivan for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. For the full article, please visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Small Business Weekly Outlook

Why an SBA Express Line of Credit Might Be Your Best Move

By Rob Philion • August 11, 2025
Why an SBA Express Line of Credit Might Be Your Best Move Need faster access to funds without sacrificing flexibility? The SBA Express Line of Credit combines the low-cost, reliable backing of the SBA with the agility small businesses crave. Here’s what sets it apart: 1. Super-Fast Response Times Unlike traditional loans, the SBA Express generally offers a 72-hour SBA decision on whether to guarantee your line of credit—so you can get going almost immediately. 2. Flexible, Revolving Access It's not a one-and-done loan. You draw only what you need, repay, then borrow again—like a credit card but with lower rates and smarter terms. 3. Competitive SBA Backing SBA guarantees up to 50% of the line, lowering risk for lenders and improving your chances. You benefit without sacrificing speed. 4. Use It for Whatever Keeps You Rolling Need to manage cash flow, cover payroll, buy inventory, or respond to emergencies? It’s your cushion. Just don’t use it for ineligible costs like real estate or debt refinancing. 5. Pay Interest Only on What You Use Unused portion? No interest. You only pay when you draw. 6. Potential Fee Advantage Some lenders waive fees on the Express Line—making it even more cost-effective compared to term loans. What to Watch For Maximum Line Size : Typically up to $350,000—enough for many small business needs, but not every big project. Interest Matters : Rates vary; always compare. Use Restrictions : Strictly business—no personal spending, real estate or investment purchases. Lender Discretion : The SBA sets the rules, but each bank interprets them. Ask specifically about their SLA (Service Level Agreement) and timeline. Renewal Terms : Some lenders may require annual renewal or fee. Why You Should Care If cash flow moves fast in your business, waiting weeks for a term loan can cost you. The SBA Express Line gives you business-grade funding on your terms—quickly, flexibly, and affordably.

Common Problems Salons Face - And How SBA Loans Can Help

By Rob Philion • August 8, 2025
Running a hair, nail, or lash salon isn’t just about delivering great service. It’s also about managing the constant challenges that come with owning a small business. From seasonal slowdowns to rising costs, many salon owners face cash flow gaps that can put their business at risk. That’s where working capital from an SBA 7(a) loan can make a difference. Common Problems Salons Face 1. Seasonal Fluctuations Many salons see a spike in revenue during holidays and wedding season, but slower months can strain cash flow. 2. Rising Supply Costs Hair color, nail polish, lash extensions — the cost of professional products keeps climbing, eating into margins. 3. Equipment Upgrades Chairs, dryers, manicure tables, and lash beds eventually need replacing. Without cash on hand, upgrades get delayed. 4. Staffing Challenges Keeping top stylists, nail techs, and lash artists often means offering competitive pay and benefits, which can be tough during slower periods. 5. Marketing & Client Retention Attracting new clients and keeping loyal ones takes consistent marketing — something many salons put off when funds are tight. How SBA 7(a) Working Capital Can Help The SBA 7(a) loan program offers salon owners affordable financing with flexible repayment terms. Working capital from an SBA loan can be used to: Cover payroll during slow months Buy supplies in bulk to save money Upgrade or replace equipment without draining savings Invest in advertising to bring in more clients Fund staff training to improve services and retention Because SBA loans offer longer repayment terms and lower rates than most alternatives, salon owners can manage cash flow without the pressure of short-term, high-interest debt. Bottom line: Whether you run a hair salon, nail spa, or lash lounge, having working capital ready can mean the difference between struggling through slow months or growing year-round. 📞 Contact ComCap today to see how an SBA 7(a) loan can help your salon thrive.

Top 10 Women Owned Businesses By Ethnicity

By 7113731563 • August 7, 2025
Sofia Sefchick sits in her yoga studio and apparel store, Hello Yoga, in Reno, NV. Photo courtesy of Noticiero Movil. Women-owned businesses are growing faster than any other segment of the U.S. economy. As of 2024, women own more than 13 million businesses , generating $2 trillion in annual revenue and employing over 9 million people. Whether you’re launching or expanding, SBA loans are often a critical component for growth, especially when traditional lenders hesitate. If you’re a woman entrepreneur, or you're advising one, this list will show where the momentum is and where smart capital can make a difference. Top 10 Industries for Women Owned Businesses These are the most common and fastest-growing industries where women are launching and scaling businesses: 1. Health Care & Social Assistance Recession-proof, purpose-driven, growing. 2. Professional, Scientific, Technical Services Consulting, legal, marketing, design, tech 3. Administrative & Waste Management Virtual assistance, janitorial, staffing, HR 4. Retail Trade (Online & Physical) E-commerce boom, low startup costs, scalable 5. Accommodation & Food Services Restaurants, bakeries, catering, hospitality 6. Educational Services Tutoring, coaching, online courses, childcare 7. Real Estate, Rental & Leasing Prop managers, brokerages, short-term rentals 8. Finance & Insurance Bookkeeping, tax prep, financial planning 9. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Creative services, wellness, fitness studios 10. Manufacturing (Small Batch & Niche) Beauty products, apparel, artisan goods B reakdown by Ethnicity Black Women Owned Businesses Fastest growth rate of any demographic. Popular industries: Hair and beauty Health and wellness Retail and e-commerce Childcare and education Many rely on personal funding or community capital. SBA microloans and Express lines of credit are often critical for launching or restocking inventory. Latina Owned Businesses Represent 1 in 10 women owned businesses in the U.S. Common sectors: Food service (catering, food trucks) Cleaning services Retail and clothing brands Professional services (translation, legal aid, consulting) SBA loans can help secure vehicles, equipment, or real estate for expansion. Asian American Women Owned Businesses High representation in: Healthcare and medicine (clinics, therapy, wellness) Education services E-commerce and specialty retail Technology and SaaS startups Many qualify for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans to fund offices, tech, and staffing. Native American Women Owned Businesses Strong presence in: Artisan manufacturing Agriculture Cultural education and tourism Environmental consulting Often located in rural areas where Community Advantage loans and 504 rural development loans are ideal options. How SBA Loans Power Women Owned Businesses Most women-owned businesses are under capitalized, not because of lack of vision, but because of systemic lending gaps. Here’s where SBA loans help level the playing field: SBA Loan Type Best Use Case 7(a) Working capital, business acquisition, expansion 504 Equipment, real estate, construction Express Fast working capital or startup needs Microloans New ventures, solopreneurs, small inventories These loans offer lower down payments, longer terms , and in many cases, no collateral required . That’s a game-changer if you’re trying to get started or scale quickly. Final Thoughts Women are redefining what business ownership looks like across every industry. But growth still requires funding, and that's where SBA loans come in. Whether you're running a childcare center, launching a wellness brand, or acquiring a second location, the right financing helps you move faster, hire sooner, and grow smarter. At ComCap, we help women owned businesses access SBA funding — even when traditional banks say no or don't lend enough. ✅ SBA 7(a), Express, and 504 Loans ✅ Available nights, weekends, and holidays ✅ We move fast and can closing in 10 days Need help funding your next step? Let’s talk.
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