Small Business Saturday returns each year as a welcome reminder of something easy to overlook. The United States runs on small businesses. Nearly every registered firm in the country fits the official definition of “small”. The result: more than thirty million enterprises, many family-run or founder-led, employing close to sixty million people. They anchor neighborhoods, spark job creation, and give cities their character. They also account for the majority of net new jobs that keep the U.S. economy moving forward.
These sweeping numbers tell an important and even a holistic story; but the real picture lives behind each storefront or service counter. Every café, contractor, boutique, studio, and market is first built by someone who took their risk and turned it into reality. Their work adds stability to local economies. Their resilience shapes the identity of the communities they serve.
A Q4 Small Business Forecast Shaped by Pressure
As the fourth quarter unfolds, small business financial forecasting reflects a mix of promise and uncertainty. A recent survey showed that nearly seventy percent of SMBs found the current macroeconomic environment “challenging.” Owners continue to cite tariffs, rising costs, labor shortages, and decreased consumer spending as top concerns to current and 2026 sales forecasts. These pressures create strain for firms that already operate with narrow margins, especially in retail, personal services, restaurants and hospitality industries.
The Q4 small business forecast is also shared through the following trends:
Resilience by the Numbers
For small businesses, this year is marked equally by disruption and innovation. Almost forty percent of surveyed SMBs introduced artificial intelligence into their daily operations. Owners are leaning on digital tools to automate administrative work, improve customer reach, and free up time for higher value tasks. A recent industry report from Bank of America found a steady rise in technology spending as SMBs invest in systems that strengthen profitability and reduce costs.
Although digital adoption continues to climb, several pressure points remain. Access to capital is still tight. A Goldman Sachs survey indicates that 71% of owners feel this pressure as their top concern. Others suggest that the higher operating costs and ongoing supply delays complicate their planning and add to economic uncertainty. Interest rates remain a concern for companies that rely on credit to manage inventory or seasonal changes.
These realities underscore two essentials for Q4. The first is building cash reserves where possible. The second is doubling down on the customers who return again and again. High value customer relationships remain one of the most reliable sources of stability in an uncertain cycle.
Despite these constraints, all optimism is not lost. A clear majority of small and mid-size owners expect revenue growth and future sales in the year ahead. This nimble outlook reflects the traits that define most entrepreneurs. They find ways to adjust, move quickly, experiment with new technologies, and pivot as needed. And they continue to innovate even when conditions are mixed.
How Big Cities Continue to Rely on Small Firms
The influence of small businesses is especially visible inside America’s major cities. In places from New York and Los Angeles to Miami and Charleston, small enterprises account for forty to fifty percent of local employment. More than 99% of business is “small,” and in many neighborhoods, that share climbs even higher.
Research consistently shows that industries populated by small businesses generate new products and processes at a faster clip than those consisting of a few large companies. However, at a moment when we celebrate the SMB ecosystem through Small Business Saturday, it’s important to note how small business growth is declining on the whole. Entrepreneurs again cite access to responsible capital as the chief barrier to their success and ongoing growth.
Some larger cities see their responsibility to insulate small business from major headwinds. This is because local economic development agencies know the following about the direct impact of small business, especially in urban centers:
- Every $100 spent at a local independent business can generate $45–$58 in additional local economic activity as compared with $14 at a big-box or national chain.
- Money spent with local businesses recirculates in the community 2–4 times more than money spent with non-local companies, boosting local jobs, tax revenue, and community projects.
Q4: Support Small Business
Small Business Saturday allows owners and consumers to reflect on a year of grit and creativity, marking the final stretch before year end. This holiday invites us to recognize the people who take risks, who create jobs, who make neighborhoods vibrant, and who keep our cities strong. It also invites us to consider our own role as consumers. Each visit counts. Each purchase carries weight.
Supporting a small business is one of the most direct ways to strengthen the local economy. This weekend, and throughout the season, Loan Mantra is honored to sit at the intersection between borrowers and lenders, ensuring small business owners receive access to prudent capital.
Celebrating The Builders: The Best of Small Business
In honor of Small Business Saturday, selected members of the Loan Mantra team are sharing some of their favorite small businesses. From Charleston to New York City, these are places that they love and patronize, over and over again.
