I’ve run a freelance business for the better part of the last decade, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the business world is always in motion.
Every year, trends evolve, technologies emerge, and customer expectations shift, all shaping how we work, innovate, and connect with customers. I’ve had to adapt constantly — learning new skills, exploring tools, and rethinking strategies to stay competitive.
While some shifts are seismic, like the way the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rethink the ways we showed up for work, some other shifts are more subtle, gradually altering the landscape until they become impossible to ignore. Take, for example, how subscription-based business models have gradually become the stock in trade for businesses across service and goods industries.
Now, 2025 will not be any different. In this article, I’ll explore the key trends that are set to define the entrepreneurial landscape this year. From the growing focus on green technology to the rise of hybrid work models, understanding these shifts will help entrepreneurs stay relevant and thrive in this ever-evolving economy.
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Entrepreneurship Trends for 2025
1. Continued Focus on Green Technology and Sustainability
The way customers define value for money has shifted from what it used to be. It has ceased being just about delivering a satisfactory good or service. Customers now care if the entire production process was conducted ethically, sustainably, and with minimal (preferably zero) environmental impact.
This is especially true among younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials, who are more willing to spend on brands that prioritize sustainability. What’s more? They don’t mind if they have to pay extra for it.
A 2024 PwC survey found that despite the inflation and rising cost of living, customers will still spend 9.7% more, on average, for sustainably produced or sourced goods. As an industry, green technology is also booming, with 72% of investors reporting that investments in energy transition assets is accelerating across sectors. Investors and business leaders are taking note, and this is why green technology is emerging as a dominant trend in 2025.
As the International Energy Agency’s Executive Director Fatih Birol aptly stated during the launch of the Energy Technology Perspectives 2024, “The market for clean technologies is set to multiply in value in the coming decade, increasingly catching up with the markets for fossil fuels. Clean energy transitions present a major economic opportunity.”
For entrepreneurs, I believe this is more than a trend — it’s a call to action. In 2025 and beyond, sustainability isn’t just a preference but a prerequisite for success.
2. More Small Businesses Embracing AI
I’m not entirely sure why, but there’s something about enterprise AI that seems to make smaller companies hesitant. Maybe it’s the perception that implementing AI comes with a hefty price tag and advanced technical expertise that only large corporations can afford.
I would hesitate too, if I didn’t know how accessible AI has become for businesses of all sizes. The advancements in AI are breaking down barriers, enabling businesses with smaller technology budgets to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness.
According to recent Salesforce research, 91% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) using AI report increased revenue. Among growing businesses, AI adoption is even more pronounced, with 83% already employing it, and 78% planning to increase their investment in AI this year.
“AI is leveling the playing field between SMBs and larger enterprises,” says Kris Billmaier, Executive Vice President at Salesforce. “Small and medium-sized businesses using AI see real returns across their operations, from improved efficiency to stronger customer relationships. Those who wait too long to invest risk falling behind as early adopters build their advantage.”
I believe the message is clear for SMBs. AI is a game changer that is well within reach. To get started, here are some of the AI tools I recommend for small businesses.
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3. Emphasis on Data Accuracy and Cleanliness
Every year, Gartner estimates that poor data quality costs organizations an average of $12.9 million and most organizations do not even know how much bad data costs their businesses because they did not measure it in the first place. I think this figure underscores a trend that will be relevant in 2025 — a sharp focus on data accuracy and cleanliness. For businesses leveraging AI, the stakes are even higher. AI systems thrive on accurate, well-structured information, making clean data an indispensable resource for driving innovation and competitiveness.
On the other hand, entrepreneurs aiming to address these challenges also have a significant opportunity to make an impact in this space. Solutions focused on data cleansing and structuring will lead the pack by enabling organizations to make informed, reliable decisions.
In an interview with Entrepreneur, Alex Naughton, CEO and co-founder of Qlarifi, confirms this. “While artificial intelligence applications have exploded, they are only as effective as the data they are built on. Many large enterprises face a significant transitional challenge when it comes to cleaning up and structuring their data. By prioritizing clean, reliable, and well-aggregated data, [companies like Qlarifi] enable [their] partners to make smarter decisions and unlock the full potential of AI-powered insights.”
4. Increased Focus on Customer Service Quality and Customer Feedback
Good customer service has never not been important. But in 2025, it would be even more relevant. Why? Customers now expect faster, more personalized, and seamless interactions. A 2024 Salesforce report found that 89% of customers believe the experience a company provides is as important as its products or services.
Then, there’s technology enhancing service delivery. For example, companies using AI for customer service save 45% of time spent on calls, resolve issues 44% faster, and experience a 35% increase in the quality of support.
Our 2024 State of Entrepreneurship report also shows that the majority of entrepreneurs are familiar with software solutions that help them manage routine tasks. HubSpot’s CRM, for instance, helps businesses organize, track, and build better relationships with leads and customers, showcasing how technology empowers smaller enterprises to meet growing expectations.
Additionally, high-quality service gives businesses a competitive edge, in my experience. Given that 76% of customers will switch to a competitor after at least one poor service experience, companies that invest in training, technology, and omnichannel strategies to improve their customer support are more likely to retain loyal customers and attract new ones through positive word-of-mouth.
In the same vein, I’ve seen that actively seeking and incorporating customer feedback has become crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their offerings and customer satisfaction. Sometimes, all it takes to make some extra sales is one viral social media post from a very satisfied customer.
Moreover, products with customer reviews are 270% more likely to be purchased than those without. On that note, here is how to get started on using customer feedback the right way.
In 2025, it doesn’t matter how great your offering is. Customers are saying that it has to be delivered with a white glove, the type that inspires the word-of-mouth advocacy that your business needs to build a stronger customer base.
5. Hybrid Work Becoming More Popular
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, a trend that shows no sign of reversing. As a freelance business owner, I have experienced the pros and cons of remote work myself. While I enjoy the flexibility, staying connected with a team isn’t always easy. Now, businesses are embracing hybrid models, combining in-office and remote work to offer employees the best of both worlds.
Hybrid work models have gained significant traction, with 64% of companies globally adopting this approach, while only 22% work full-time from the office. This shift reflects a clear preference for flexibility and balance in work arrangements. And the benefits speak for themselves.
Research shows that employees doing hybrid work are just as productive and as likely to be promoted as their fully office-based colleagues. They’re also less likely to resign (resignations fell by 33% among employees who transitioned from fully office-based to a hybrid schedule).
In fact, according to our 2024 State of Entrepreneurship report, most business owners started their business because they wanted out of traditional 9-5 work schedules.
“The results are clear: Hybrid work is a win-win-win for employee productivity, performance, and retention. If managed right, letting employees work from home two or three days a week still gets you the level of mentoring, culture-building, and innovation that you want,” says Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economist and one of the foremost researchers on work-from-home policies.
“From an economic policymaking standpoint, hybrid work is one of the few instances where there aren’t major trade-offs with clear winners and clear losers. There are almost always only winners.”
As this trend continues, entrepreneurs must adapt to optimize productivity and maintain strong team dynamics.
Preparing for Times Ahead
More than ever before, entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunities to innovate and forge meaningful connections with their target audiences. In this era of rapid transformation, the ability to unlearn, learn, and relearn has never been more essential.
But I’ve found success in this new era demands adaptability, empathy, and a willingness to embrace change. Businesses that rise to the occasion will not only thrive but also set a new standard for what it means to deliver value in the 21st century.
Free Business Startup Kit
9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.
- Business Name Brainstorming Workbook
- Business Plan Template
- Business Startup Cost Calculator
- And more!
Download Free
All fields are required.
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