Business owners are starting to review their 2025. But the end of the year isn’t just a time for reflection. It’s a great time to set priorities and strengthen your financial foundation for 2026. Careful planning now can help you manage cash flow, prepare for potential changes in federal spending, and respond to shifts in the economy before they happen.
In Maryland, where small businesses fuel nearly half of private-sector employment, local industries like manufacturing, logistics, and professional services continue to feel the effects of global tariffs, rising labor costs, and supply chain fluctuations. Having a clear plan in place helps you stay nimble, protects your margins, and positions your business for growth in the year ahead.
A strong plan creates flexibility for the future. Whether you’re forecasting revenue, building reserves, or setting new goals, thoughtful business planning helps you adapt quickly and make informed decisions when opportunities arise.
Start with a review of 2025
Before looking ahead, review your 2025 results and highlight what worked well. Strong planning starts with understanding your numbers.
- Look at revenue patterns, expenses, and cash flow trends.
- Identify your best-performing months and the areas that strained resources.
- Pay attention to recurring costs or one-time expenses that may reappear next year.
This reflection isn’t about what went wrong. It’s about finding opportunities to strengthen operations, improve efficiency, and invest wisely in the year ahead.
Create a financial plan that supports your 2026 goals
Once you know where your business stands, set clear priorities for the new year. Whether your goal is to increase revenue, hire new staff, or expand services, align your financial plan around those objectives.
Start with stability. Building a healthy reserve gives you freedom to take calculated risks when the right opportunities appear. A business high-yield money market account can help your cash earn more while staying accessible for short-term needs.
If you’re planning for long-term growth, explore commercial mortgage options for real estate or investment purchases. For everyday flexibility, a business credit card can help you manage operational expenses, track spending, and build business credit responsibly.
Finally, revisit your budget. Use your 2025 data to forecast income and expenses for 2026. Factor in potential cost increases and set aside a buffer for growth and innovation.
Forecast with confidence
Forecasting is about preparation, not prediction. It helps you make smarter decisions based on trends, data, and informed assumptions.
Look for consistent customer patterns and understand which products or services drive the most demand. Consider external factors like supply costs, interest rates, or new technologies that could shape next year’s results.
To make this easier, use a simple planning snapshot like the one below to track key insights as you close the year.
| Category | What to review from 2025 | How to apply it for 2026 |
| Revenue sources | Which products or clients performed best? | Focus future investments on proven revenue streams. |
| Operating costs | Where did expenses rise faster than revenue? | Find efficiencies or evaluate vendor options. |
| Cash flow | Were there months of tight margins? | Strengthen reserves in a high-yield savings or money market account. |
| Team capacity | Did staffing meet business demand? | Plan ahead for hiring or training before busy seasons. |
| Market trends | What external factors affected sales? | Adjust pricing, marketing, or services based on demand shifts. |
A quarterly check-in throughout 2026 helps you stay proactive. Updating your forecasts regularly keeps your plan current, so you can pivot quickly when something changes.
Plan for what you can’t predict
Even the best plans face the unexpected. From shifts in customer demand to broader economic events, flexibility keeps your business strong.
Looking ahead, keep an eye on trends like continued digital transformation, evolving consumer preferences, and changes in federal spending that could affect local industries. Staying informed helps you stay proactive, not just reactive.
Make 2026 your strongest year yet
Your business may face new opportunities and challenges in the coming year, and thoughtful planning gives you a powerful edge. Focus on the actions that put you in control.
- Keep your goals measurable and realistic.
- Maintain financial flexibility through strong savings and responsible credit use.
- Review your progress throughout the year so you can adjust confidently.
When you plan ahead, you create room for growth. Leverage business banking tools and guidance from our team to help you manage cash flow, strengthen your financial foundation, and plan for the future with confidence.
With a clear plan and a trusted partner by your side, 2026 can be your most productive and resilient year yet.