On Cole Richter’s Small Business List
Haddrell’s Point Tackle
- This tackle shop has been a cornerstone of Mount Pleasant since the 1980s, back when it was a small coastal town. Situated at a bustling intersection on the way to Sullivan’s Island, its vintage charm evokes memories of visiting bait shops with your grandfather. The store offers a great selection of gear and boasts phenomenal, knowledgeable staff who are always eager to assist or share a good fishing story. https://haddrellspoint.com/
Dave’s Carry Out
- Dave’s Carry Out is a hidden gem in downtown Charleston that often goes unnoticed, but for those who discover it, it becomes unforgettable. Their simple yet delicious offerings, like fried fish fresh from a local fisherman served on white bread with tomato and mayo, along with Southern favorites such as deviled crab and ham hocks, always delight. Despite the shop's weathered appearance, the culinary experience is sure to pleasantly surprise you. https://www.yelp.com/biz/daves-carry-out-charleston
Parrot Surf and Skate
- Parrot Surf and Skate holds a special place among Charlestonians, being one of the last authentic surf and skate shops in the area. Despite the decline in board sports' popularity since the early 2000s, Parrot maintains its chill, 90s nostalgia. Each year, they host a neighborhood party featuring a free pig roast and live music—it's all about good vibes with friends and locals. https://parrotsurfshop.com/
On Ann Hill Moore’s Small Business List
Babas
Baba’s operates two charming European-inspired cafés in Charleston—Baba’s on Cannon and Baba’s on Meeting—offering a cozy atmosphere with exceptional coffee, house-made pastries, and fresh lunch options. In the evenings, they transform into vibrant spots for aperitivo service, featuring craft cocktails, curated wines, and small plates, making them a beloved neighborhood destination for any time of day. https://guide.charlestonmag.com/dining/babas-on-cannon/
Obstinate Daughter
Located on Sullivan’s Island, The Obstinate Daughter is a celebrated Southern restaurant blending French, Italian, and Spanish influences with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Its menu features wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood, earning accolades like James Beard Award nominations and a Michelin recommendation. https://www.theobstinatedaughter.com/
Out of the Garden
Out of the Garden is a boutique floral design studio in Mount Pleasant that specializes in creating unique, artful arrangements for weddings, events, and everyday occasions. Known for its creative approach and collaboration with local and international growers, the shop offers fresh, distinctive blooms and stylish containers to bring any vision to life. https://charlestonguru.com/listing/out-of-the-garden/
On Emily Larsen Doxford’s Small Business List
Locavore Guide
Built by founder Caroline Weaver, the Locavore Guide is a hyper-local directory of small, independent retailers within the five boroughs of New York. In fact, Weaver walked over 40,000 NYC blocks to catalog small shops and makers curating this priceless cabinet of curiosities along the way. As a consumer, you can either check out the “yellow pages” digital directory and discover every type of small business through helpful filters, or you can shop directly at the Locavore Variety Store, a Greenwich Village outpost featuring the best-of in one central location. (Think MoMa design store, except you are supporting local small business retailers).
- TheLocavore.com |@locavorenyc
- 434 6th Ave (Greenwich Village), NYC, NY 10011
- If you like Locavore, you may also like Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store
M&J Trimming
M&J Trimming is a legendary NYC garment district institution offering an enormous selection of ribbons, buttons, trims, beads, and more. Historically I have shopped at M&J with very little agenda; I’ve never once left without purchasing something, nor have I ever regretted the splurge. While this is not a place to shop with friends or family who enable your spending whims, it’s a perfect place to find the gorgeous craft or design accoutrement that you never knew you always needed. (Stock up on materials now while they clear inventory and say goodbye--a nostalgic final chapter for longtime customers).
- mjtrim.com
- 1008 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018.
McNally Jackson Bookstore
Bibliophiles unite! This independent, literary-driven bookstore, founded by Sarah McNally, has a few locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn each beloved by the neighborhood patrons it serves. The thoughtfully curated selection, educated staff, and in-store events make it more than a bookstore; it’s a salon-style hub that reflects the concerns of its community.
- Mcnallyjackson.com |@mcnallyjackson
- 134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Goods for the Study
Speaking of McNally Jackson, this stationery haven was launched by the same team. It’s a dreamy stop for anyone who loves writing, sketching or journaling and the perfect place to find thoughtful, design-forward stationary and paper gifts.
- mcnallyjackson.com (navigate to Goods for the Study)
- 234 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Fishs Eddy
Fishs Eddy is a beloved NYC staple known for charming tableware, vintage-inspired ceramics, home goods both classic and cheeky, and collaborations with local artists. The store’s female owner curates pieces for your table, from iconic skyline plates to mix-and-match glassware, in an artful, humorous, and intelligent way. She also shares a bit about her journey with MS. So while I purchase items from the store regularly, I also never regret visiting because of the parasocial relationship I have with the longtime owner. What can I say...Fishs Eddy is my Eras concert.
- Fishseddy.com
- 889 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Leo’s Bagels
I am not equipped to enter the contest regarding “best NYC bagel,” but I am a fan of Leo’s Bagels in Lower Manhattan. The outpost delivers the perfect amount of hustle and attitude, and the payoff is a consistently delicious, hearty bagel that tastes like it was made by someone who genuinely cares.
