UNDERSTANDING THE SMB ECONOMY Global SMB Macro Trends Report

A look into the trends shaping the future of small business

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Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are operating in a complex and rapidly changing environment.

Economic uncertainty, digital transformation and shifting expectations around financial services are influencing how many SMBs think about growth, resilience and day-to-day operations.

The Global SMB Macro Trends Report brings together research, regional perspectives, and ecosystem insights to highlight patterns emerging across the global SMB landscape.

Many SMBs are looking to improve access to capital and cashflow management

Irregular cash flow and financing gaps are a significant pain point for many SMBs:

27.7% of surveyed SMBs globally reported issues related to using or applying for credit or borrowing tools.¹

To address these issues, many SMBs are exploring innovative new ways to improve access to capital, manage cash flow and increase financial stability as their needs change.

Security, fraud prevention and trust are increasingly important

SMBs can be prime targets for cybercriminals:

1/3 of surveyed SMBs experienced a cyberattack in the last year.²

Many next-gen SMB owners (Millennials and Gen Z) are particularly aware of these risks, and many of them are investing in robust solutions to protect their businesses.

Expectations for financial services are evolving, with many SMBs seeking digital-first experiences

Non-traditional lenders are emerging as significant players in the SMB sector by providing expanded, specialized offerings that cater to the unique needs of these businesses:

12% of surveyed SMBs borrow from non-traditional lenders.³

Explore the insights and perspectives shaping SMBs in 2026

Download the Global SMB Macro Trends Report to learn how the financial ecosystem can continue to support small businesses as they navigate what's next.

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1. PYMNTS Intelligence and Visa, 2024. "Embedded Finance." Research was commissioned by Visa and conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence through an online survey of -8,300 SMB decision makers across 6 countries, fielded January 22 - February 13, 2024.
2. Microsoft Security, 2024. "Small and Medium Business Cybersecurity Report." Research was commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by Bredin through an online survey of 2,000 IT security product decision makers at U.K. and U.S. businesses, fielded September 10-26, 2024.
3. Datos Insights, 2024. "Taking SMBs Back From Online Lenders: How to Do It Now." Research was conducted by Datos Insights through an online survey of 1,004 U.S. SMBs, fielded in Q1,2024.