Look for These Opportunities in the Coming Year
Business trends are like personal clothing. One year, something is fashionable, and the next year it isn’t. Take disco, for example. But when you run a business, missing those fashionable moments (even the disco-related ones) can end up costing you a lot of money in lost opportunities. To help ensure you don’t miss your chance, we’ve put together a handful of trends coming your way in 2026.
- Artificial Intelligence Workflow Automation: Small businesses everywhere are using AI to do work-related tasks, including customer support, writing (and sending) emails, putting together business plans, coming up with strategic concepts, data entry, and more. With the cost of AI tools dropping fast, 2026 may be the year you bring the power of AI to your business.
- Fractional Executives and Consultants: Budgets are getting tight. If your company is feeling the pressure but still needs the foresight and leadership of an executive or other consultant, consider hiring a contractor. You’ll save a lot of money, AND you could get what you need to succeed. Look for online agencies that vet and hire out consultants on an as-needed or hours-per-week basis.
- Bringing Company Culture to Remote Workers: Since the pandemic, hybrid and remote work have become commonplace. However, remote workers can feel isolated and misunderstand business directives. A wellness consultant can help foster cohesion and communication between all workers while building morale, even for those working remotely.
- Providing Services for Seniors: The terms “digital” and “seniors” don’t always mix, but a new trend is aiming to disprove that myth. Businesses are finding ways to provide services that help seniors (and their families) do daily tasks with easy-to-use digital tools.
- Experimental Retail Locations: Restaurants invented the pop-up, but some small businesses are taking that idea a step further. By offering consumers a fun, temporary location to visit, along with a highly memorable retail experience, businesses are attracting new customers and inviting them to their permanent retail locations in the future.
Jump into 2026 with CWCU
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