[SAN DIEGO, CA],  November 5, 2025 – Vistage –  the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses  – is proud to announce its recognition on the Inc. Power Partner Awards. The prestigious list honors B2B organizations that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. 

Companies on the Inc. Power Partner list received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, and more, allowing founders to focus on their core missions. 

“The entrepreneurial journey and community are core to Inc.’s mission, and it’s a true honor to celebrate this year’s Inc. Power Partners — the companies dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs,” says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. “Whether they’re coordinating complex marketing campaigns or reliably supporting the day-to-day infrastructure of growing companies, these honorees aren’t simply B2B providers — they are true partners in helping businesses grow and succeed.”  

“It’s an honor for Vistage to be recognized on the Inc. Power Partners Awards.  At Vistage, we are dedicated to being the world’s most trusted resource for CEOs of small and midsize businesses,  helping them make better decisions, become better leaders, and deliver better outcomes,” said Sam Reese, CEO of Vistage. “This achievement represents our ongoing commitment to helping high-integrity business leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities.”

Founded in 1957, Vistage brings together high-performing CEOs through a proven leadership experience that drives results both personally and professionally. In confidential monthly private advisory board meetings, members gain the perspective, clarity and support to become better leaders and accelerate their company’s growth. Guided by a dedicated Chair — an accomplished former CEO dedicated to helping others grow — members leverage the wisdom and accountability of their peers to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. In addition, Vistage’s network of more than 45,000 members worldwide also benefit from expert speakers, personalized coaching sessions and global networking opportunities. 

For more information or to view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards. 

About Inc.  
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com. 

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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This acquisition enhances Vistage’s ability to support members as they navigate complex business transactions, giving CEOs and business owners another resource to achieve better outcomes when buying, selling, or financing their companies. 

“SBN’s Dealmakers events and editorial content provide a powerful platform for connecting leaders during one of the most important phases of their business journey,” said Vistage CEO Sam Reese. “Together, we’ll help Vistage members access insights and connections when contemplating a transaction. This acquisition strengthens Vistage’s presence in local communities nationwide and reflects our shared belief that CEOs make better decisions when they come together. It’s an exciting step forward in realizing Vistage’s vision of being the world’s most trusted resource for CEOs of small and midsize businesses, helping them make better decisions, become better leaders, and deliver better outcomes.” 

Founded in 1989, SBN has built a trusted reputation for helping business leaders network and learn from each other through content and in-person events. The company’s Smart Business Dealmakers conferences, held in 20 U.S. markets, are essential gatherings for middle-market CEOs, investors and advisors involved in mergers, acquisitions and capital strategies. 

“For more than 35 years, SBN has built a strong foundation rooted in relationships and community,” said Fred Koury, the company’s Co-founder, President & CEO. “Over that time, we’ve developed a strong track record of understanding middle-market executives and providing them with the insights, advice and strategies to be successful. Joining forces with Vistage will allow us to strengthen our commitment to these leaders.” 

After dedicating himself to building SBN over 35 years, Fred will stay on to guide the transition to Lee Koury, who is stepping into the role of SBN’s Managing Director. 

“SBN has worked closely with Vistage Chairs and members over the years,” Lee Koury added. “We have long admired Vistage’s commitment to helping leaders grow and succeed. Looking ahead, this is a great strategic opportunity to help us reach even more CEOs.” 

About Smart Business Network 
Smart Business Network is a media and events company dedicated to inspiring and informing business leaders. Through Smart Business magazines and the Smart Business Dealmakers Conference series, Smart Business has been helping entrepreneurs and executives share their success stories, connect with peers, and grow their companies for more than three decades. 

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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SAN DIEGO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) confidence in the economy edged upwards in Q3 2025, according to the latest CEO Confidence Index from Vistage. The CEO coaching and peer advisory organization’s quarterly survey, conducted between September 2nd and 16th, found that while optimism has increased modestly, leaders remain cautious as they monitor the potential impact of policy changes on their businesses.

The Index increased to 81.9 in Q3 2025, up from 77.2 in Q2 and 78.5 in Q1. Since 2003, Vistage has measured SMB CEOs’ sentiment on a variety of economic and business factors each quarter. ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology has confirmed the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index nine months in advance, providing a clear view into the future.

