One in four small businesses anticipates a poor management outlook for next year. The proportion of businesses expecting a downturn has increased by 10.9 percentage points from this year, reflecting growing concerns over deteriorating business conditions.
IBK Bank announced the findings of its '2026 Financial Survey of Small Businesses' on July 29. The survey targeted 4,500 small businesses with annual sales exceeding 500 million won to assess their financing conditions, management status, and future economic outlook.
According to the survey, 25.7% of respondents expect their management situation to be 'poor' next year, a significant rise of 10.9 percentage points compared to this year's projections. This increase is attributed to ongoing domestic and international uncertainties that may worsen future business conditions.
Last year, the perceived management situation was also bleak, with 33.0% of businesses reporting it as 'poor,' far exceeding the 18.0% that indicated it had 'improved.' For the second half of this year, 72.8% of businesses expect their management situation to remain similar to the previous year.
The conditions for securing financing have also worsened. The percentage of businesses reporting that external funding was 'smooth' decreased by 5.3 percentage points compared to the previous year. While the time taken to collect sales proceeds has lengthened, the payment deadlines for purchases have shortened, increasing the financial burden on small businesses.
An IBK Bank official stated, "Due to domestic and international uncertainties, the management challenges for small businesses are expected to continue for the time being. We will actively support tailored financial and non-financial services."
IBK Bank announced the findings of its '2026 Financial Survey of Small Businesses' on July 29. The survey targeted 4,500 small businesses with annual sales exceeding 500 million won to assess their financing conditions, management status, and future economic outlook.
According to the survey, 25.7% of respondents expect their management situation to be 'poor' next year, a significant rise of 10.9 percentage points compared to this year's projections. This increase is attributed to ongoing domestic and international uncertainties that may worsen future business conditions.
Last year, the perceived management situation was also bleak, with 33.0% of businesses reporting it as 'poor,' far exceeding the 18.0% that indicated it had 'improved.' For the second half of this year, 72.8% of businesses expect their management situation to remain similar to the previous year.
The conditions for securing financing have also worsened. The percentage of businesses reporting that external funding was 'smooth' decreased by 5.3 percentage points compared to the previous year. While the time taken to collect sales proceeds has lengthened, the payment deadlines for purchases have shortened, increasing the financial burden on small businesses.
An IBK Bank official stated, "Due to domestic and international uncertainties, the management challenges for small businesses are expected to continue for the time being. We will actively support tailored financial and non-financial services."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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