CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS & BUSINESS OWNERS

Main Street has a lot to say. Let's hear yours.

Pull up a chair. We'll bring the questions.

Twenty quick ones, mostly tap-to-answer, about what running a business is actually like right now.

Anonymous by default. Around 5 minutes. Your answers shape what we build for owners like you

PULL UP A CHAIR

Small businesses know what they need.

We're here to listen.

Let's turn that into real support.

THE QUESTIONS

Wherever your business is right now, we want to hear it.

QUICK PROFILE

A few quick picks, then it's all multiple choice.

Every question below is select-from-a-list, with an "Other" option if nothing quite fits — plus three short open questions at the end of each stage for anything we missed.

Industry

Annual Revenue

ZIP Code

Business Name optional

Number of Employees

Primary Customer Type

Is your business certified as any of the following? optional

Minority-Owned (MBE) Woman-Owned (WBE) Veteran-Owned (VBE) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB) LGBTQ+-Owned Disability-Owned 8(a) / Disadvantaged Business (DBE) None of these Prefer not to say

STARTUP

Just getting off the ground.

What's your single biggest challenge right now?

Select all that apply

FinanceLegal / complianceMarketingPlanningHiringTechnologyOther

Have you officially set up your business structure (LLC, S-Corp, sole proprietorship)?

Select all that apply

Yes, fully set upStarted but not finishedNo, haven't startedNot sure what I needOther

When you needed money to get started, what actually worked?

Select all that apply

Personal savingsFriends & familyA loan (bank or credit union)A microloan or grantCredit cardsNothing has worked yet — still lookingOther

How are you currently tracking business expenses and revenue?

Select all that apply

SpreadsheetAccounting software (QuickBooks, Wave, etc.)Pen and paper / shoebox methodAn accountant or bookkeeper handles itI'm not really tracking itOther

How clear are you on the licenses, permits, and tax requirements for your business?

Select all that apply

Very clear, fully compliantMostly clear, a few gapsConfused about what I even needHaven't looked into it yetOther

Have you landed your first 10 paying customers who aren't friends or family?

Select all that apply

Yes, well past 10Getting closeA few, not 10 yetNot yetOther

Do you have a live website or digital storefront where customers can buy today?

Select all that apply

Yes, fully set upYes, but basic / needs workIn progressNo, not yetOther

What's your biggest roadblock to finding your target audience?

Select all that apply

Don't know who my audience is yetKnow my audience, can't reach themNo marketing budgetNo time for marketingDon't know where to startOther

How confident are you that your pricing covers your costs and leaves a real margin?

Select all that apply

Very confidentSomewhat — I'm guessing a bitNot confident at allHaven't calculated itOther

Do you have a dedicated business bank account, separate from personal?

Select all that apply

Yes, fully separatedMostly, with some overlapNo, it's all mixed togetherOther

What's the number one tactical skill or masterclass topic you need right now to keep your business alive?

Select all that apply

Pricing & profitFinding customersBookkeeping basicsLegal & licensingUsing AI toolsHiring my first helpManaging my timeOther

What made you decide to finally take the leap and start?

Select all that apply

Had a product/idea I believed inLost a job / was laid offWanted more flexibility or controlA side hustle that grewContinuing a family businessNeeded the incomeOther

Who's helping you figure out the legal and financial basics?

Select all that apply

A paid advisor (accountant, lawyer)A mentor or more experienced friendOnline research / self-taughtA free program or nonprofitNo one — figuring it out aloneOther

What's the one task you dread most each week?

Select all that apply

Bookkeeping / invoicingMarketing & social mediaAdmin / paperworkCustomer serviceSales / outreachNothing — I like it allOther

Where do you currently go for business advice?

Select all that apply

A mentor or peer networkOnline videos / content (like this one)A paid advisorFamily or friendsA local nonprofit or SBDCI don't — I figure it out myselfOther

What's your biggest barrier to hiring your first employee or contractor?

Select all that apply

Can't afford it yetDon't know the legal/payroll stepsDon't trust handing off the workHaven't needed to yetDon't know where to find good peopleOther

What would define a successful first 12 months for you?

Select all that apply

Breaking evenPaying myself consistentlyHitting a specific revenue numberStill being in business at allBeing able to hire my first helpOther

What's one piece of technology or software you wish you had (or could afford)?

