ADP Celebrates National Small Business Week with Advice from Nearly 18,000 Small Business Owners

Experts share additional insights to help small businesses navigate complex challenges and HR priorities

ROSELAND, N.J., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From the rapid rise of new technologies like generative AI to changing employee expectations and a shifting compliance landscape, small businesses continue to seek opportunities to thrive amid an ever-changing environment. In pursuit of that passion and in honor of National Small Business Week, ADP shares insights gained from nearly 18,000 small businesses across the U.S. as a result of ADP's Grit & Wisdom Contest, which invited small business owners to share their best strategies for success to empower fellow entrepreneurs. ADP experts additionally weigh in with unique perspectives on how to navigate forward.

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See the top advice small business owners shared

Small businesses share their advice:

From the nearly 18,000 small businesses that shared their top advice, several key themes emerged for driving small business success:

    --  Success is a journey that requires patience and persistence: Small
        business owners noted how important it is to be open to new ideas, even
        if those ideas don't work right away. To stay ahead, they stressed the
        ability to embrace change, be adaptable, learn from mistakes and
        continuously innovate.
    --  The strength of a good team powers growth: Small businesses emphasized
        that how you treat your employees and the culture you create are
        powerful tools in inspiring and elevating those around you. They
        encouraged peers to lead by example and motivate employees to be
        curious, since it often leads to fresh ideas and improved practices.
    --  Small businesses have a distinct mindset: Small business owners know the
        journey comes with long hours and unexpected challenges. However,
        sentiment analysis revealed that love and enjoyment were the top
        emotions expressed in the advice shared. These emotions help sustain
        owners and translate into stronger customer relationships and team
        morale, driving long-term business success.

ADP talent, compliance and tech experts provide added insight:

    --  Get creative with benefits to attract talent: "For small businesses
        competing for talent, a comprehensive benefits strategy can help," said
        Tina Wang, division vice president of human resources at ADP. "There are
        more options now for small businesses to offer competitive benefits
        while still managing costs, and benefits can go a long way in making
        employees feel valued. Focus on high-impact benefits, from medical to
        retirement benefits, and prioritize education - recent ADP research
        shows that employees who better understand their benefits are more
        likely to value and stay with their employer. They're seeing and
        appreciating the investment their organization is making in them."
    --  Learning and development are catalysts for growth: "Learning and
        development are true growth engines for small businesses," said Jason
        Delserro, chief talent acquisition officer at ADP. "Creating clear
        pathways for employees to grow within your company is more essential
        than ever. Focus on critical skills and practical experience--not just
        formal credentials--and invest in on-the-job learning through training
        and stretch assignments. Small businesses have a unique edge: the
        ability to expose employees to multiple areas of the business. Define
        what you're looking for in a candidate, but also envision how they can
        evolve with your business in the years ahead."
    --  Stay on top of evolving compliance needs: "With the compliance landscape
        continuously changing, it's important for small businesses to monitor
        for changes," said Meryl Gutterman, senior counsel at ADP. "From minimum
        wage and salary threshold changes to pay transparency and paid leave
        laws, there may be federal or state-level changes that require action to
        remain compliant."
    --  Technology can help enable human potential: "As technology continues to
        evolve, small business owners are embracing tools that streamline
        operations -- but not at the expense of human connection," said Brooke
        Hatcher, chief product officer at ADP. "They want smart, intuitive
        solutions that save time and reduce complexity, while still giving them
        access to real experts who understand their needs. It's about creating a
        support system that combines innovation with personal guidance from
        trusted advisors, so they can focus on growing their business."

For additional insight and resources, visit adp.com/gritandwisdom.

About ADP (NASDAQ: ADP)
Designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products, premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to reach their full potential. HR, Talent, Time Management, Benefits and Payroll. Informed by data and designed for people. Learn more at ADP.com

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SOURCE ADP, Inc.