Small enterprises form the economic foundation of American commerce. Data from the Small Business Administration reveals a striking statistic: an overwhelming 99.9% of all U.S. companies qualify as small businesses, and these organizations have generated approximately two-thirds of all new employment opportunities created between 1995 and 2021.
As the calendar turns to 2026, corporate leaders across diverse industries are setting personal and professional objectives that reveal a fascinating shift in executive priorities. Gone are the days when CEOs focused solely on quarterly earnings and shareholder value—today’s business leaders are pursuing holistic goals that balance extreme physical challenges, family connections, technological mastery, and fundamental wellness.
The entrepreneurial landscape has long favored those born into privilege—individuals with established connections to influential networks that virtually guarantee access to opportunities, resources, and success. These fortunate few often share common traits: degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard or Stanford, residence in thriving innovation ecosystems such as Silicon Valley, New York City, or Austin, and membership in exclusive circles where venture capital, industry leaders, and invaluable insider knowledge flow freely.
