ADP is marking National Small Business Week by revealing insights gathered from nearly 18,000 small business owners across the United States who participated in the company’s Grit & Wisdom Contest.
The contest invited entrepreneurs to share their most effective strategies for success to help fellow small business owners navigate challenges ranging from AI adoption to changing employee expectations and evolving compliance requirements.
Three key themes emerged from the advice shared by participants: the importance of patience and persistence, building strong teams, and maintaining a positive mindset despite challenges.
“For small businesses competing for talent, a comprehensive benefits strategy can help,” said Tina Wang, division vice president of human resources at ADP. “There are more options now for small businesses to offer competitive benefits while still managing costs, and benefits can go a long way in making employees feel valued.”
Small business owners emphasized adaptability and continuous innovation as crucial for long-term success. They also highlighted how company culture significantly impacts employee engagement and business growth.
Despite acknowledging the long hours and unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship, sentiment analysis revealed that love and enjoyment were the predominant emotions expressed in the advice shared.
ADP experts provided additional guidance on key areas:
Talent acquisition and development
“Learning and development are true growth engines for small businesses,” said Jason Delserro, chief talent acquisition officer at ADP. “Creating clear pathways for employees to grow within your company is more essential than ever.”
Regulatory compliance
“With the compliance landscape continuously changing, it’s important for small businesses to monitor for changes,” said Meryl Gutterman, senior counsel at ADP, noting that federal and state-level changes to minimum wage, salary thresholds, pay transparency and paid leave laws may require action.
Technology adoption
“As technology continues to evolve, small business owners are embracing tools that streamline operations — but not at the expense of human connection,” said Brooke Hatcher, chief product officer at ADP.
The insights come as small businesses continue to demonstrate resilience amid economic shifts and evolving worker dynamics, according to ADP.
