For years, access to employer-sponsored retirement plans has been more limited among small businesses than larger employers. That gap is beginning to narrow. According to new data from Gusto, the share of small businesses offering a retirement plan that employees use has increased from 19% in 2019 to 31% in 2026, representing a 64% increase.

The change reflects a broader shift in how small businesses approach employee benefits. As more employers recognize the importance of retirement benefits, access is expanding into industries and worker groups that have historically been less likely to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans.

But offering a retirement plan is only the starting point. For small and mid-sized businesses, the structure of the plan can be just as important as the decision to offer one. Employers need to consider how the plan fits their workforce, business objectives, administrative capabilities, and employees’ overall experience.

A plan that works well for a large organization may not necessarily be the right fit for a smaller business. Different workforces have different compensation structures, employee demographics, participation patterns, and financial objectives. This makes a customized approach increasingly important as more employers enter the retirement-plan market.

RetireBetter’s 401(k) solutions are designed around the individual organization rather than an off-the-shelf structure. Each plan is supported by a professional service team that takes the time to understand the client’s business and build a customized plan around its needs.

RetireBetter also provides retirement solutions beyond traditional 401(k) plans. Nonprofits can access 403(b) plans designed for both ERISA and non-ERISA organizations, while government agencies, nonprofits, and qualified contractors can use 457(b) plans. For business owners seeking to save beyond standard 401(k) contribution limits, Cash Balance plans can provide significant tax advantages through customized funding strategies designed with actuarial expertise.

As retirement plan adoption continues to grow among smaller employers, the opportunity is moving beyond simply providing access. The focus is increasingly on building retirement plans that fit the business and provide a meaningful experience for employees.