As small businesses across the country navigate a complex economic landscape in early 2026, the Arkansas River Valley finds itself at a unique crossroads. A recent analysis by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce identifies labor shortages, technological shifts, and a "new consumer" as the defining challenges of the year—trends that are currently playing out across Garrison Avenue, Main Street Van Buren, and the growing corridors of Greenwood and Alma.

Here is how these national insights translate to the factual reality of our local economy.

While inflation remains the top concern for 46% of small business owners nationally, the labor market continues to be a persistent operational hurdle. The U.S. Chamber reports that nearly half (47%) of small business owners cannot find qualified applicants, with the most significant shortages found in the construction, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

This hits the River Valley directly. With Van Buren serving as a regional hub for logistics, the "skills gap" is a daily reality. To combat this, local firms are increasingly mirroring the national trend of upskilling. Research shows that employees are eager for this investment; 60% of workers pursue new skills to perform better in their current roles, and those who feel encouraged to learn are significantly less likely to seek other employment.

Despite the national anxiety regarding inflation and supply chains, the River Valley is showing signs of notable resilience. Recent data indicates that building permit values across Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Greenwood rose by 4.2% over the last year.

This growth suggests that local investment remains stable. For residents in Alma and Greenwood, this translates to continued commercial development and a steady housing market, even as businesses adjust their pricing strategies to keep up with the cost of goods.

A major shift identified for 2026 is the consumer pivot toward wellness, entertainment, and connection. The U.S. Chamber notes that consumers are prioritizing "experiences" and "treasure hunt" shopping over standard retail.

This aligns perfectly with recent local sentiment:

• Fort Smith residents have expressed an increased demand for live music, arts, and family-friendly downtown entertainment.

• Van Buren’s Downtown Historic District continues to leverage its architecture to attract "destination shoppers" who value the aesthetic experience of a historic Main Street, capitalizing on the trend of consumers seeking unique, community-centric environments.

Nationally, the push for AI adoption is no longer a "big city" trend; 96% of small business owners plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI, in the near future. Locally, this is reinforced by Arkansas’s broader push toward becoming a tech hub, anchored by reports of a planned $6 billion AI-ready data center in the state.

For the River Valley, this means a shift in the "talent pipeline." The challenge for towns like Alma and Greenwood will be retaining local graduates by providing the high-tech, small-business environments that the 2026 economy demands.

The U.S. Chamber’s report suggests that while the "Golden Age" of easy hiring is over, the "Age of Efficiency" has begun. For the River Valley, the path forward relies on the same traits that have defined the region for decades: a strong industrial base and a community-first approach to commerce.

Local Fast Facts for 2026:

• Top National Concern: Inflation (46% of businesses).

• Top Local Challenge: Labor availability in transportation and manufacturing.

• Growth Indicator: 4.2% increase in regional building permits (FS/VB/GW).

• Consumer Trend: High demand for "Experience-based" retail in historic districts

A: While inflation remains the top concern for 46% of small business owners nationally, the primary operational hurdle in the River Valley is the labor market. Local businesses are struggling to find qualified applicants, particularly in the transportation, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

A: Our region is showing notable resilience. Despite national economic anxiety, the combined area of Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Greenwood saw a 4.2% increase in building permit values over the last year. This indicates that local investment in commercial development and housing remains stable.

A: This refers to a shift in consumer spending where shoppers prioritize "experiences," entertainment, and wellness over standard retail products. Locally, this trend is fueling demand for live music and arts in downtown Fort Smith and driving "destination shoppers" to the historic district in Van Buren for its unique atmosphere.

A: Many are turning to "upskilling"—training current employees to take on new, higher-level tasks. This mirrors national data showing that 60% of workers want to learn new skills to perform better in their current roles. Additionally, companies are adopting digital tools to help fill labor voids and increase efficiency.

A: Yes. The push for technology is no longer just for big cities. Nationally, 96% of small business owners plan to adopt emerging technologies like AI to improve efficiency. In Arkansas, this shift is highlighted by a planned $6 billion AI-ready data center, which will require local communities to develop a "talent pipeline" of tech-savvy workers to sustain the economy.