“CEOs are in a holding pattern, closely watching how trade, tariffs, taxes, and immigration policies unfold,” said Joe Galvin, Vistage’s chief research officer. “Uncertainty remains high, leaving leaders weighing whether to adopt an even more conservative approach or to begin accelerating their growth strategy. The economy is at a pivot point, and the decisions CEOs make now will shape the year ahead.”

Navigating the economy and changing policies remained among the top concerns of SMB CEOs in Q3 2025, but their focus has shifted subtly. While federal policy dominated worries in Q2, leaders are now expressing concerns about customers’ increasingly cautious behavior and the subsequent slowing of the sales cycle. Meanwhile, hiring and retention have emerged as critical challenges, with businesses struggling to recruit skilled and leadership talent amid wage inflation, high turnover, and a weakened labor market. At the same time, tariffs and trade policies continue to disrupt supply chains, drive up costs, and delay projects, while rising material, labor, and interest costs put additional pressure on revenue growth.

“Recent CEO sentiment points to a more subdued expansion ahead,” said Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA and economist at ITR Economics. “The Federal Reserve enacted a 25-basis-point rate cut in September, but conflicting statements from Fed officials have added to overall uncertainty.”

Q3 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

Tariffs are squeezing businesses.

• 62% of SMB CEOs report that tariffs have increased their costs.
• 43% have already raised prices, and 51% plan to raise prices in the next three months.
  • Of those increasing prices, 64% plan hikes of 4-10%, while 10% plan increases of more than 10%.
• Tariffs are also impacting business performance: 36% report declining customer demand, 33% report revenue declines, and 46% report decreased profitability.
• 16% have decreased hiring in response to tariffs.

Hiring plans tick up slightly, while expectations for workforce reductions remain elevated.

• 48% of SMB CEOs plan to increase headcount in the year ahead, up six percentage points from last quarter.
• 13% expect to reduce headcount over the next 12 months.
  • This marks the third consecutive quarter where expectations for workforce reductions remain in double digits.
  • The only time this number has been higher was during the height of pandemic uncertainty in Q2 2020, and during the 2008-2009 Great Recession.

Workplace models stabilize as leaders prioritize employee engagement.

• SMB CEOs are increasingly settling into stable workplace models: 43% report a hybrid workforce, 45% are fully onsite, and 8% are fully remote.
• When asked how they track employee engagement, respondents say:
  • One-on-one meetings or manager check-ins (81%)
  • Turnover or retention rates (61%)
  • Employee engagement surveys (51%)
  • Productivity or performance metrics (50%)
  • Employee referrals or online reviews (22%)
• When asked what their focus areas are for employee engagement efforts, respondents say:
  • Clear communication and leadership transparency (89%)
  • Positive, values-driven culture (82%)
  • Recognition and appreciation of employees (81%)
  • Supportive managers and strong team relationships (71%)
  • Career growth and development opportunities (68%)
  • Work-life balance and flexibility (65%)

CEOs’ outlook for profits and revenue is improving, even as challenges persist.

• SMB CEO optimism about what’s next for their business is trending positively: 60% expect their sales revenues will improve during the next 12 months (up from 54% last quarter), and 48% anticipate their profitability will improve during that timeframe (up from 41% last quarter).

View the full results of the Q3 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index at: vistage.com/ceoindex.

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q3 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,349 U.S. CEOs surveyed between September 2 and 16, 2025 (prior to the recent interest rate cut and government shutdown). Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses. For more Vistage CEO Confidence Index results, visit vistage.com/ceoindex.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

The post CEO Confidence Inches Up in Q3 as Leaders Navigate Policy Changes appeared first on Vistage.

“Rikke shares our conviction that CEOs and their leaders benefit from diverse perspectives of trusted peers as they lead through complexity,” said Rob Ristagno, President of International Operations at Vistage Worldwide. “Her leadership will accelerate the integration of EGN and Vistage, ensuring that together we deliver a seamless peer advisory experience. We both believe deeply that expert-led peer groups are the most powerful model for how leaders learn, and Rikke is uniquely positioned to advance that vision at EGN. Under her leadership, EGN will focus on expanding its CEO member community to help more executives worldwide become better leaders, make better decisions and deliver better results.”

