LinkedIn has published a new report aimed at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), offering data-driven advice and insight into how they can thrive in 2026. The research – based on information drawn from the platform’s 18 million SMB profiles – underscores sharp shifts in how entrepreneurs are thinking about business growth, branding and technology.
One of the most striking findings: the number of users listing “Founder” on their LinkedIn profile has surged. The report states that this “Founder” label globally rose by 60% year-over-year, and has nearly tripled since 2022. This suggests that more and more users are choosing to build their own businesses, often relying heavily on social media to get their brands noticed and put their founder status to good use.
Looking ahead, LinkedIn identifies three strategic pillars for SMBs to lean into: adoption of AI for scale and efficiency, building brand credibility to gain visibility and trust, and cultivating networks capable of turning engagement into opportunity.
On the AI front, the report notes that many SMB executives plan to deploy AI tools in 2026, citing benefits like faster workflows and lower operational friction. Meanwhile, on brand building, LinkedIn suggests short-form video and authentic content are increasingly central and are seeing growing success as a marketing and brand awareness tool. The network effect also remains a powerful force: the report finds that many small business leaders view their professional network not just as a support system but as a pathway to new clients and collaborations.
