![\"93.1](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/KSIIFM.png\")
<\/p>\n
Seventy-eight percent of small business owners across the country say they\u2019re optimistic about where their business is headed, and 74% plan to grow within the next year. That includes entrepreneurs right here in Lubbock \u2014 from food truck operators in parking lots around town to boutique shop owners in Cactus Alley, local breweries and beyond.<\/p>\n
The data, released just ahead of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit<\/a> in Washington, D.C., reflects what many local owners already know: you can\u2019t wait for perfect conditions to chase your goals.<\/p>\n \u201cWe Just Keep Moving Forward\u201d<\/p>\n Amber Ferrell, founder of Timeless Spirits and Drinks<\/a>, said it best:<\/p>\n America\u2019s small business owners are the engine of the economy, and we\u2019re growing despite clear challenges.<\/p>\n That same mindset echoes all over West Texas. Even as inflationary pressures rise \u2014 with 72% of owners saying costs are cutting into profits \u2014 Lubbock\u2019s entrepreneurs continue to adapt. Many are finding creative ways to stretch budgets, whether it\u2019s sourcing locally, using co-op marketing, or embracing side hustles to fuel their main hustle.<\/p>\n What\u2019s Worrying Local Business Owners<\/p>\n The government shutdown is top of mind for many in the small business community. READ MORE:\u00a0Nearly Half Of Paychecks Gone Within 48 Hours In Lubbock<\/a><\/p>\n Other concerns include:<\/p>\n Lower customer demand due to economic instability (62%)<\/p>\n
Seventy-two percent of respondents said Congress needs to find a bipartisan solution \u2014 and fast. Locally, that could impact everything from supply chain reliability to the spending habits of customers whose paychecks depend on their federal jobs.<\/p>\n