This research delves into the critical success factors underpinning small businesses in the United States, with a particular emphasis on socially responsible practices. By analyzing nine pertinent articles, this study identifies key themes essential for small business success, including leader attributes, business characteristics, innovation/technology adoption, support mechanisms, and social responsibility initiatives. These findings offer a coherent framework for both scholars and practitioners to navigate success considerations across diverse business landscapes. Notably, the study underscores the pressing need to enhance the disconcerting survival rate of American small businesses, which languishes below 50% within the initial five years of operation. Noteworthy is the prominence of leader and business characteristics as pivotal success factors, alongside the robust correlation observed between socially responsible practices and business success. Moreover, the research highlights the nuanced nature of individual leaders' strategies for organizational success, often rooted in their vision and mission execution.