Small Businesses Are Struggling and SaaS Platforms Are Eyeing Banking Revenue as a Result

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are more than just storefronts or service providers—they are the beating heart of the American economy. Representing 99.9% of U.S. firms and employing more than 62 million people, SMBs are foundational to local communities and national growth. But right now, that foundation is under serious pressure.

New data from Adyen paints a stark picture: rising costs, tightening margins, and sluggish access to capital are pushing small businesses closer to the edge. Many are no longer just managing cash flow, they’re fighting to survive.

The liquidity cliff

From inflation and interest rates to global tariffs and supply chain challenges, macroeconomic headwinds are hitting SMBs hard. An overwhelming 96% of business leaders say pressures such as inflation, tariffs, and interest rates have negatively impacted operations. Nearly two-thirds (65%) report that the cost of supplies has increased while profit margins have decreased, and 61% say they have lost sales due to lower consumer spending.

The numbers tell the story: revenue may be returning in some areas, but the runway is getting shorter.

Cash flow at a breaking point
For most small businesses, liquidity is no longer a cushion, but a countdown. 79% say they could not operate or cover essential costs like wages and rent for more than three weeks without sales revenue.

Two out of three businesses report they struggle with cash flow due to delays in receiving payouts from sales. Without better access to funds, 88% say they would be forced to make layoffs, delay wages, or even business closure or bankruptcy.

Demand for speed and flexibility
SMBs aren’t waiting for slow fixes. They’re actively looking for faster, smarter solutions. A striking 99% of SMBs say they would pay a small fee (1-1.5%) to access their sales revenue instantly. This near-universal response signals a shift in priorities: liquidity and speed have transitioned from ‘nice to have’ to ‘need to have’.

Rethinking the role of banks

The loyalty many businesses once felt to traditional banks is also shifting. When asked where they would seek additional funding, 36% said they would prefer to access financing directly through the software platforms they already use to manage operations over a traditional bank.

This signals a major behavioral shift and a huge opportunity for SaaS platforms to redefine how businesses access capital and manage their cash flow.

Industry spotlight: Beauty & Wellness

In the beauty and wellness sector–think salons, spas, and fitness studios–liquidity challenges are especially acute. 78% say they could not operate for more than three weeks without payouts, while 67% report ongoing cash flow challenges. Most notably, 87% warn that without better access to funding, they would face layoffs or bankruptcy.

When it comes to funding options, nearly 40% would turn to personal savings, while 36% say they would prefer to leverage their software providers for financial support.

Industry spotlight: Food & Beverage

Similarly, for SMBs in the food and beverage industry, 78% say they could not sustain operations for more than three weeks without revenue, and 87% say limited access to capital would lead to layoffs or closure.

A little over one-third say they would rely on personal or family funding, and 35% would prefer to access financing through their existing software providers, signaling a paradigm shift where technology is winning market share from banks.

How fintech can close the gap

The traditional banks weren’t built for the speed of modern commerce. Legacy processes slow down everything—especially when it comes to getting paid. SaaS platforms are stepping in to fill the gap by embedding financial services directly into the tools businesses already rely on.

At Adyen, we’re focused on delivering these embedded financial solutions to SaaS platforms, so they can offer their customers the liquidity they need: faster access to earnings, cash flow control, and tools that help businesses stay nimble—even in turbulent times.

Because when liquidity moves faster, small businesses move further. And that’s good for everyone.

Methodology

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,250 Business leaders in the US/Canada – equal split between: Food and Beverage, Beauty/Wellness and ‘Field Services’ (i.e. HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, carpentry, cleaning, housekeeping, etc.). The data was collected between 19.09.25 – 03.10.25. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.