Entrepreneurship isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s accelerating at a rapid pace; the number of LinkedIn members who have added ‘founder’ to their profile has jumped by 60% in the last year, and nearly tripled since 2022. Despite economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, small businesses are charging ahead.
From my conversations with founders across industries, the small businesses gaining momentum in the current landscape aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones simplifying how they grow. They’re focusing on three powerful levers: smart use of AI, consistent brand credibility, and intentional network building.
Here’s what that looks like in practice.
Use AI to reclaim time — and compete bigger
AI is quickly becoming foundational for small businesses. A new LinkedIn report found that more than half (54%) of U.S. small business leaders say AI is key to growing their business, and 73% of marketers believe AI helps smaller brands compete and “punch above their weight.”
But the most successful founders aren’t trying to reinvent everything overnight. It’s important to incorporate AI into your business in ways that feel authentic and purposeful, so my advice is to start small and focused. AI is great for reducing repetitive tasks – drafting a first-pass at marketing copy, speeding up customer outreach, and streamlining hiring workflows. If used effectively, these tools can free up hours of time each week. And that time matters because AI’s greatest value isn’t replacing people. It’s giving founders more capacity to do what only they can do: build relationships, refine strategy, and deliver exceptional service for their customers.
Build credibility before you need it
If AI is the efficiency engine, credibility is the growth engine. A staggering 76% of small business owners say building their brand is key to achieving their growth goals.
Why? Because in a crowded, digital-first market, trust travels faster than you think. Today, 65% of small business owners consider themselves content creators, and 74% agree that showing up authentically online is just as important as showing up in person. Founders are increasingly becoming the voice of their brand-building. The businesses gaining the most traction are those sharing insights, lessons learned, and industry perspectives consistently.
I’m not saying you need to publish daily essays or master every platform. You just need a steady, authentic presence where your customers and partners already are. The businesses thriving today are pairing visibility with credibility.
Turn your network into a strategic advantage
Entrepreneurship can feel very isolating. But the data makes one thing clear: small businesses that grow don’t grow alone. 78% of small business leaders say building their professional network is important to business growth. Nearly two-thirds (63%) say trusted input from their community helps them make decisions more quickly.
In other words, networks are more than just passive connections. Your network is an active growth channel.
The most resilient founders I have met have made networking a habit, working it into every interaction they have to truly build that muscle to the point where it seamlessly becomes part of the fabric. They ask for perspective before they’re in crisis. They offer help before asking for it. They show up in conversations without an immediate sales goal. That kind of engagement builds trust, and trust accelerates opportunity.
Bringing it all together
The small businesses poised to win aren’t trying to do everything – they’re simplifying. They’re using AI to create breathing room. They’re building credibility before launching big campaigns. They’re nurturing networks that turn conversations into opportunity.
At LinkedIn, we see this shift firsthand across the 18 million small businesses currently on our platform. And it’s exactly why we’re investing in a single solution that brings together AI-powered efficiency, brand-building tools, and network-driven growth into one trusted ecosystem.
We’re calling it Premium All-in-One – our first offering designed specifically for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and small business leaders. A single experience, with personalized insights and guidance designed to reduce complexity, not add to it. It’s working too; early users are already seeing 57% more followers, 29% more connections, and 40% more profile views. They’re also seeing more meaningful engagement: subscribers are 24% more likely to receive replies to their messages, and 61% more messages receive responses from suggested prospects. For small businesses, those outcomes matter. They translate into more conversations, faster momentum, and fewer hours spent chasing the wrong opportunities.
Because growth today isn’t about having the biggest team, it’s about combining smart tools with human connection, and focusing your energy where it creates the greatest momentum.
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