Select all that apply

Accounting / bookkeeping toolMarketing / social media toolPoint of sale or payments systemScheduling / booking toolInventory managementI don't know what's out thereOther

What would make the biggest difference for your business in the next 6 months?

Select all that apply

More customersMore cash flow / fundingMore timeThe right adviceBetter systems or toolsHelp with hiringOther

If a bank, corporation, or your local government could do ONE thing to help, what would it be?

Select all that apply

Easier access to fundingSimpler licensing/permittingFree mentorship or advisingTax reliefConnect me with customersNothing comes to mindOther

Anything about financing your startup we didn't cover above?

Anything about finding your first customers we didn't cover above?

Anything about AI or technology as a new business we didn't cover above?

GROWTH

Scaling and gaining momentum.

What's your single biggest challenge right now?

Select all that apply

OperationsFinancePeople / hiringMarketing & salesSupplier readinessTechnologyOther

As you've grown, has getting a business loan or line of credit gotten easier or harder?

Select all that apply

EasierAbout the sameHarderHaven't tried to get oneOther

Have you had to turn down a client, contract, or inventory order because of cash flow?

Select all that apply

Yes, more than onceYes, once or twiceNot yet, but it's closeNoOther

Could your business handle a sudden 2x spike in monthly volume right now?

Select all that apply

Yes, easilyYes, but it would be roughNo, we'd struggle badlyNot sureOther

What's your biggest barrier to hiring or retaining your next employee?

Select all that apply

Can't afford the payrollCan't find qualified peopleDon't have time to manage someone newTurnover — people don't stayDon't know the legal/HR stepsOther

How are you currently using technology or AI to keep up with growth?

Select all that apply

Using it actively and it's helpingExperimenting a littleInterested but haven't startedNot using it and not interestedDon't know where to startOther

Are your core business tools (POS, accounting, CRM, inventory) talking to each other, or are you moving data manually?

Select all that apply

Fully integratedPartially integratedAll manual, moving data by handOnly use one or two toolsOther

Do you know exactly how much it costs you to acquire a new customer?

Select all that apply

Yes, I track it closelyI have a rough ideaNo idea at allNot sure what that even meansOther

How many hours a week do you spend in daily operations versus working ON the business?

Select all that apply

Mostly on daily operationsAbout evenly splitMostly working on the businessI don't track my timeOther

Have you intentionally built a business credit profile separate from your personal credit?

Select all that apply

Yes, fully separateStarting toNo, haven't thought about itDidn't know I needed toOther

Are you proactively planning taxes with a CPA, or mostly reactive?

Select all that apply

Proactive, work with a CPA year-roundReactive, only at tax timeDIY, no CPANot really planning at allOther

What percentage of your monthly revenue comes from repeat or recurring customers?

Select all that apply

Most of it (75%+)About halfA small shareAlmost none — mostly new customers each timeOther

Do you feel ready to pitch a corporate account or government contract?

Select all that apply

Yes, actively pursuing themGetting closeNot yet, but it's a goalHaven't considered itOther

Have new legal, insurance, or compliance requirements hit you as you've grown?

Select all that apply

Yes, and it was a smooth processYes, and it was a struggleNot yet, but I expect it soonNot that I know ofOther

What's working right now that you wish you'd started sooner?

Select all that apply

Using better software/toolsHiring helpTracking my numbers closelyMarketing consistentlyWorking with an advisorNothing specificOther

Where are you hitting a wall as you try to scale?

Select all that apply

Cash flowHiringMarketing reachMy own time/capacitySystems/processes breaking downOther

What would make the biggest difference for your business in the next 6 months?

Select all that apply

More cash flow / fundingThe right hiresBetter systemsMore customersMore of my own timeOther

If a bank, corporation, or your local government could do ONE thing to help, what would it be?

Select all that apply

Easier access to creditHelp landing bigger contractsTax reliefHiring incentives or supportSimpler complianceNothing comes to mindOther

Have you explored AI or automation tools specifically for marketing or sales?

Select all that apply

Yes, actively using themTried a littleInterested but haven't startedNot interestedOther

What's your current approach to employee benefits or retention incentives?

Select all that apply

Offer real benefits (health, PTO, etc.)Offer some perks, not formal benefitsCan't afford benefits yetHaven't thought about itOther

Anything about financing your growth we didn't cover above?

Anything about marketing or sales at this stage we didn't cover above?

