Small Business Blog

As a small business owner entering a new year, planning ahead and staying informed can help you gain clarity and confidence as you develop business plans and set goals. As technology advances and customer expectations change, taking proactive steps now can help you develop a solid game plan, so you’re ready for any challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In this post, we outline five trends that you can expect to see as we enter 2026, including: Increased AI integration and automated systems More locally sourced products and materials The value of human connection over speed The rise of nano-influencers Video-first social media marketing strategies 1. Increased AI Integration and Automated Systems Artificial intelligence (AI) made huge advancements in 2025, setting the stage for further developments in 2026. A noticeable trend is the increasing number of tools and software that have integrated AI features to enhance their offerings......