Agency

Inflation adds to the weight. OnDeck’s 2025 Small Business Cash Flow Report reveals that 32% of business owners report rising prices as their single biggest challenge. At the same time, borrowing has become harder, supply chains remain uneven, and interest rate changes ripple across industries. For many, staying afloat means rethinking old habits and sharpening financial discipline.

The Federal Reserve’s Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey from Q1 in 2025 suggests that it has become more challenging for small businesses in the United States to secure commercial and industrial loans. As economic uncertainty rises, banks are becoming more hesitant to lend money to low-collateral businesses.