Anything about AI or technology as you scale we didn't cover above?

MATURE

Established and holding ground.

What's your single biggest challenge right now?

Select all that apply

SecurityLegalChange managementCustomer loyaltyTechnologyOperationsOther

Have you tried to land a bigger contract or more B2B/enterprise revenue, and hit a wall?

Select all that apply

Yes, and it worked outYes, and it was frustratingHaven't tried yetNot interested in thatOther

What would it actually take for a bank, corporation, or government agency to notice your business?

Select all that apply

Better visibility / marketingCertifications or registrationsA direct introduction or connectionA stronger track record / referencesNot sureOther

Where do you feel like technology or AI is starting to pass you by, if at all?

Select all that apply

Yes, I feel behindA little, in specific areasNot reallyNo idea — haven't thought about itOther

How confident are you in your current banking relationship? Would you switch if you could?

Select all that apply

Very confident, wouldn't switchIt's fine, but I'd consider switchingNot confident, actively lookingNever think about itOther

What's one part of running this business you still do the hard way, out of habit rather than choice?

Select all that apply

Bookkeeping / financesMarketingScheduling / operationsCustomer communicationHiring/HRNothing — mostly modernizedOther

Have you thought about succession or selling? What's stopping you from planning for it?

Select all that apply

Have a plan in progressThought about it, haven't startedDon't know where to beginNot ready to think about itNot applicable — no plans to leaveOther

What's the biggest risk to what you've already built?

Select all that apply

Losing key customersLosing key staffA larger competitorMy own health/burnoutEconomic conditionsOther

Are rising costs actively shrinking your profit margins?

Select all that apply

Yes, significantlyYes, a littleNo, margins are stableMargins are actually improvingOther

Could your business operate smoothly for 30 days if you stepped away completely?

Select all that apply

Yes, easilyYes, with some bumpsNo, it would struggleNo, it would fall apartOther

Have you hit a ceiling on growth within your local geographic footprint?

Select all that apply

Yes, clearly maxed out locallyStarting to feel itNot yetHaven't thought about itOther

Are you regularly audited or reviewed for compliance, liability, or cyber risk?

Select all that apply

Yes, regularlyOccasionallyNo, neverNot sure what that would involveOther

Are you actively seeking large-scale capital for expansion, acquisition, or real estate?

Select all that apply

Yes, activelyConsidering itNot right nowNo interest in thatOther

Are you losing market share or top-tier staff to larger competitors?

Select all that apply

Yes, to bothYes, staff mainlyYes, customers mainlyNot that I've noticedOther

Are you using data or analytics tools to forecast demand or seasonal dips?

Select all that apply

Yes, regularlyA little, informallyNo, but I'd like toNo, and not a priorityOther

Are you using equity, profit-sharing, or bonuses to retain key talent?

Select all that apply

Yes, formallyInformally / case-by-caseNo, can't afford toHaven't considered itOther

Which part of the business would benefit most from automation?

Select all that apply

Bookkeeping/financeCustomer serviceMarketingInventory/operationsSchedulingNot sureOther

How do you currently differentiate from larger competitors entering your market?

Select all that apply

Personal relationships / local reputationPriceNiche product or serviceCustomer experienceHonestly, struggling to differentiateOther

What would make the biggest difference for your business in the next 6 months?

Select all that apply

Stronger marginsNew contracts/customersSuccession planningBetter systemsLess of me being the bottleneckOther

If a bank, corporation, or your local government could do ONE thing to help, what would it be?

Select all that apply

Help winning larger contractsAccess to expansion capitalTax or regulatory reliefConnections to other established businessesNothing comes to mindOther

Anything about your finances at this stage we didn't cover above?

Anything about marketing or customer loyalty we didn't cover above?

Anything about AI or technology catching up to your business we didn't cover above?

RENEWAL

Pivoting, reinventing, or rebuilding.

What's your single biggest challenge right now?

Select all that apply

PlanningFinanceMarketingChange managementLegalTechnologyOther

What's one policy, regulation, or piece of red tape actively making this harder than it should be?

Select all that apply

Licensing / permittingTax rulesZoning / local regulationIndustry-specific complianceNothing specific comes to mindOther

What support do you wish existed for business owners going through a pivot?

Select all that apply

Funding built for pivotsMentorship from someone who's done itA clear step-by-step guideA community of other owners pivotingLegal/paperwork helpOther

What's the hardest part about reinventing something you've already built once?

