Small-business owners, big opportunity

Reach new clients with the Allianz Small-Business Owner Study

Small businesses (including women-owned small businesses) are increasingly realizing the benefits that life insurance can bring to their business strategies.

Yet there are still untapped opportunities for financial professionals with the knowledge and resources to show how indexed universal life (IUL) can help owners achieve their business goals. In fact, of those not currently working with a financial professional for their business needs, 78% say they’re open to working with one in the future.

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Opportunity: IUL to help alleviate high-ranking concerns of small businesses

  • 68% concerned about increasing cost of employee benefits
  • 64% concerned about loss of key employees of the business
  • 64% concerned about federal/state taxes levied at death
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Opportunity: IUL to help fund key employee compensation plans

  • 80% have key employees critical to retain through an ownership transition
  • 65% have an executive bonus plan or similar plan to retain key employees
  • 11% currently use IUL to help fund their compensation plans
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Opportunity: IUL in succession planning for women business owners

  • 27% have a written buy/sell agreement in place
  • 57% have transfer of ownership instructions in their will
  • 75% understand how life insurance could help purchase a deceased owner’s interest
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Opportunity: Financial professionals with business-related knowledge

  • 78% of owners not currently working with a financial professional for their business say they are open to working with one
  • 89% of owners say it’s important a financial professional knows about using life insurance in succession planning
  • 79% of women business owners say it’s important a financial professional understands issues related to women-owned businesses
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About the study

The Allianz® 2025 Small-Business Owner Study is based on an online survey conducted from May – June 2025 with 671 owners of small-to-medium-size businesses (5-499 employees and at least $500,000 in revenue the last fiscal year). The study also included an additional sample of 210 female owners of small businesses that are at least 51% women-owned.

Conducted by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement®, which produces insights and research as a part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.

Indexed universal life insurance (IUL) provides a death benefit that is generally paid income-tax-free to beneficiaries and requires qualification through health and financial underwriting.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.

Product and feature availability may vary by state and broker/dealer.

Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.

Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.950.1962

For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.