(StatePoint)

Unprecedented. That’s the consensus for the 2025 economy.

Business leaders navigated supply chain challenges, geopolitical tensions, technology disruptions, economic uncertainty and government shutdown. It’s natural they look toward 2026 with concern.

According to Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, having weathered 2025 affords an opportunity for decision-makers who prioritize resilience, innovation and talent development.

Here are three ways your business can tap into 2026 opportunities:

Stress Test

    While the goal should always be to increase resiliency and mitigate weakness, these pursuits should especially be a priority during economic uncertainty. To stay competitive, companies must understand their current strengths and weaknesses and also precisely anticipate opportunities and risks. Conduct a series of best/worst/probable simulations to model budgeting impacts, and stress test your credit facility’s structure to ensure they meet potential needs.

    Using these insights to drive dynamic cash flow strategies and assess organizational agility can enable your company to respond swiftly by activating strategic, operational and financial levers. For example, exploring financing options like asset-based lending can help an asset-rich company preserve cash flow and secure working capital, enabling you to make strategic decisions rather than reacting to urgent demands.

    For companies seeking to prepare and strategically position themselves, self-evaluation through simulation is not a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have.

    Innovate Intentionally

      Innovation — especially through AI and automation — is a priority for more than 70% of commercial businesses nationwide, according to a survey from Bain & Company. McKinsey reports that over 62% are piloting AI agents while 80% are looking to increase efficiency through AI initiatives, according to Deloitte.

      Despite this enthusiasm, management that doesn’t carefully align innovation investment with operational goals, risks hindering organizational progress.

      Without disciplined planning, your company may over-invest in technology while neglecting other critical areas, disrupting balance sheets and employee engagement.

      Instead, your firm should deliberately integrate new capabilities without losing sight of your long-term vision. Further, leaders should evaluate if additional cybersecurity measures or fraud insurance are needed. Regularly consulting with strategic advisors (lawyers, accountants, bankers) who can evaluate progress and provide expertise can help you mitigate this risk.

      Empower Talent

        Despite deliberate and thoughtful strategies, if business leaders fail to engage employees and prioritize talent development, long-term productivity and adaptability could be at risk. Tools and preparedness research are only effective if people remain central to strategy.

        A Society for Human Resource Management study finds that organizations that invest in talent see reduced turnover. This investment also has a real dollar return; McKinsey reports that human capital development drives revenue and better integration of technology — which is especially important as AI applications increase.

        Companies with training programs generate more income per employee and enjoy 24% higher profit margins, according to IDC research. Economic uncertainty may tempt leaders to deprioritize employee development, but with tech adoption, productivity and retention at stake, it’s more critical than ever.