National Small Business Month: Must-Read Stories of 2026
Every May, small businesses take center stage. After all, they’re the ones powering job creation, innovation, and local communities. Yet the real story of National Small Business Month isn’t told by statistics alone.
It’s found in the decisions these leaders make every day: how they adapt to change, invest in their people, and plan for what’s next. At Vistage, we see that story up close. Through our members — and the data behind their decisions — a clearer picture emerges. Today’s executives aren’t just navigating uncertainty; they’re redefining what growth, leadership, and resilience look like in real time.
Throughout the month, we’ll share member stories, research, and insights from our community, highlighting the resolve and strength of small businesses. We’ll spotlight their drive to compete, their commitment to growth, and the leadership required to move forward with confidence. In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we’ll also bring forward key learnings and takeaways from the Chamber’s most recent work on Capitol Hill.
And if you’re interested in accelerating your growth as a leader, we invite you to explore how peer advisory groups can help you make better decisions and create greater outcomes.
Member Stories to Inspire
Empire State of Mind
After a career-ending MLB strike, Dan Rootenberg built Spear Physical Therapy from the ground up — but real growth required more than grit. With Vistage, he scaled his team, strengthened culture, and led through crisis, emerging as a market leader. See how Dan utilized peer perspectives to help him scale and lead through uncertainty.
How a 90-Day Pause Added $12 Million to the Sale
Thinking about selling your business? One smart move may be to pause. In this case study, former House of Cheatham CEO Mike Barker shares how a 90-day reset helped him regain clarity, avoid missteps, and add $12 million to the final sale.
Gaco’s Secret Sauce: 16 Leadership Ingredients That Drove Extraordinary Growth
During his time as CEO, former Vistage member Peter Davis turned a then-struggling, dysfunctional $15 million company into a business valued at nearly 20x that amount. Learn how Davis developed a secret sauce that aligned people, built engagement, and kept teams focused on what mattered most.
Research and Insights for Small Business Leaders
CEO Confidence Slips Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty [Q1 Vistage CEO Index]
In Q1, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index declined amid geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and economic concerns, reshaping outlooks and decision-making. Read the full insights to understand what this means for your strategy — and how to find clarity amid uncertainty.
Small Business Confidence Slides As Customers Hesitate [WSJ/Vistage April 2026]
New WSJ/Vistage data shows confidence slipping as demand weakens, even as CEOs stay resilient. Read the April 2026 WSJ/Vistage Small Business report to see what’s shifting and how to respond before it impacts your business.
How Environmental Costs and Risks Will Reshape Business in 2026 and Beyond
As part of his Trends for 2026 and Beyond series, Vistage speaker and strategy expert Marc Emmer unpacks how supply shocks, rising inputs, and global instability are reshaping SMB economics. Read now to protect your margins and stay ahead.
Modern CEO Burnout: Breaking the Fatigue Loops of a Hyper-Connected World
Burnout is becoming more prevalent among small business CEOs and owners, driven by digital overload and constant demands. Discover how to break today’s cycles of fatigue and restore clarity, energy, and sustainable leadership.
From Engagement to Strategy: The CEO AI Leadership Blind Spot
What does it take to lead in an AI-driven world: faster tech or sharper judgment? As AI accelerates decision-making, CEOs must double down on strategy, clear thinking, and leadership to drive real value. Vistage Chief Research Officer Joe Galvin breaks down how CEOs can lead smarter and faster.
National Small Business Month: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Our partners at the U.S. Chamber have curated a collection of content to help small business owners and leaders grow and thrive.
Category : Leadership
Tags: Leadership Development About the Author: Glenn Jeffers
Glenn Jeffers is an award-winning journalist and content creator. He serves as the editorial lead for Vistage Perspectives magazine and editor and manager of the Vistage Research Centers. Previously, he was the editor of Kellogg, the alum
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