Fjeldsted has extensive experience in sales execution, leadership, growth strategies and organizational transformation. She most recently served as Executive Commercial Director for Hotels at Bellagroup, a leading player in Denmark’s hospitality industry, where she oversaw three international hotels: the Copenhagen Marriott, AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen, and Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers. Earlier in her career, she was Chief Sales Officer at Presidents Institute and held senior sales positions at Mater A/S and Bolia.com. Fjeldsted currently serves on the boards of Board Company and DenkProducties, and has previously served on the boards of MPI Scandinavia Chapter and Wonderful Copenhagen. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Studies from Roskilde University and has completed executive leadership training at Columbia Business School.

“I am inspired by EGN and Vistage’s shared purpose of helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities, and it is an honor to join EGN as CEO at this pivotal moment,” said Rikke Lolk Fjeldsted. “My focus will be on bringing EGN and Vistage even closer together to create a unified peer advisory platform for CEOs and their leaders. Together we will expand access to confidential groups, expert coaching and a global network, building on our shared belief that guided peer groups are the best way for leaders to learn, grow and achieve lasting results.”

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve helped CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to make better decisions that achieve better results for their companies, families and communities. Learn more at vistage.com

About EGN

Founded in 1992, EGN (Executives’ Global Network) is a professional peer network with nearly 13,000 members in 13 countries. With almost 900 peer groups across 70 functional areas, EGN creates personal, professional and business value through confidential networks of peers who share experiences and insights with the ambition of making each other better—every day.

The post EGN, a Vistage Company, Names Rikke Lolk Fjeldsted as CEO to Lead Next Growth Phase appeared first on Vistage.

“We’re honored to be recognized once again as one of San Diego’s Best Places to Work,” said Sam Reese, CEO of Vistage. “This award is a testament to our team’s deep commitment to our purpose of helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities. Our culture is rooted in trust, caring, and continuous growth, and it’s inspiring to see how our employees live those values every day.”

The San Diego Business Journal Best Places to Work list honors employers in San Diego that are making their workplaces great. Results are based on a comprehensive employer questionnaire evaluating workplace policies as well as an employee survey measuring satisfaction, professional development opportunities, and overall engagement. 

The recognition as one of the Best Places to Work reflects Vistage’s ongoing efforts to prioritize employee satisfaction and engagement. The company offers extensive benefits including HMO and PPO plans, 401K matching, FSA contribution, EAP, and more. Vistage additionally sponsors outings to Padres games, holiday parties, food trucks, as well as a variety of other onsite and remote events to promote employee connection. Employees appreciate Vistage’s career investments including Employee Development Days, opportunities to learn and grow from world-class leaders like Adam Grant and James Clear, free learning through online learning platform Udemy, and tuition reimbursement, among others.

San Diego Business Journal partners with Workforce Research Group to identify those employers who are creating cultures that make employees proud to be a part of them. The evaluation process includes two surveys to gather detailed data about each participating company. Employers are asked to fill out an in-depth questionnaire about their company policies, practices, benefits, and demographics. Additionally, employees are asked to take a survey rating a set of statements about the company’s culture on a Likert scale and includes open-ended responses. Workforce Research Group conducts the surveys, analyzes the data, and determines the winners and rankings.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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SAN DIEGO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEOs’ confidence in the economy continued to edge down in Q2 2025, according to the latest CEO Confidence Index from CEO coaching and peer advisory organization Vistage.

The Index dipped to 77.2 in Q2, down from 78.5 in Q1 2025 and significantly below its 100.8 reading in Q4 2024. Driven by record-low workforce expansion plans and the negative impacts of tariffs and trade policy, today’s confidence level is 3.2 points below the 12-quarter average after seeing a temporary spike in December 2024 due to post-election optimism.

“Depending on your source, the U.S. economy is either booming or on the brink of collapse, but the reality lies somewhere in between,” said Joe Galvin, Vistage’s chief research officer. “CEO confidence continued to slip in June, returning to the lower end of the post-pandemic range. Ongoing uncertainty, coupled with the growing impact of AI on workforce productivity, has driven workforce expansion to record lows as CEOs assume a more risk-averse posture and increasingly consider workforce reductions. With so much disruption, it’s no surprise that our survey reveals many CEOs are experiencing burnout; however, forecasts indicate that the business landscape is unlikely to become easier to navigate anytime soon. Leaders must focus on building the mental, physical, and emotional fortitude they need to lead their business forward successfully despite uncertainty.”

