Mastering Risk

Why Most Small Businesses Will Fail in 2026 – The 4 Risks You're Probably Ignoring

Dr. Jeff Donaldson, CD Season 16 Episode 2

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As we kick off 2026, the world feels more unpredictable than ever, political shifts, economic pressures, tariffs, cyber threats, and global chaos are hitting small businesses hard. 

If you're a solo entrepreneur, side hustler, or thinking about scaling (or even launching) your independent business, ignoring these forces could be costly.

In this episode of Mastering Risk, Dr. D breaks down the four critical risks every lean business owner must address right now, risks you can actually control in a world where almost everything else is out of your hands. You'll discover:
-Why cybersecurity is no longer optional. Simple, affordable steps (password managers, patches, 2FA, off-site backups) that prevent disaster (plus why managed service providers are a game-changer for small ops)

-How inflation, tariffs, and regulatory changes (like the new EU AI rules starting June 2026) are silently squeezing margins, and the KISS principle to stay compliant without overwhelm

-The hidden danger of overload, burnout, and scaling limits — how to automate ethically with AI (saving 12–16 hours/week), keep systems dead simple, and always leave white space in your calendar

-The surprising #4: You win in collectives, why solo grinding is a myth, and how building real human relationships, joining entrepreneur networks, and leveraging social capital will exponentially boost your success

This isn't theory, it's battle-tested advice from recent expert immersions, real-world experience, and years of studying risk as a professor and entrepreneur.

Whether you're questioning "Is now the time to launch?" or ready to take your business to the next level, watch this episode to gain clarity and confidence in turbulent times.

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DISCLOSURE 
Information shared here is for educational purposes only.  Individuals and business owners should evaluate their own business strategies, and identify any potential risks.  The information shared here is not a guarantee of success. Your results may vary.
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