Lonely Business: How Small Business Owners Can Overcome Solitude & Learn to Thrive

Owning and running a small business is rewarding, but it comes with many sacrifices. This can make small business owners vulnerable to loneliness. 

A study published in the Journal of Small Business Management last year suggested that loneliness among entrepreneurs can have "significant implications” on their health and performance. And individual, work, and social factors play a role in loneliness. 

Here’s what to know about the link between entrepreneurship and loneliness, and some ways to overcome it. 

The toll of loneliness on entrepreneurs

The study authors noted that the existing research on loneliness among entrepreneurs consists of “scattered findings, inconsistent terminology, and insufficient attention to its connection with broader work-context loneliness research.” 

To better understand the subject, they reviewed and synthesized the findings of 163 papers on entrepreneurship, leadership, and workplace loneliness, mapped “a landscape of loneliness and related constructs,” and suggested a framework for future research. 

The study highlighted several work-related factors that influence entrepreneur loneliness, including working long hours, limited resources, heightened responsibility, high workloads, and remote work. Many small business owners also prioritize their businesses’ needs over their own and don’t have colleagues to interact with. 

Lax boundaries between work and personal lives can strain relationships and cause entrepreneurs to feel disconnected. This often leads to adverse physical and mental health outcomes for entrepreneurs, causing high stress and impacting performance, resilience, self-esteem, emotional exhaustion, and the ability to handle challenges. Loneliness may manifest as insomnia, burnout, or depression. 

How entrepreneurs can overcome loneliness

About 60% of Americans report loneliness, including feeling isolated, left out, or a lack of companionship, according to a 2025 American Psychological Association report. The new study suggests that entrepreneurs may be particularly affected by it and that addressing loneliness should focus on preventive and reactive strategies. Here are some ways to help: 

• Recognize the effects of loneliness. Researchers suggested that understanding the signs of loneliness, such as isolation or neglecting personal relationships, and their potential impact is an important first step. 
• Build a network. The study highlighted that previous research has suggested that networking and mentoring can help entrepreneurs cope with loneliness. This includes regularly connecting with other small business owners. 
• Prioritize work-life balance. Set realistic boundaries with your business, a Shopify blog post suggests. This might include logging off for the day at a specific time or scheduling weekly plans with family and friends. 
• Take care of yourself. When you start to feel isolated or burned out, take time for yourself. Designate time (and put it on our calendar) to read a book, watch TV, or hang out with loved ones. And stay focused on your health: exercise, eat healthy, get plenty of sleep, and manage stress. 
• Seek help. When loneliness becomes overwhelming and affects your small business and your personal life, seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you get to the root of loneliness and guide you through strategies for managing and overcoming it. 

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

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