Since 2003, Vistage has measured the sentiment of SMB CEOs on a variety of economic and business factors each quarter. ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology has confirmed the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index nine months in advance, providing a view into the future.

Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA and economist at ITR Economics, commented: “The margin equation has become critical for CEOs. Now is the time for business leaders to hyperfocus on efficiency gains to maximize their existing labor force and capacity.”

Q2 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

CEOs remain uncertain about economic conditions.

• When asked how overall economic conditions have changed over the past year, 50% of SMB CEOs report that conditions have worsened. Just 17% said conditions have improved.
• Respondents were divided when expressing their expectations for the economy 12 months from now: 33% expect it to worsen, 31% anticipate it will improve, and 32% expect it to remain the same. 
• CEO optimism about what’s next for their business is waning. 54% expect their sales revenues will improve during the next 12 months (down 22 points from Q4 2024), and 41% anticipate their profitability will improve during that timeframe (down 20 points from Q4 2024).

Ongoing uncertainty is driving hiring plans to record lows.

• 42% of CEOs expect to increase their workforce in the year ahead, down from 45% in Q1 and 23 points below the recent peak in Q4 2024.
• Meanwhile, 13% of CEOs expect to decrease the size of their workforce over the next 12 months. While in line with Q1 2025, this level has only been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and in recessions.

Despite the pause, tariffs remain a significant challenge for CEOs.

• More than two-thirds (69%) of SMBs have been negatively impacted by trade and tariff policy changes, either directly or indirectly.
• Of those that order goods from China, 44% of CEOs reported that their businesses are trying to accelerate shipments during the 90-day tariff pause.
• Customer behavior has changed in response to tariff and trade policies, with 46% of CEOs reporting delays in the buying process, 32% finding that customers are evaluating more alternatives, and 28% saying the sales cycle has lengthened.

Business leaders are planning to hike prices.

• Nearly half (49%) of CEOs plan to implement price increases in the next three months.
  • 79% expect to raise prices by more than four percent, including 11% who will raise prices by more than ten percent.
  • CEOs cited the rising cost of labor, materials, and overhead as well as tariffs and macroeconomic inflation as the primary drivers of price increases.

Persistent uncertainty is resulting in burnout among CEOs.

• Forty percent of CEOs rate their work-life balance as “fair” or “poor,” and 68% report feeling burned out or emotionally exhausted at least “occasionally” over the last three months, including 21% who say they have experienced it “frequently.”
• Forty percent of CEOs struggle to get the right amount of sleep, and 32% say they do not have intentional time built into their schedule to recharge mentally.
• While 83% agree or strongly agree that movement plays a meaningful role in improving their patience, mood, and decision-making, 50% find that their schedule often interferes with their ability to exercise.

View the full results of the Q2 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index at: vistage.com/ceoindex

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q2 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,537 U.S. CEOs surveyed between June 2 and 16, 2025. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.

For more Vistage CEO Confidence Index results, visit vistage.com/ceoindex

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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SAN DIEGO, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEOs’ confidence in the economy decreased significantly in Q1 2025, according to the latest CEO Confidence Index from CEO coaching and peer advisory organization Vistage.

The Index plummeted a historic 22 points from the previous quarter, from 100.8 to 78.5. This sharp decline is primarily driven by growing concerns over tariffs and heightened inflation.

“CEO confidence took a significant hit in Q1 2025, a stark juxtaposition to the gains we saw in Q4,” said Joe Galvin, Vistage’s chief research officer. “While such a drop would typically raise alarm bells, it brings levels back near those seen in Q3 2023. The high confidence in the previous quarter was likely driven by optimism about what the new administration might accomplish, while the current reading reflects the reality of ongoing economic challenges. This uncertainty, along with tariffs and growing concerns among consumers, is leading to a more cautious outlook for the U.S. economy.”

Since 2003, Vistage has measured SMB CEO sentiment regarding a variety of economic and business factors every quarter. ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology has confirmed the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index nine months in advance.

Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA and economist at ITR Economics, commented: “Price increases are going to be critical as there will be a continued margin squeeze caused by tariffs, the labor market and wage increases. Margin is the critical differentiator of winners and losers going forward.”

