Live Oak BusinessPulse 

Insight and Analysis of Small Business Sentiment and Economic Trends

The BusinessPulse provides detailed analysis and reporting on small business sentiment, including economic position, economic confidence, and credit outlook for small and middle market companies. Take a deep dive into the Q3 data and discover how businesses feel about their past performance and what they expect in the next 12 months.

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Dedicated to the Doers®

Small business is the backbone of our country. It drives jobs, creates prosperity and boosts local economies. We’re proud to contribute to that growth by investing in America’s small business owners. When you bank with Live Oak, you can be proud too.

key takeaways

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Small Businesses' Financial Confidence is Deteriorating

Small businesses' confidence in their overall financial condition deteriorated as many experienced declining sales and decreased cash reserves.

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Sales Challenges Threaten Meeting Financial Goals

Fewer small businesses expect to meet or exceed financial goals in the third quarter. Furthermore, small businesses expect sales challenges in the months to come.

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Credit Demand Rises Amidst Challenges

Despite pulling back on capital spending, more small businesses have applied for additional credit. Business owners' expectations for credit in the next 12 months will likely be for working capital.

Source: Live Oak Q3 2024 BusinessPulse Survey Results (Powered by Barlow Research)

About Barlow Research

Barlow Research surveys more than 2,800 companies annually across the U.S. to gather current viewpoints and draws on years of data to provide in-depth research on economic trends to the commercial banking sector. Barlow has a long-standing relationship with Live Oak Bank, primarily through powering the BusinessPulse. In addition, Barlow Research has provided industry analysis for vertical selection, competitive intelligence on the digital account opening and lending processes. Live Oak Bank is also a member of Barlow Research’s flagship Small Business Banking program. 

Joel Mueller
Managing Partner & Research Director
jmueller@barlowresearch.com | 763.253.1806
Barlow Research Associates, Inc.
917 Lilac Drive North, Minneapolis, MN 55422