As businesses enter 2026 facing ongoing access-to-capital challenges, rising costs, and greater operational complexity, they need to understand today’s entrepreneurial landscape to survive and thrive. This is slated to be a year when business owners must know how to navigate to strengthen and scale their businesses, no matter where they are in the country. Industry expert Corinne Goble weighs in on the path forward, which is becoming increasingly clear, and increasingly urgent.
“Across the country, entrepreneurs are asking the same questions regarding cash flow, sustainability, technology, and how to prepare for what’s next,” said Corinne Goble, CEO of the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC). “The businesses gaining traction are the ones taking proactive steps now, not waiting for perfect conditions.”
Conditions for entrepreneurs are never perfect, making it crucial to adapt to changing market realities. Based on insights from AWBC’s national network of more than 150 Women’s Business Centers serving entrepreneurs across all 50 states, Goble sees consistent themes emerging: businesses stabilizing and positioning themselves for growth as they head into the new year.
Her insider experience provides a unique perspective on what is happening, what people can expect, and what they should consider this year. Here are the five moves that entrepreneurs must make in 2026:
Get Clear on the Numbers Before There’s a Problem
Entrepreneurs who track expenses, manage budgets, and forecast cash flow earlier are better positioned to make confident decisions. AWBC advisors consistently see that financial clarity, not revenue alone, is what enables businesses to weather uncertainty.
Prepare for Capital Well Ahead of Need
Rather than seeking funding only during moments of strain, founders should focus on capital readiness, including strengthening business plans, documentation, and lender relationships in advance.
Use Technology to Improve Operations, Not Add Complexity
From accounting tools to customer management systems, entrepreneurs are prioritizing technology that simplifies operations and saves time. AWBC centers report that founders who adopt the right tools early gain efficiency without added overwhelm.
Formalize Business Systems to Support Growth
As businesses grow, informal processes can become liabilities. Entrepreneurs who document workflows, clarify pricing, and reduce reliance on themselves as the sole operator are better able to scale sustainably.
Seek Guidance and Support Earlier in the Journey
One of the most consistent patterns across AWBC's network: founders who engage with advisors, business centers, and peer support before challenges escalate are more resilient and better prepared for change.
“These aren’t abstract ideas, they’re coming directly from what we see business owners working through every day,” Goble adds. “The earlier founders get support and structure in place, the more options they have when the market shifts.”
Goble has been an expert source in many television segments, interviews, and commentary pieces on small business resilience, women's entrepreneurship, access to capital, and what founders should prioritize as they plan for 2026. To learn more about the organization, visit the site at: https://awbc.org.
