Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center in Wheaton, Maryland saw record demand after the pandemic up until 2022. Now, general manager Adam Levin is looking to provide services that the brands he sells do not.

A National Federation of Independent Business survey found respondents pessimistic about business conditions. That said, more businesses decided to invest in equipment — a sign that many are hopeful about the future.

Danielle McCarthy and Ellen Kelly run a luxury wedding stationery business in Newport, Rhode Island, where they specialize in letterpress printing.

Many small business owners rely on content creation to boost sales, promote their brands and even generate additional revenue.

Ashley Morken of Unglued in Fargo, North Dakota, has been expanding her staff and adjusting to new responsibilities.

After years selling on Etsy, Mimi Striplin of The Tiny Tassel in South Carolina saw a “need to create a space for people that looked like me.”

“There are opportunities in down markets,” said owner Venita Cooper, whose entrepreneurial abilities could help her tackle the challenge.

Annie Lang Hartman, owner of Wild Lettie, is planning ahead. And one of her biggest concerns is payroll.

Only a quarter of small businesses say they’re getting the credit they need, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.

The pandemic is still having a domino effect on small businesses. Here’s what happened to three of them.