ACT Insurance, a provider of insurance for artists, crafters, and other creative small businesses, released its 2026 Small Business Creatives Outlook Report on March 31, 2026. The report combines survey data from insured businesses and consumers with claims data, offering insights into the economic, consumer, and risk trends shaping the creative economy.
Findings indicate steady consumer demand, with nearly two-thirds of shoppers purchasing handmade goods at the same rate as prior years and 30% reporting increased spending. In-person events remain a primary revenue driver, with 71% of consumers citing the ability to see and feel product quality as key. However, many businesses are adopting a hybrid approach, expanding into online channels.
Rising costs top the list of concerns for creative entrepreneurs, alongside challenges related to event access, time constraints, and marketing. The report notes that businesses are becoming more selective about where they invest in growth. Daryle Stafford, CEO of Veracity Insurance, ACT's parent company, stated, “Artists, makers and vendors are finding ways to adapt, expand their reach and build sustainable businesses.”
The report also examines risk trends using claims data. While claim frequency declined year over year, total claim costs increased. Weather-related events accounted for nearly half of all reported incidents, while fire-related losses, though less frequent, carried significantly higher costs. These insights underscore the importance of pairing growth strategies with strong risk management.
The full report is available at 2026 Small Business Creatives Outlook Report. ACT Insurance, founded in 2012, specializes in coverage for creative small businesses. Learn more at https://www.actinsurance.com/.
