As we move further into 2026, the commercial lending landscape continues to evolve.  Lenders are operating with disciplined underwriting standards, borrowers are more strategic and capital continues to flow, but with greater selectivity. For business owners and investors, preparation and timing matter more than ever. In recent years, interest rate volatility and economic uncertainty have reshaped how commercial lenders assess risk. While the Prime Rate has stabilized after a rapid increase
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Matthew Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Innovative Officer at Main Street America, wrote this article on February 3, 2026. Since 2022, we’ve been providing predictions for the year ahead to better understand the accelerated changes in society, technology, and the economy, and the anticipated impacts on our Main Streets and small businesses. While not an exact science, I hope this offers insight into how, at the intersection of diverse trends, new insights can emerge to inform strategic
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