Q1 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

CEOs are increasingly uncertain about economic conditions.

• When asked how overall economic conditions have changed over the past year, 41% of SMB CEOs report that conditions have worsened, and 42% expect the economy to continue to worsen in the year ahead.

Tariffs are a major source of concern for CEOs.

• 69% of CEOs said trade and tariff policy changes will negatively impact their businesses.

Finding and retaining qualified employees remains a widespread challenge.

• Despite the current economic environment, 45% of CEOs plan to add personnel in the year ahead.
• However, 14% of CEOs intend to reduce hiring. Since the survey began in 2003, the only other times this figure rose as high was during the pandemic in 2020 and the recession in 2008 and 2009.

CEOs are navigating the impact of changes in government spending.

• When asked about the potential effects of changes in government spending:
  • 10% of CEOs expect direct impacts, such as cuts in government orders, contracts, or grants
  • 32% anticipate indirect impacts, such as cuts to customers’ or vendors’ government-related contracts
  • 20% foresee both direct and indirect impacts

Companies are raising prices amid economic uncertainty.

• 44% have increased their prices since the beginning of the year, and 51% plan to implement price increases in the next three months. Of those increasing prices, 13% are planning hikes of more than 10%.

CEOs and leadership teams are actively utilizing AI in their operations.

• 70% of CEOs and 61% of leadership teams are actively using AI in their operations. In comparison, 55% of individual employees are utilizing AI.
• 47% of CEOs are leveraging training to ensure their employees effectively use GenAI.

View the full results of the Q1 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index at: vistage.com/ceoindex

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q1 2025 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,796 U.S. CEOs surveyed between March 3 and 17, 2025. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.

For more Vistage CEO Confidence Index results, visit vistage.com/ceoindex

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

The post CEO Confidence Plummets in Q1 2025 as More Than Two-Thirds Brace for Negative Impacts of Tariffs appeared first on Vistage.

Vistage Vietnam was founded by Quang Minh Ho, and Stephanie Ho has been named CEO.  Quang Minh Ho has spent his career empowering entrepreneurs. As founder of BCA Group and National Director of BNI Vietnam, he helped SME owners to increase their business opportunities through relationships. He also owns ActionCoach SEA and CorporateConnections Vietnam.  He previously spent nearly 20 years focused on global logistics as CEO of BEE Logistics Corporation and General Manager of Vinatrans.

Stephanie Ho has served as Vice President of Business Development at Transworld Business Advisors Vietnam as well as CEO of BCA Group. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management. She worked with renowned global brands, including ActionCOACH, BNI, CorporateConnections, and Transworld Business Advisors under the BCA Group umbrella. Her contributions during this time laid the foundation for her certification as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a credential she continues to leverage in fostering business success and innovation.

Vistage Vietnam founder Quang Minh Ho said, “I have dedicated my career to helping leaders of small and midsize businesses. When I learned about Vistage’s approach to developing better leaders who make better decisions and create better outcomes through peer advisory groups, I knew it would be welcomed by leaders within the Vietnam business community. Under Stephanie’s leadership, I see tremendous opportunity to grow awareness for the effectiveness of Vistage’s model for how leaders can learn from their peers and ultimately fuel their business growth.”

Rob Ristagno, Vistage’s President of International Operations said, “With Vistage now in more than 35 countries across the world, we are thrilled to continue to strengthen our presence in the Asia Pacific region, where we see tremendous opportunity for helping leaders to grow their businesses and fuel their local economies. Quang’s dedication to helping entrepreneurs and coaches succeed perfectly aligns with Vistage’s purpose of helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that help their families, business, and communities. We know Quang and Stephanie will empower CEOs across Vietnam to improve their effectiveness and enhance their lives.” 
If you are interested in becoming a Vistage Chair or member in Vietnam, please visit https://vistage.vn/. 

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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Vistage Survey Reveals that 55% of CEOs Anticipate Economic Improvement in the Year Ahead; Majority Cite New Administration as Key Driver of Optimism

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEO confidence surged to 100.8 in Q4 2024, a 15.7-point quarter-over-quarter increase and the highest score recorded since Q2 2021, per the latest CEO Confidence Index released by CEO coaching and peer advisory organization Vistage. This sharp increase reflects growing optimism for future revenue and profits, with CEOs’ plans for investments and hiring now exceeding both pre-pandemic levels and decade-long averages.

