If you’re like many other small business owners, you’ve been working through an end-of-year checklist to set your company up for a strong start in 2026 with renewed focus and momentum.

Here are a few items worthy of that list, as shared by other entrepreneurs and industry professionals experienced in small business strategic planning.

Review 2025 Results to Plan Ahead for 2026

Every checklist should include a look-back at the year that’s about to close — the successes and significant achievements, as well as the challenges and obstacles.

“Analyzing your business’s performance will provide valuable insights for setting meaningful goals and resolutions for the next year,” says a post by the National Business Association.

Set SMART Goals for the New Year

Some business leaders turn to the guidance outlined in SMART— Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound— to create clear goals for the new year.

“The SMART goals framework is a way to stay on target and achieve your goals more systematically,” explains a business.com article by senior writer Jennifer Dublino.

When using the SMART method, for example, an objective aiming for “increased sales” in 2026 would become more specific. Instead, tie your sales goal to something measurable, whether by a certain dollar amount or percentage increase. Then pin it to a time element, i.e., monthly, quarterly and/or on the year.

Also, set goals that are achievable by your small business. “If you believe you can reach the goal, you’ll be more likely to do so,” Dublin writes. “Setting unreachable goals is a mistake, because you set yourself up for failure.”   

Evaluate and Strengthen Your Marketing Strategy

A review of your marketing efforts makes for another excellent end-of-year checklist item.

Evaluate different aspects, including social media and email campaigns, performed to determine what worked and what didn’t, and use your findings to create a stronger marketing strategy for 2026.

For a little guidance on the assessment, see these 5 questions every business owner should ask when evaluating their marketing efforts.

Review and Update Your Cybersecurity Practices

Add a check on your cybersecurity to your list too — take a review of the best practices for keeping your business, employees and customers from falling prey to cyber risks.

Take time to update cybersecurity tools and software, and go over protocols with staff, particularly those who have joined recently. You want everyone armed with the right information to boost cybersecurity protection at your company in the new year.

Examine Operations and Improve Efficiency

Smooth-running operations and productivity are key components of a successful small business so you may be running an ongoing analysis.

However, if not, take time now to examine your processes to identify bottlenecks or other inefficiencies, or other areas for improvements. See what you can do to better streamline processes, automate tasks and improve workflows in 2026.

Want more tips? Find them on this small business end-of-year checklist