Select all that apply

Starting over emotionallyConvincing existing customersFunding itFinding the timeNot knowing if it'll workOther

Who do you wish had reached out to you during the hardest part of this pivot?

Select all that apply

A bank or lenderA corporation / potential partnerLocal governmentA mentor or peerNo one — I had what I neededOther

What's driving the need to pivot or reinvent right now?

Select all that apply

Market or customer demand shiftedFinancial pressureA life event (health, family, etc.)New opportunity I want to chaseIndustry disruption (tech, AI, competition)Other

If you had to re-engineer your core offer tomorrow, which direction would you take?

Select all that apply

New product or service lineNew customer segmentNew sales channel (online, wholesale, etc.)Same offer, new brand/positioningNot sure yetOther

Are you exploring new technology or AI tools as part of this change?

Select all that apply

Yes, activelyCurious but haven't startedNo, feels overwhelmingNo, not relevant to my pivotOther

Is a shift in technology or AI actively threatening to make your core offer redundant?

Select all that apply

Yes, directlySomewhat, I can see it comingNot that I can tellHaven't thought about itOther

What financial resources or reserves do you have to fund this transition?

Select all that apply

Enough savings/reserves for 6+ monthsA few months of runwayVery little cushionNone — figuring it out as I goOther

Is high-interest debt from past expansion restricting your ability to fund this pivot?

Select all that apply

Yes, significantlyA littleNo debt holding me backNo debt at allOther

Are you planning to sell, pass the business down, or wind down within 3–5 years?

Select all that apply

Sell to an outside buyerPass down to familyWind downNone of those — planning to keep growing itOther

Do you know the current market value of your business assets or IP?

Select all that apply

Yes, I have a clear numberRough idea onlyNo idea at allHaven't thought about itOther

Does your existing customer base skew older, requiring a brand refresh to reach new audiences?

Select all that apply

Yes, clearlySomewhatNo, my base is already varied in ageNot sureOther

Are you looking to acquire a smaller competitor to expand your footprint?

Select all that apply

Yes, activelyOpen to itNo interestNever considered itOther

Does your team have the skills needed for the next version of the business?

Select all that apply

Yes, fully readyMostly, with some gapsNo, significant retraining neededNot sure — haven't assessed itOther

As the founder, do you still have the drive to build this from scratch, or are you looking for an operational successor?

Select all that apply

Still fully drivenDriven, but tiredLooking for a successorNot sure anymoreOther

Do you have an advisor, peer network, or mentor helping you think through this pivot?

Select all that apply

Yes, severalYes, one key personNo, doing this aloneLooking for oneOther

What would make the biggest difference for your business in the next 6 months?

Select all that apply

Funding for the transitionProof the new direction worksMore timeThe right guidanceCustomers to follow me to the new offerOther

If a bank, corporation, or your local government could do ONE thing to help, what would it be?

Select all that apply

Pivot-specific fundingSimpler regulationsConnections to new customers/partnersMentorship through the transitionNothing comes to mindOther

Anything about financing this pivot we didn't cover above?

Anything about marketing your reinvention we didn't cover above?

Anything about AI or technology shaping this pivot we didn't cover above?

The questions open after a quick consent step.

BEFORE WE GET STARTED

Your consent, in plain language.

I'm okay with my answers being combined anonymously with other business owners' answers into aggregate trend reports, which The Small Business Corner may sell or license to partners working to support small businesses. My individual answers and business identity are never sold or shared on their own.REQUIRED

You can quote me by name and business if you ever want to share a real story, not just a data point.OPTIONAL

Read the full Privacy Policy or Terms of Service.

Pick the stage that's closest to you. The questions adjust, but every owner answers from the same table.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH YOUR ANSWERS

Transparent, on purpose.

Aggregated & anonymized

Your individual answers are combined with hundreds of other owners' before anyone outside this platform ever sees a trend.

Never sold individually

No one buys your name, your business, or your specific answers. Full stop.

Shared as trends, not transcripts

Corporations and government partners see patterns like "62% of Growth-stage owners cited X" — never a name attached.

Shapes what we build first

Your answers directly decide which courses and resources The Small Business Corner builds first — real demand, not a guess.

Small business built this country. It's time small business helped write what's next.

Growing America, one entrepreneur at a time — starting with the table we're building together.

Pull Up a Chair