Growing levels of confidence are driven in part by the more than half (55%) of CEOs who believe the economy will improve over the next year, a substantial increase from 32% in Q3 2024 and 21% in Q4 2023. This optimism is largely fueled by the upcoming change in U.S. leadership: Of those who expect improvements, the majority cite the new administration as the reason for their positive outlook.

“We ended 2024 with a significant boost to CEO confidence, an indicator of the long-awaited growth cycle forecasted to begin in 2025,” said Joe Galvin, Vistage’s chief research officer. “Economic conditions are largely shaped by factors such as administration policies, trade regulations, inflation, and consumer confidence. More than half of CEOs expect the economy to improve in the coming year, with many optimistic about the new administration and the potential for pro-business policies, reduced regulations, lower inflation, and reduced borrowing costs to drive investment and fuel growth.”

Vistage has measured SMB CEOs’ sentiment on various economic and business factors every quarter since 2003. Analysis using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology has revealed the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index nine months in advance.

Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA and economist at ITR Economics noted, “The lift in the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is encouraging as it aligns with ITR Economics’ forecasts for growth in 2025. With interest rate cuts totaling 100 basis points, borrowing costs are lower,” Saidel-Baker said. “This is advantageous in two ways: Lower rates will stimulate the economy and make productivity investments more cost effective for small and midsize businesses. While interest rates are still higher than previous lows, there is a window of opportunity to invest, especially with anticipated higher demand in 2025.”

Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

CEOs are preparing for the impact of policy shifts under the new presidential administration.

• When asked how potential changes to the following policies would impact their business under the new administration:
  • Tax
    • 65% anticipate tax policy changes will positively impact their business.
  • Regulatory Compliance
    • More than half (52%) anticipate regulatory compliance changes will positively impact their organizations (vs. just 13% that expect negative impacts).
  • Labor and Employment Laws
    • 44% expect new labor and employment laws to positively impact their organizations (vs. 20% expecting negative impacts).
  • Environmental and Sustainability
    • 32% expect environmental and sustainability policies to positively impact their organization, with 17% citing a negative impact.
  • Healthcare
    • 30% expect healthcare policy changes to impact their organizations positively and 21% anticipate negative impacts.
  • Tariffs and Trade
    • Despite optimism, 60% anticipate tariffs and trade policy changes will negatively impact their business.
  • Immigration
    • 29% anticipate that immigration policy changes will negatively impact their organization.

CEOs are increasing hiring plans.

• 65% of SMB CEOs expect their organizations’ total number of employees to increase in the year ahead.
  • 30% of CEOs anticipate their total number of employees to remain the same.
  • Only 5% of CEOs plan to decrease their employee headcount in 2025.

SMBs are embracing Artificial Intelligence.

• When asked how they feel about Open and Generative AI such as ChatGPT, 77% of SMB CEOs note they feel the technology presents a “tremendous” opportunity for their business.
  • Just 11% report they struggle to understand how AI works, while 2% see it as a risk.

• 38% are currently testing AI for select functions, while 22% say their business is already using AI as part of their daily operations.
• 45% of CEOs plan to increase their technology budget in the next year to accommodate adding AI technologies and applications.

Small and midsize businesses experience fewer cyber incidents as a result of cyber risk planning.

• Only 5% of SMB CEOs say a cybersecurity incident resulted in lost or compromised data in 2024; 20% experienced an attack that didn’t result in any lost or compromised data.
• 58% of CEOs noted that they have a current cyber risk strategy that is documented and communicated to executive leaders and is reviewed annually. 9% report they are actively working on a strategy. 16% report that their company does not have a defined cyber risk strategy.

See the full results of the Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index at vistage.com/ceoindex.

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,438 U.S. CEOs surveyed between December 2 and 16, 2024. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.
For more Vistage CEO Confidence Index results, visit vistage.com/ceoindex

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

The post CEO Confidence Soars in Q4 2024 Following U.S. Presidential Election appeared first on Vistage.

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEO confidence increased in Q3 with the Vistage CEO Confidence Index rising to 85.1. Responses were captured in a survey conducted by CEO coaching and peer advisory organization .

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q3 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,626 U.S. CEOs surveyed between September 3 and 17, 2024. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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