Small business owners have never been more optimistic, or more willing to walk away from traditional banks. That's the headline from the 2026 Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report from OnDeck and Ocrolus, published May 2026, based on 651 owner responses and cash flow data from more than 3.69 million working capital applications.

The numbers

• 93% of owners expect moderate to significant growth in the next year, and 32% expect significant growth, a survey high.

• Cash flow overtook inflation as owners' top concern for the first time, cited by 31%.

• The median revenue-to-expense ratio fell to 99.84%, meaning the typical small business is running close to break-even month to month.

• 76% say they bypass traditional banks entirely, another survey high.

• 46% name access to business credit as the main factor shaping their 2026 strategy.

Growth needs the right capital

Optimism alone doesn't fund payroll or inventory. When owners can't get approved by a bank, many default to merchant cash advances. With factor rates of 1.1 to 1.5, those can translate into effective APRs in the hundreds of percent, and under the SBA's March 2026 update, SBA loan proceeds can't be used to refinance MCA debt.

The difference between expensive capital and the right line of credit at the right rate often comes down to preparation: a strong business credit profile, clean public records, and documented cash flow.

"The report confirms what we see every day," said Ray A. Smith, Founder and CEO of CredFin, Inc. "Being Capital Qualified is what gives you options."

How to give yourself options

CredFin's Capital Qualified™ system builds your commercial credit profile with Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax Business, and Experian Business, aligns your Secretary of State and IRS records, and matches you with lenders that fit your business, so you're not applying blindly.

See where you stand: book a Funding Strategy Session at credfin.ai/consult.

Read the original release: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/05/14/3294888/0/en/

CredFin, Inc. is a business credit coaching and funding advisory firm, not a lender. Funding is not guaranteed; all credit decisions are made by third-party lenders. Individual results vary.