Small Business Owners Aren't Losing Their Dream, but They're Paying More To Achieve It
KeyBank released its 2026 Small Business Survey, finding that 53% of owners cite inflation and rising costs as the dominant threat, up from 50% in 2025. The survey of 1,500 owners shows improving financial health: 54% could cover one month of operating expenses from cash reserves, up from 33% in 2024, and only 17% are in survival mode versus 23% last year.
Key figures
- Survey respondents
- 1500
- Keycorp total assets
- approximately $191 billion at June 30, 2026
- Owners citing inflation top threat
- 53% (up from 50% in 2025)
- Owners absorbing costs via paycheck
- 33%
- Owners could fund one month expenses from reserves
- 54% (up from 33% in 2024)
AI analysis
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AI-generated analysis of a public disclosure. Not investment advice; verify against the original document.