American Black Journal examines the outlook for small businesses in 2026. Host Stephen Henderson sits down with integrated marketing consultant Mark S. Lee, president & CEO of The LEE Group and a Detroit PBS board member, to talk about how small business owners can plan for the rest of the year amid ongoing challenges such as inflation, tariffs and labor shortages. Lee stresses it isn’t time to sit still. He says small business owners should look for possible partnerships, ways to diversify their revenue stream, and grant opportunities.  He also speaks to the unique economic challenges faced by African American entrepreneurs and the importance of leveraging technology for cost efficiencies.