Business Wire·Apr 23, 2026, 8:00 AM ET

New Survey from LegalZoom Finds Small Business Optimism Is Climbing in 2026

60% of small business owners describe their 2026 outlook as optimistic, with 21% stating they are "very optimistic."
LegalZoom surveyed nearly 1,000 U.S. small business owners to assess motivations, financial health, funding confidence, cost pressures, & AI integration.
40% of entrepreneurs cite the desire to be their own boss as their primary motivation for starting a business.
LinkedIn data shows a 69% year-over-year increase in U.S. members adding "founder" to their profiles.
53% of respondents report increased operating costs over the past year, leading them to prioritize financial stability over growth.
30% of founders lack confidence in their ability to secure funding in 2026 if needed.
52% of small business owners plan to expand their use of AI tools in 2026, with 30% believing AI will make running their business "much easier."
54% of U.S. small business leaders say AI is already essential to their growth, while nearly 60% plan to adopt AI tools across their organizations in 2026.
Jeff Stibel, LegalZoom Chairman & CEO, notes that 2026 is defined by rising costs, economic headwinds, AI enablement, & increased entrepreneurship.
LegalZoom employs a human-in-the-loop approach to AI, ensuring speed & efficiency are backed by qualified professional judgment.