Lubbock’s Small Businesses Show Grit Amid Recent Economic Challenges

West Texas Resilience on Full Display

If there’s one thing my hometown of Lubbock, Texas knows how to do, it’s push through tough times. From dust storms to droughts to devastating tornadoes, the Hub City’s small business owners have always found ways to keep their doors open and their customers coming back. And according to new national survey data, that spirit of optimism is alive and well — even with costs climbing and government uncertainty hanging over their heads.

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Seventy-eight percent of small business owners across the country say they’re optimistic about where their business is headed, and 74% plan to grow within the next year. That includes entrepreneurs right here in Lubbock — from food truck operators in parking lots around town to boutique shop owners in Cactus Alley, local breweries and beyond.

The data, released just ahead of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in Washington, D.C., reflects what many local owners already know: you can’t wait for perfect conditions to chase your goals.

“We Just Keep Moving Forward”

Amber Ferrell, founder of Timeless Spirits and Drinks, said it best:

America’s small business owners are the engine of the economy, and we’re growing despite clear challenges.

That same mindset echoes all over West Texas. Even as inflationary pressures rise — with 72% of owners saying costs are cutting into profits — Lubbock’s entrepreneurs continue to adapt. Many are finding creative ways to stretch budgets, whether it’s sourcing locally, using co-op marketing, or embracing side hustles to fuel their main hustle.

What’s Worrying Local Business Owners

The government shutdown is top of mind for many in the small business community.
Seventy-two percent of respondents said Congress needs to find a bipartisan solution — and fast. Locally, that could impact everything from supply chain reliability to the spending habits of customers whose paychecks depend on their federal jobs.

READ MORE: Nearly Half Of Paychecks Gone Within 48 Hours In Lubbock

Other concerns include:

• Lower customer demand due to economic instability (62%)

• Delays in government-backed loans through the Small Business Administration (18%)

• Rising borrowing costs and uncertainty about policy direction

Looking Ahead: Lubbock’s Small Business Future

Forty-six percent of small business owners expect the recent Federal Reserve rate cut to help boost business by lowering borrowing costs and sparking a surge in consumer spending.

Still, 81% believe small businesses don’t have enough of a voice in Washington. That’s one reason more than 2,000 owners — including some from right here in West Texas — are heading to the nation’s capital later this month to make sure their concerns are heard.

READ MORE: Lubbock Drivers Think They’re Great—But Most Would Fail This Test

Because if there’s one thing you can count on in Lubbock, it’s that when times get tough — small business owners don’t back down. They double down!