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Small Business Center

The Top Reasons Small Businesses Fail — and How To Avoid Them

December 18, 2025

Strong sales alone don’t guarantee staying power. A Wall Street Journal report explores the most common pitfalls that cause small businesses to stumble, from expanding too quickly and mismanaging cash flow to leadership blind spots, internal friction and resistance to change. Drawing on insights from researchers and entrepreneurship experts, the piece highlights a consistent pattern: businesses that last tend to grow deliberately, stress-test their assumptions and adjust early when conditions shift.

See what puts small business at risk and how to spot warning signs.

By Rebecca Meiser

Contributor, Commerce + Communities Today and Small Business Center

Small Business Center

ICSC champions small and emerging businesses in getting from business plan to brick-and-mortar.

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