The Survey
Small businesses have seen a 44.4% cumulative increase in costs, on average, in the past three years, according to the Small Firms Association (SFA) Annual Small Business Survey.
The SFA Small Business Survey was conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of the Small Firms Association. Telephone and link-based interviews were completed with 404 key decision-makers (owners, founders, CEOs, and managing directors) of Irish small businesses employing between 1 and 50 people. Data collection concluded on May 28, 2026.
Find out more below.
Key Findings
Almost half of small businesses
will run out of liquidity in 3 months
77% of businesses have reported an increase in costs
half of them cited labour / employment as the reason for increased costs
Cumulative business costs up 44.4%
in three years
Every 9 in 10 small businesses
want a freeze in the National Minimum Wage
Three consecutive years
of double digit increases in business costs, on average
23% of businesses are pausing capital investments
with 50% of small businesses actively reviewing their spending plans
Not a member? / Get in Touch
With the SFA, you're never alone in your business journey. We're here to support you every step of the way.
To know more, please call us on 01 605 1776 or Book a Meeting with a representative today.
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