2026 and 2027

2026 compared with 2027

Only questions asked the same way both years. 152 people answered in 2026; 83 have answered in 2027 so far, and the survey is still open. Each line runs from last year's answer to this year's.

2026 (152 answers)2027 so far (83 answers)
What moved

The headline changes

Finding
0%20%40%60%
2026 → 2027Change
Growing steadily
30% → 39%Up 9 pts
In survival mode
22% → 16%Down 6 pts
Stable but stretched
41% → 41%No change
Marketing, sales, or revenue is the biggest challenge
59% → 59%No change
Most want to leave with a new collaborator
33% → 30%Down 3 pts
Average ecosystem support, on a 1 to 5 scale
135
3.5 → 3.0Down 0.5

How organizations describe themselves

0%25%50%
Stable but stretchedNo change
41% → 41%
Growing steadilyUp 9 pts
30% → 39%
Survival modeDown 6 pts
22% → 16%
Scaling rapidlyDown 1 pt
6% → 5%

Years in operation

0%25%50%
10 or moreUp 3 pts
46% → 49%
4 to 10Down 8 pts
22% → 14%
1 to 3Down 2 pts
27% → 25%
Under 1Up 6 pts
5% → 11%

Biggest operational challenge

2027 added a sales option, which drew answers away from funding.
0%25%50%
Marketing and visibilityDown 4 pts
31% → 27%
Sales: finding and closing customersNew in 2027
23%
Funding and revenue stabilityDown 18 pts
28% → 10%
Burnout and capacityDown 1 pt
14% → 13%
Administrative loadDown 1 pt
9% → 8%
Staffing and volunteersUp 3 pts
4% → 7%
Technology, systems, and AIDown 3 pts
9% → 6%

The one thing they want to leave with

2027 added an introductions option.
0%25%50%
A new collaborator or partnerDown 3 pts
33% → 30%
A clearer strategic planDown 1 pt
24% → 23%
A template, checklist, or toolUp 2 pts
18% → 20%
An introduction to someone they need to meetNew in 2027
10%
A mentor or advisorDown 9 pts
15% → 6%
A new service provider or contractorDown 3 pts
5% → 2%

Most-requested topics

0%25%50%
Marketing and salesUp 6 pts
21% → 27%
AI and techNo change
22% → 22%
Connection and partnershipsUp 2 pts
14% → 16%

Session formats, by rank

2026 allowed one pick and 2027 allowed several, so only the order compares. It held.
Format20262027
Hands-on workshops#1#1
Tactical how-to talks#2#2
Small roundtables#3#3
Structured networking#4#4
Keynotes#5#6

Not compared, and where to find them

These changed between surveys, so a side-by-side would mislead. Each still shows on its own year's page.
Loneliness2026 asked everyone how lonely their work feels. 2027 asked home-based owners whether working from home is isolating.
Comfort sharing processes2027 asked how people want to contribute instead.
Session format percentages2026 allowed one pick and 2027 allowed several.
Role and sectorThe answer choices changed. 2027 gave freelancers their own option.
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