Nearly half of businesses expect the
economy to improve in the next 12 months, including 60% of middle market
companies and 44% of small businesses—a four-year high
- Small Business: 12-month outlook jumps 14 points; key growth indicators rebound from 2024
- Middle Market: Strong optimism persists as 69% prioritize growth over cost-cutting
- Tariff Impact: 5 in 10 plan to stockpile inventory, absorb cost increases
- Generative AI: Adoption leading to increased staffing levels
- Cybersecurity: 3 in 10 feel very well prepared to prevent attacks
TACOMA, Wash., June 17, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- Umpqua Bank today released the findings of its seventh
annual Business Barometer, a nationwide study into the mindset and
priorities of small and middle market businesses. Despite a mixed
outlook over the economic headwinds, including the potential impact of
global tariffs, businesses across the U.S. report measured optimism
about the direction of the economy and their 12-month prospects for
growth compared to a year ago.
Umpqua Bank's 2025 Business Barometer survey polled nearly 1,300 small businesses ($500K-$10M) and middle market companies ($10M-$500M)
across the U.S. about their economic outlook, business prospects,
investment opportunities and adaptions to a range of issues including
AI, cybersecurity and tariffs.
While inflation persists as a top concern for 60%, and 51% expect
negative impacts from tariffs, overall optimism about the current
economy remains strong for middle market companies (62%) and is up
slightly for small businesses (32%). The 12-month outlook also spiked to
near or at four-year highs for both sectors. Nearly 5 in 10 of all
businesses surveyed anticipate improved conditions, and a record number
of middle market (66%) and small businesses (36%) will likely seek
financing for growth in the year ahead.
"This year's survey reminds us once again why small and middle market
businesses are the backbone of our economy. Their grit and
determination are sturdy enough to withstand current economic and global
trade uncertainty," said Umpqua Bank President Tory Nixon.
"After optimizing their businesses through a pandemic and the ensuing
challenges of the past few years, decision-makers remain clear-eyed
about potential headwinds and clear-headed about what's needed to move
forward."
2025 Business Barometer Highlights:
- Nearly half of all businesses expect the economy to improve in the
next 12 months, including 60% of middle market companies and 44% of
small businesses—a four-year high.
- Inflation (60%), recession (42%) and tariffs (41%), rank as the top three concerns.
- 5 in 10 expect revenue and demand for products and services to increase.
- 69% of middle market companies and 34% of small businesses are prioritizing growth over cost-cutting.
- Roughly half, including 72% of middle market companies and 41% of
small businesses, are likely to stockpile inventory over the next 12
months in response to potential tariffs.
- 52% of middle market companies say reshoring manufacturing
operations would take at least three or more years; 1 in 5 small
businesses say it's not feasible to do so.
- 85% of middle market and 50% of small businesses plan to invest in
or adopt additional generative AI capabilities in the year ahead.
- 25% of middle market companies and 16% of small businesses were impacted by cybersecurity attacks in the past year.
Still Cautious, More Small Businesses Plan for Growth
Small
businesses are more likely to cut costs this year than make investments
(55% vs. 32%), and 82% plan to conserve cash. However, compared to a
year ago, they are significantly less likely to prioritize managing
financial concerns (27% vs 45% in 2024) and more likely to focus on
growth opportunities (28% vs. 18% in 2024). Their improved mindset bears
out across key growth indicators as they are more likely this year than
last to finance expansion (+11 points), invest in digitization (+8) and
financial safeguards (+7), add real estate (+7) and either merge (+9)
or acquire (+4) another business.
Still Optimistic, Middle Market Balances Growth and Fiscal Management Priorities
Down
slightly from last year, overall optimism remains near an all-time high
for middle market companies, and most expect increases in product
demand (65%), revenue (62%) and profitability (56%). Nearly 7 in 10 will
prioritize investments over cost-cutting, though 82% also plan to
conserve cash. More this year are also focused on managing financial
challenges (+4 points) primarily due to increased concern over tariffs
and other external factors.
Tariff Response: Measured Steps Not Drastic Changes
Businesses
of all sizes believe any tariff impacts are more likely to be negative
than positive, and 41% rank tariffs as a top three concern. In response,
those with operations, sales or supply chains directly impacted have
already taken measured steps to manage potential impacts: 54% have plans
in place for managing price fluctuations, 50% have strengthened
relationships with existing customers, 46% have looked for new domestic
suppliers and 34% have moved up the timeline for planned sales. Moving
forward, 53% are preparing to gradually increase prices, with 47%
intending to absorb as much of the increased costs as possible. Nearly
half, including 72% of middle market companies, are also likely to
stockpile inventory in the near term.
While many enterprises with international operations are adjusting
manufacturing or supply chains, more than 7 in 10 still plan to maintain
or increase their current levels of foreign trade activity and
exposure.
