Despite economic headwinds, small businesses in the home and field service sectors are demonstrating remarkable resilience and optimism. According to EverCommerce’s 2025 Service Small Business Insights Survey, a significant majority of these businesses are not only weathering challenges but are also planning for growth. The survey, conducted in March 2025, gathered responses from 256 small business owners across the United States, primarily in industries such as HVAC, construction, and landscaping.
Optimism Amid Challenges
Despite concerns over inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, 75% of respondents expressed optimism about their business growth prospects for the year. This positive outlook is particularly notable among businesses with 11 or more employees, suggesting that slightly larger firms may feel more equipped to navigate economic uncertainties. Interestingly, the survey found no significant correlation between optimism and the number of years a business has been in operation, indicating that both newer and more established businesses share a similar positive sentiment.
Strategic Spending and Investment
A proactive approach to investment is evident, with over 68% of surveyed businesses planning to increase spending in 2025. These investments are primarily aimed at expanding service offerings, entering new markets, and upgrading tools to improve efficiency. Only 8% of respondents anticipated any spending cuts, highlighting a general trend towards growth-oriented strategies despite economic pressures.
Supply Chain and Tariff Concerns
While only 33.5% of businesses reported that tariffs had already affected their operations, nearly half (46.3%) expect to be impacted in the future. Cost fluctuations remain a pressing issue, with 33% identifying it as their most significant supply chain challenge. Other concerns include supply and fulfillment issues, inventory management difficulties, workforce shortages, and logistics delays. Despite these challenges, approximately 72% of businesses have not made significant strategic adjustments, possibly indicating confidence in existing strategies or hesitation to undertake potentially disruptive changes.
Hiring and Workforce Development
Hiring remains a persistent challenge, with 49.3% of respondents planning to hire more in 2025, while 46.7% expect to maintain current staffing levels. The primary hiring challenges cited include finding qualified candidates and concerns about work ethic and reliability. Additionally, 77.1% reported increased labor costs over the past year. To attract and retain talent, businesses are focusing on improving company culture, employee engagement, and training practices, including offering flexible schedules and implementing incentive programs.
Embracing AI and Technology
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology is gaining traction among small businesses. While only 20% reported using AI regularly, a larger group (55%) indicated curiosity or had experimented with AI tools. Common applications of AI include content creation and automation, customer service, and training. However, barriers to adoption persist, with a lack of knowledge or training and uncertainty regarding return on investment being the most significant concerns.
Conclusion
The EverCommerce survey underscores the resilience and forward-thinking strategies of small businesses in the home and field service sectors. By proactively investing in growth, addressing workforce challenges, and cautiously embracing new technologies, these businesses are positioning themselves to thrive amid economic uncertainties. Their adaptability and optimism serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship in the face of adversity.
