THESE ARE THE VOICES OF REAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS — a driven, inventive and resilient force in today’s workforce.

Even as many participants in a recent U.S. Bank survey point to rising costs, stiff competition and a volatile economy as top stressors, small businesses continue to innovate and push forward.

“They’re running on extremely low margins and constantly looking for the best solutions to run their businesses more efficiently,” says Shruti Patel, executive vice president and chief product officer at U.S. Bank.

That persistence is matched by optimism and adaptability: 94% of small businesses surveyed by Forbes Research express confidence in their future, and 79% say payment solutions are critical to growth.

Below, Patel and colleague Dee O’Dell, executive vice president and head of business banking sales at U.S. Bank, share how a strategic banking partner can help small businesses build on this momentum, unlock growth and plan for the future.