Generative AI Adoption Continues, Positively Impacts Employment Levels
For
the second straight year, AI is the top investment priority for the
middle market. More than 8 in 10 middle market and half of small
businesses plan to invest in new generative AI tools over the next 12
months. Both segments feel confident in their pace of AI adoption
compared to peers: Roughly 7 in 10 small businesses and nearly 9 in 10
middle market companies report keeping up with or surpassing
competitors. Only 5% of all businesses surveyed say adoption is leading
to decreased staffing levels. By contrast, 57% of middle market and 22%
of small businesses say adopting AI actually is leading to increased
staffing levels.
Businesses Move to Prevent Cybersecurity Attacks; 3 in 10 "Very Well Prepared"
In the last 12 months, most businesses have prioritized cybersecurity and anti-fraud
enhancements, a trend most pronounced among middle market companies.
Safeguards for all businesses surveyed include employee trainings (67%),
using bank fraud prevention solutions (61%), tightening
internal controls (60%) and conducting regular audits to identify
vulnerabilities (53%). While 82% feel at least moderately well prepared
to prevent an attack, just 3 in 10 feel very well prepared.
Survey Methodology
The Umpqua Bank 2025
Business Barometer, conducted annually, surveyed 1,290 owners,
executives and financial decision-makers from U.S. small and middle
market companies. The online survey was conducted in partnership with
DHM Research, a public policy and business research firm, and targeted
leaders at companies with $500,000 to $500 million in annual revenue. The survey, which did not filter for Umpqua Bank customers, has a 2.7% margin of error and was fielded from April 21 to May 2, 2025.
About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB),
is an award-winning regional financial institution supporting
businesses of all sizes and consumers across eight western states. With
more than $50 billion in assets, Umpqua
is the largest Northwest-based and third largest publicly traded bank
on the West Coast. Through a network of nearly 300 branches and a full
suite of commercial and retail capabilities, Umpqua
is taking its celebrated brand of relationship banking across the West
into some of the most dynamic and economically vibrant markets in the
country. For its commitment to exceptional customer service and thriving
communities, Umpqua has been named one of "Oregon's Most Admired Companies" for 20 straight years.
SOURCE Umpqua Bank
Bank's move in Arizona follows recent retail banking expansion in Utah; underscores commitment to becoming the West's premier bank of choice
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced its continued expansion across the West with two new branch openings in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and a third Arizona location in Mesa planned for later this year. Expansion of the bank's retail network into Arizona follows the successful launch of its middle market banking presence in 2021.
"Arizona is a priority market for
Umpqua Bank. The region's dynamic business community aligns with our
long-term strategy of expanding in markets that demonstrate strong
growth potential and further our commitment to being the West's premier
bank of choice," said Umpqua Bank CEO Clint Stein. "Since entering Arizona
in 2021, we have invested in the growth of our local teams to support
the needs of our business customers, and we expect these new branches to
accelerate our presence throughout the state."
Arizona boasts a diverse economy
that includes a range of industries, including the rapidly expanding
semiconductor sector, as well as leisure and hospitality, alternative
energy, healthcare, warehouse distribution centers and data centers — an
anchor for the nascent generative AI industry.
"We are excited to be part of the Phoenix and Scottsdale communities and look forward to expanding our footprint throughout Arizona with a new branch in Mesa, slated for early 2025, and additional branches under consideration," said Chris Merrywell, Consumer Bank President at Umpqua Bank.
"With these markets poised for growth, we've assembled a top-tier team
of professionals ready to meet the personal and business banking needs
of the region."
Phoenix Branch
Umpqua Bank opened its first retail branch in Phoenix in June located at 10201 S. 51st St in 10 Corporate Center. The 2,800 square foot branch is led by Melinda Santacruz,
who brings more than 20 years of banking experience to the role and
supports the local community through a wide range of volunteer work with
organizations such as United Food Bank and the Phoenix Children's
Hospital Give-a-Thon. The branch is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Scottsdale Branch
In August, Umpqua Bank opened a retail branch in Scottsdale at Gainey Center II, 8501 N. Scottsdale Road. The branch is 4,000 square feet and managed by Britne Corkill.
With more than 25 years of banking experience, Britne is also an active
volunteer at several local community organizations, including Ronald McDonald House and St. Mary's Food Bank. The branch is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Community Involvement
Umpqua Bank plays an active role in the communities in which it operates. As part of the bank's retail expansion in Arizona, the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation recently contributed a combined $60,000 to six new, local nonprofit partners:
- Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
- Friends of the Children Phoenix
- HonorHealth Foundation
- One-n-Ten (1N10)
- Tempe Community Action Agency
- UMOM New Day Centers
Learn more about Umpqua Bank's growing Arizona presence at www.umpquabank.com/locations/arizona/.
About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB), and a premier regional bank in the western U.S., with offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. With over $50 billion
of assets, Umpqua Bank combines the resources, sophistication and
expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior,
personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through
a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking;
Small Business Administration lending; institutional and corporate
banking; equipment leasing; and wealth management. The bank's corporate
headquarters are located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Learn more at: www.umpquabank.com.
SOURCE Umpqua Bank
