Small business financial preparedness means building stronger reserves, improving visibility into cash flow and putting the right protections in place. Charlotte’s growth story is hard to ignore. New residents, businesses and investment continue to reshape the region at a rapid pace. Reflecting this backdrop, TD Economics forecasts that North Carolina's economic growth will increase 2.6% in 2026, keeping the state above both national and regional averages. It is one of the fastest-growing markets in the country, and small businesses are at the center of that momentum.
That momentum is reflected in the 2026 TD Financial Preparedness Survey of Small Business Owners, which takes a closer look at how owners are planning, investing and managing risk in today’s environment.
The survey, which was conducted March 13–26, 2026, polled 1,000 U.S. small business owners with 100 employees or fewer and annual revenues of at least $100,000, including targeted samples from Charlotte and other major U.S. markets.
The findings tell a clear story. Small business owners in Charlotte are optimistic and forward-looking with 89% — more than any other region surveyed — believing their business will see increased profits in the next year. However, they are also navigating an increasingly complex landscape where risk, opportunity and rapid change are all happening at once. What will define the next phase of growth is not just ambition. It is how financially prepared business owners are to take advantage of opportunities that come by.
Confidence is strong and Charlotte is leaning into growth
According to the TD Financial Preparedness Survey, 62% of small business owners in Charlotte expect the macroeconomic environment to improve over the next 12 to 18 months, signaling that confidence is returning despite recent volatility.
That optimism is translating into action. Ninety-three percent of respondents said they are likely to consider applying for a loan or line of credit, reinforcing that businesses are not standing still. They are actively positioning themselves to grow.
Charlotte’s status as a high-growth market is shaping that mindset. As more people and businesses move into the region, business owners are seeing real opportunity and responding quickly to meet demand.
Charlotte interprets national pressures differently
While national headlines continue to focus on economic uncertainty, Charlotte businesses are taking a more measured and, in some cases, more optimistic view.
Only 44% of small business owners in Charlotte identify economic conditions — such as inflation and interest rates — as their primary financial concern. This stands in contrast to broader national sentiment, where economic conditions are often viewed as a headwind and 52% of survey participants stated it is their biggest concern.
In Charlotte, 44% of businesses are prioritizing enhancing their operations by expanding their range of products and services, while 49% are prioritizing obtaining more capital to support ongoing growth. These figures underscore the importance of local market dynamics, demonstrating how Charlotte’s robust growth environment is enabling businesses to respond to national challenges in their own way.
Emergency savings gaps among Charlotte small businesses
Despite their optimism, many businesses are operating with a limited financial cushion.
Ninety-three percent of small business owners report having less than six months of emergency savings to cover operating expenses, compared with 76% nationally. That gap is significant.
It suggests that while Charlotte businesses are moving aggressively to capture growth opportunities, many may also be more exposed if conditions shift.
That exposure becomes even more important when looking at fraud.
More than half (56%) of Charlotte businesses said they have experienced fraud or attempted fraud in the past year. Yet only 26% cited fraud or cybersecurity as a top concern when it comes to financial preparedness.
That disconnect matters. Fraud is not theoretical. It is happening to businesses right now. But in many cases, it’s not being matched with the same level of planning or protection.
In a fast-growing market like Charlotte, where transaction volume and digital activity are increasing, that gap can have real consequences. Financial preparedness today is not just about cash reserves. It is also about protection. Banks like TD offer fraud prevention tips and programming to educate individuals and small businesses to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated scams.
AI adoption among Charlotte small businesses is rapidly increasing
At the same time, Queen City businesses are embracing tools that can help them scale more effectively.
Artificial intelligence is moving quickly from experimental to essential. Sixty-nine percent of small businesses are now using AI, up significantly from just 39% a year ago.
They are using it in practical ways. Seventy-four percent said AI is helping reduce expenses across their business, improving efficiency and freeing up resources.
Importantly, AI is not being viewed as a threat. Only 15% of businesses cited it as a top operational concern. Instead, it is being seen as a growth enabler.
In fact, 50% expect AI to increase the size of their workforce over the next 12 to 18 months, compared with just 13% who expect it to reduce headcount.
In Charlotte, AI is not replacing jobs. It is helping businesses grow.
Advice and guidance are just as important as capital
As businesses grow and adopt new technologies, the need for guidance is becoming more pronounced.
Fifty-three percent of small business owners reported they are considering hiring a financial advisor, and 47% turn to their bank or financial partner when seeking financial best practices.
This reflects a broader shift. Small businesses are no longer just looking for access to capital. They are looking for support in navigating decisions around growth, risk and long-term planning.
Owners also are asking how to manage cash flow more effectively, how to invest without overextending and how to protect their business while continuing to move forward.
The next phase of growth will reward discipline
Charlotte’s small business community isn't lacking vision. Owners are eager to grow, invest and take advantage of the opportunities in front of them.
But growth without preparation creates risk.
Financial preparedness means building stronger reserves, improving visibility into cash flow and putting the right protections in place. It also means planning for both opportunity and uncertainty, especially in a quick-moving market.
The region has all the ingredients of a long-term growth engine: a strong economic foundation, an influx of talent and a business community that is willing to evolve.
The next phase of growth will be defined by which businesses are best prepared to sustain momentum and seize new opportunities.
The ones that strike that balance between confidence and discipline will not just keep up with Charlotte’s growth. They will help lead it.
We hope you found this helpful. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on information available as of May 2026 and is subject to change. This content is not intended to be used or acted upon with respect to any client's specific circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with your qualified professionals.
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