U.S. business owners are increasingly treating risk as a permanent part of doing business rather than an occasional disruption, according to the 2026 Gallagher Business Owners Survey.
The survey of 1,000 business owners found that concerns about economic uncertainty, cyber threats, artificial intelligence (AI), supply chain disruptions, and severe weather continue to shape business decisions in 2026. In fact, 76% of respondents said business-related concerns are more likely to keep them awake at night than personal matters, highlighting the growing complexity of today's operating environment.
Perhaps most notably, 94% of business owners expressed concern that their insurance coverage may not adequately protect them from a specific event or loss. The finding suggests that organizations are increasingly evaluating whether traditional risk management strategies are sufficient in an era marked by evolving threats.
Supply chain disruptions remain a major concern despite some signs of stabilization. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of business owners said they are very or extremely concerned about supply chain interruptions affecting their organizations during the coming year. While fewer companies reported experiencing disruptions in 2025 than in the previous year, many leaders continue to view supply chain challenges as an ongoing business reality rather than a temporary issue.
To strengthen resilience, 61% of respondents reported establishing contingency suppliers. At the same time, businesses are increasingly turning to technology to improve supply chain visibility and efficiency. More than one-third (36%) said they have incorporated or plan to incorporate AI into supply chain operations, up from 30% a year earlier.
Weather-related risks are also becoming more prominent. More than half of respondents identified flooding as one of the top weather threats facing their businesses, a significant increase from the previous year. The concern reflects a growing recognition that severe weather events are affecting regions that historically experienced fewer climate-related disruptions.
As a result, many organizations are taking steps to strengthen facilities, improve disaster preparedness plans, and evaluate insurance coverage to better withstand future weather events.
Cybersecurity continues to rank among the most pressing concerns for business owners. More than two-thirds (68%) said they are very or extremely concerned about cyberattacks affecting their businesses over the next 12 months. Demand for cyber insurance is also rising, with 44% of respondents indicating they would like to acquire or expand cyber coverage, compared with 36% last year.
Meanwhile, AI remains both an opportunity and a source of uncertainty. Nearly nine in 10 business owners said they are concerned about AI's impact on their businesses, while 95% support greater regulation and 94% favor stronger protections against misuse. Despite those concerns, companies continue to invest in AI technologies, suggesting that business leaders recognize the potential benefits while seeking safeguards to manage emerging risks.
The survey's findings point to a broader shift in how organizations approach risk. Rather than reacting to isolated events, business owners are increasingly building resilience strategies that account for ongoing uncertainty across multiple fronts — from supply chains and cybersecurity to climate risks and technological change.
Maura Keller is a Minnesota-based freelance writer and editor.
(Featured image credit: Summit Art Creations/Adobe Stock)
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