AmPac Business Capital recently conducted a survey of their clients to gauge small business sentiment heading into Q2 of 2025. The responses reflect a cautiously optimistic outlook, especially when it comes to revenue growth and broader economic conditions, while also highlighting areas where business owners remain more conservative, particularly in staffing plans and commercial real estate investments.
Key Findings
Optimism About Revenue and the Economy
- 62.5% of business owners anticipate increased revenue in 2025.
- 68.8% have a positive outlook on the overall economy.
This signals strong confidence in the business environment and a readiness to pursue growth opportunities.
Capital Needs Reflect Expansion Plans
- 62.5% say they’ll need capital in the next 12 months for inventory, payroll, acquisition, or other business needs.
This indicates a steady demand for funding solutions that support growth without tying businesses to fixed overhead.
Mixed Expectations for Profit and Staffing
- 53.1% expect higher profits, while 34.4% anticipate no major change.
- 59.4% plan to maintain current staffing levels, and only 21.9% foresee hiring additional employees.
This suggests many businesses are approaching 2025 with financial optimism but are cautious about making new long-term commitments.
Real Estate Activity Likely to Stay Low
- 68.8% are not planning to finance or refinance commercial real estate in the next year.
As market conditions remain unpredictable, businesses appear to be prioritizing flexibility over property investment.
Takeaway
The data points to a clear trend: while small businesses may be cautious about hiring or real estate, there is strong and growing demand for capital to support operations and expansion. When asked whether their loan from AmPac had a positive impact on their business, an overwhelming number of respondents unequivocally said yes. One business shared, “AmPac has helped us with several SBA loans to help grow our ability to produce more products. With their help, we have 120 new jobs.”
As businesses look ahead, AmPac Business Capital is proud to be part of that story. We offer mission-driven financing that meets entrepreneurs where they are and helps them move forward with confidence into 2026 and beyond. Whether it’s working capital, equipment, or expansion funding, AmPac continues to support small business owners as they build stronger, more resilient companies.