Dallas Businesses Optimistic About Growth Prospects in 2026

JPMorgan Chase survey reveals rising confidence among small and middle market leaders despite economic challenges

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A survey by JPMorgan Chase reveals that small and midsize business leaders in Dallas are more optimistic about their company's prospects for 2026, with 74% of small business owners and 71% of middle market companies expressing confidence. While concerns remain around inflation, economic uncertainty, and the impact of tariffs, business leaders are looking to implement ambitious growth plans, including investing in new technologies, expanding into new markets, and pursuing strategic partnerships.

Why it matters

The rising optimism among Dallas business leaders suggests the potential for increased economic activity, job creation, and innovation in the city. As small and midsize companies look to capitalize on growth opportunities, it could lead to new investments, expansions, and collaborations that benefit the local community.

The details

The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey from JPMorgan Chase found that small businesses cited inflation and wage pressures as their top challenges for the year, while midsize companies are still concerned about economic uncertainty and the impact of tariffs. Despite these concerns, a majority of both small and midsize business leaders are optimistic about their company's prospects. Midsize companies, in particular, experienced a significant dip in confidence in mid-2025 but have since become more comfortable with the complexities of the current environment. As a result, they are now looking to pursue growth strategies, such as introducing new products and services, expanding into new markets, and forming strategic partnerships.

  • The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey was released in January 2026.
  • In June 2025, economic headwinds and uncertainty about shifting policies and tariffs caused some business leaders to put their plans on hold.
  • Going into 2026, 37% of respondents cited inflation as their top concern, followed by rising taxes (27%) and the impact of tariffs (22%).

The players

JPMorgan Chase

A global financial services firm that conducted the 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey.

Belen Garren

Region Manager for Commercial Banking at J.P. Morgan and Vice Chair of JPMorgan Chase's Market Leadership Team in North Texas.

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What they’re saying

“While uncertainty is always part of the business landscape, we're seeing more clients ready to invest in their growth — whether that's hiring, expanding into new geographies or adopting new technologies. It's an exciting time for Dallas businesses.”

— Belen Garren, Region Manager for Commercial Banking at J.P. Morgan and Vice Chair of JPMorgan Chase's Market Leadership Team in North Texas (dallasweekly.com)

What’s next

The survey findings suggest that Dallas businesses may continue to see growth and investment in the coming year, as small and midsize companies look to capitalize on new opportunities and overcome economic challenges.

The takeaway

The rising optimism among Dallas business leaders, despite ongoing concerns about inflation, economic uncertainty, and the impact of tariffs, indicates the potential for increased economic activity, job creation, and innovation in the city. As companies pursue ambitious growth plans, it could lead to new investments, expansions, and collaborations that benefit the local community.