February 19, 2026
The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network has announced the results of the 2026 Small Business Survey.
The OCIE SBDC Small Business Survey was conducted in late 2025 to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. With over 1,200 responses from businesses spanning diverse industries, the survey provides valuable insights that will help guide the development of targeted programs, resources, and advocacy efforts to support the local small business community.
The survey focused on key areas, including business demographics, operational challenges, financial pressures, marketing practices, and future outlooks. The top responding industries were Professional/Technical Services, Retail, Health & Wellness, and Food Service, with 40% of respondents in business for over 10 years, reflecting a strong presence of established enterprises. Respondents shared details about their industries, years in business, number of employees, and geographic locations, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s small business landscape.
Operational challenges were a major focus, with businesses identifying struggles to reach new customers, hire and retain qualified staff, adopt new technologies, and comply with government regulations. Financial pressures were another significant theme, with businesses reporting difficulties managing rising costs, uneven cash flow, debt payments, and limited access to affordable financing. Many respondents shared that they applied for funding but faced barriers such as high credit costs, complex application processes, and limited awareness of available programs. Marketing practices were also explored, revealing that nearly 20% of businesses do not engage in any form of marketing, while others struggle to establish a strong digital presence or effectively use social media and other tools.
These findings highlight the critical areas where small businesses need support, but they also reflect optimism for the future. Looking ahead to 2026, 56% of businesses anticipate revenue growth, and 34% plan to hire at least one additional employee, signaling confidence in expansion and job creation. The OCIE SBDC and its partners will leverage this data to develop targeted programs and resources that not only address challenges but also capitalize on these growth opportunities. Efforts will focus on helping businesses attract more customers, access affordable financing, manage financial pressures, build their workforce, and implement effective digital marketing strategies.
The SBDC and its partners remain dedicated to empowering small businesses, fostering their growth, and ensuring their voices are heard. Thank you to all who participated in this year’s survey, your insights are invaluable to shaping the future of our small business community!
Click below to view the full report and key insights.
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Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.
Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.
