Future Prospects of Small enterprises in 2025: Obstacles and Advantages
As business leaders ponder their wishes for 2025, economic certainty and market stability top their list. Indeed, the confidence needed for planning, investing, and hiring heavily relies on having faith in future outcomes. On the flip side, when asked about their concerns, the same leaders often express a lack of certainty and stability for the upcoming year.
2025 appears to follow suit with 2024, offering a mix of economic, political, and social changes around the world. In the US and abroad, concerns surrounding regulatory changes, new tariffs, and potential policy adjustments linger over domestic and international trade. With slim margins and limited resources, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tread on thin ice, making them particularly susceptible to upcoming challenges.
DHL Express U.S.
To gain a clearer picture of what's happening with small-business owners and managers in the US, my company, DHL Express, conducted a survey of hundreds across the nation. We discovered the two chief hassles they're facing:
- Uncertainty surrounding new potential regulations.
- Volatility in the global market.
hundreds of SMEs across the U.S. Here’s what we found and what your company can do to advance in the months ahead.
These topics were cited by 36% of respondents as the primary source of their stress. Digital threats and staffing concerns were also frequent mentions.
Economic uncertainty remains a significant consideration for business leaders, but many are meeting it with cautious optimism.”
Fortunately, there has been cautious optimism among business leaders when it comes to tackling economic uncertainty. But as we dive deeper into the issues facing SMEs, it becomes vital to consider the regulatory landscape both in the US and internationally.
sustainability reporting requirements for large companies in the European Union have come online, as well as new
Regulatory Uncertainty: A Global Concern
cybersecurity regulations. While the impact on SMEs doing business in the EU is limited, companies need to be aware of changing rules, including how they may impact the organizations that they partner with.
Regulatory uncertainty is not confined to the US. Changes in regulations, like new sustainability reporting requirements for large companies in the European Union and new cybersecurity regulations, are already impacting some international SMEs and the partners they collaborate with. To make it even more challenging, regulatory changes are not limited to the US. As a result, monitoring and tracking both regulatory updates and global market performance is essential for both domestic and global businesses looking to expand.
1.3 million U.S. small businesses are engaged in global trade, where they are finding opportunities for new customers across borders. For these companies and those considering international trade for the first time in 2025, monitoring and tracking both regulatory updates and global market performance will be key.
Opportunities for Growth
Expansion of e-commerce globally, including in emerging markets, and advances in logistics and shipping have made it easier for companies to profit from cross-border trade. Even in the face of regulatory challenges, complex trade rules, duties and taxes, U.S. small businesses are increasingly reaching new customers in new global markets.
Despite the challenges, there are also opportunities for SMEs to capitalize on in 2025. According to our survey, 40% of respondents see expanding into new markets as a significant growth opportunity. The expansion of e-commerce globally, particularly in emerging markets, and advancements in logistics and shipping create easier entry for companies looking to profit from cross-border trade.
is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
In addition to international expansions, economic improvements and new technologies present other key opportunities for growth.
40% of our survey respondents also believed that regulatory changes could have a positive impact on their organizations, provided they are prepared to adapt. Staying informed and engaging with partners and stakeholders is key to navigating this regulatory landscape.
Prepare Your Small- or Medium-Sized Business for What's Ahead
As a small- or medium-sized business owner or manager, there are several steps you can take to prepare for potential trade disruptions and strengthen your business's overall resilience:
- Diversify your revenue streams and consider expanding the types of products you sell to reach new international markets.
- Enhance your supply chain by ensuring you have multiple sources for materials, manufacturing, and shipping.
- Stay informed about potential legislative and regulatory changes, both domestically and in your target markets. Rely on partners, stakeholders, vendors, and customers to provide insights into changing market conditions and demands.
- Ensure your company is financially resilient by maintaining adequate cash reserves and having a solid plan for raising capital or securing emergency loans if needed.
Regardless of the challenging conditions that may arise in global markets, being proactive, informed, and adaptable can help small- and medium-sized businesses stay well-positioned to navigate the upcoming years.
- In an article published on Corporate Compliance Insights, Greg Hewitt, DHL's head of sustainability, discusses the impact of new sustainability reporting requirements on large companies operating in the European Union.
- According to the DHL Express 2025 Outlook Survey, setting attributes like being proactive, informed, and adaptable are crucial for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to navigate regulatory uncertainty and economic volatility.
- For further insights into the concerns of SMEs in the US, you can refer to the express article_paragraph_2 on DHL Express's official website, where they share the results of their survey conducted amongst hundreds of SMEs. [https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-us/news-and-insights/reports-and-press-releases/2025-outlook-survey-what-businesses-need-to-know]
