TACOMA, Wash., (June 25, 2026) – Two-thirds of Colorado businesses say they are prioritizing making investments over cutting costs, according to new data released today by Columbia Bank. At the same time, half of local leaders say they plan to monitor current pressures from tariffs, inflation and rising energy costs before making major decisions.

The findings are from Columbia Bank’s 2026 Business Barometer, an annual study examining the outlook, priorities and decision-making of nearly 1,200 small and midsize enterprises across the United States, including businesses with significant sales, employees and operations in Colorado.

Top Regional Priorities: What is Driving Decision-Making for Colorado Businesses?

Colorado businesses indicate strong appetite to invest in strategic priorities that promote efficiency and growth and strengthen their competitive edge over the next 12 months:

• Colorado businesses are more eager to borrow for growth than most businesses, with 77% saying they are very or somewhat likely to borrow to invest in expansion (compared to 70% nationally). They also show a stronger appetite for acquisitions (58%) than businesses do nationally (36%).
• Colorado businesses are more inclined to invest in their business compared to the national average, with local leaders saying they are very or somewhat likely to increase their real estate footprint (66% compared to 62% nationally) and acquire another business (58% compared to 36% nationally).
• Colorado businesses are more balanced between caution and action than most when it comes to making investments amid economic pressures. While 51% of Colorado businesses expect to wait six before making major decisions, that percentage falls below the national average (59%).
• As a result, 51% of Colorado businesses expect to increase headcount over the next 12 months.

AI is a top three priority for 69% of Colorado businesses and recent advances in AI capabilities are in part driving the positive outlook. They are more optimistic about the impact of AI than most businesses, with 73% saying it will strengthen their business (59% nationally). More than four in five expect AI to help with employee satisfaction and retention.

While tariff impact has fallen out of as a top concern for many businesses since last year, it still ranks as a top two concern for those in Colorado. Input from leaders indicates that the unpredictability of tariff implementation has been more challenging than direct tariff costs, as delays, exemptions and shifting percentage amounts have made planning difficult.

• 50% expect trade volatility, tariff impacts to last one to two years
• 59% will seek tariff refunds

To download Columbia Bank’s 2026 Business Barometer, visit: www.columbiabank.com/business-barometer.

Survey Methodology
The Columbia Bank 2026 Business Barometer, conducted annually, surveyed 1,186 owners, executives and financial decision-makers from U.S. small and middle market businesses. The online survey was conducted in partnership with DHM Research, a public policy and business research firm, and targeted leaders at companies with $500,000 to $500 million in annual revenue. The survey, which did not filter for Columbia Bank customers, has a 2.7% margin of error and was fielded from April 28 to May 7, 2026.

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is an award-winning preeminent regional bank with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. It combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management.