- leosbagels.com
- 3 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10005
John Derian Dry Goods
John Derian is known for beautiful decoupage home goods, decorative trays, paper items, and charming vintage-inspired curiosities. His cottage-like shop and whimsical aesthetic instantly takes me back to the holidays at my grandparents’ home and returns a piece of childhood magic to my soul while I visit. Each item in the store feels like a handcrafted treasure, made for gift-giving.
- Johnderian.com | @johnderiancompany
- 10 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10003
Amagansett Sea Salt
A small-batch sea salt company based on Long Island, this duo of founders produces artisanal salts infused with herbs and citrus. It’s a business and a product born of passion, hard work, and patience, and I feel like I can taste all three every time I savor the salt.
- Amagansettseasalt.com | @amagansettseasalt
Four & Twenty Blackbirds
This legendary Brooklyn pie shop is known for richly flavored, handcrafted fruit and seasonal pies. My personal favorite is salted honey, which tops many “best of” lists both locally and nationwide. Despite being revered, this business wins my favor for keeping strong community ties and maintaining its intentional presence. Although it has a gorgeous cookbook (for which the company’s food photographer, Mark Weinberg, also has my vote for being one of the most interesting and capable artists/small businesses that I know), the pie shop chooses to stay truly rooted to its neighborhood.
- Fourandtwentyblackbirds.com | @birdsblack
- 439 Third Ave (Gowanus), Brooklyn, NY 11215
Caffé Panna
What is pie without a la mode? In balmier months, it is not unusual to see friends and neighbors queued in the long line outside Caffe Panna in the Gramercy area of NYC. This female-owned artisan gelato shop offers small-batch flavors and creative takes on classics, like homemade Oreo brittle. I have yet to encounter a flavor I don’t love, but if there are any seasonal specials available, I am immediately on board. Their panna (or cream) is imported from a producer in Piemonte, Italy, after the owner determined that no local ingredients could provide her with an optimum consistency.
- Caffepanna.com | @caffepanna
- 77 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
Jonny’s Pizza
The most utilized shared cell phone note between my husband and I has everything to do with pizza ratings. To choose one favorite isn’t possible, but there’s a reason Jonny’s makes my list (along with many global pizza connoisseurs) this year. The no-frills Orchard street joint delivers the best white pie, with an unmatched burrata and hot honey combination (called “Jonny’s style”). No one does simple, better.
- jonnyspizzanyc.com
- 173 Orchard Street, New York NY 10002
On Raj Tulshan’s Small Business List
Buck’s Deli
I love Buck’s for its classic-deli vibe: fresh bread, hearty sandwiches made with care, and feel-good food that’s efficient but never sloppy. It’s the kind of local spot that keeps Charleston grounded, fed, and where locals congregate in a feel-good way. https://www.bucksdeli.com
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
Hank’s feels like Charleston itself on a plate: Lowcountry seafood, rich Southern tradition, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home whether you're a local or a visitor. https://www.hanksseafoodrestaurant.com
Brackish
Brackish is Charlestonian craftsmanship at its finest. Their handmade feather-based accessories and jewelry (from bow ties to earrings) feel timeless and unique. I admire their commitment to artisan detail. Any time I go to an event, I feel like a proper gentleman and am always complimented on my bowtie. https://www.brackish.com
Local Dog Apparel
When I wear a t-shirt I want it to be perfect. Local Dog nails that lived in energy of a beach town that is never without its manners. The company never compromises on quality and the cotton gets better in time. One time I made a bulk order and the owner hand-delivered the box to my office to ensure I approved their quality. If I wasn’t before, I became a loyal and lifelong customer in that moment. https://www.localdog.com/
Charleston Bagel
As a Charleston transplant from NYC, finding my local bagel shop was no small feat. Gratefully, Charleston Bagel delivers every time. Simple, no-frills, and dependable, it’s the kind of place you can establish an everyday comfort or routine: good bagels, good coffee, and local feel. https://charlestonbagel.com/
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier is unmatched craftsmanship: handmade chocolates, pastries, and sweets that reflect a tradition of quality and taste. Their work is a treat for the senses, especially for someone who loves sweets, and a reminder that small business can bring a lesson in luxury. https://www.christophechocolatier.com
Meyer Vogl Gallery
Meyer Vogl Gallery captures Charleston’s blend of art, history, and elegance. This space shapes the city’s aesthetic identity as much as its commerce, giving a platform to local artists. I have become a patron of many artists, like Laurie Meyer, by learning about them first at the gallery. https://meyervogl.com/
