- How small business owners feel about the new economic changes
- The economic plan for small businesses
- How recent policies may affect small businesses
- What deregulation could mean for SMBs
- How to make the most of the economic changes for your business
- Discover the ways you can use capital to stay ahead of the curve
There is a new administration, and business owners are paying close attention to potential changes in the economic landscape.
| “New economic initiatives could change how you source, sell, and spend. If your business makes American-made products, you might gain a competitive edge. If you rely on imports, you could face higher costs—or need to pass those costs along,” Credibly Founder Ryan Rosett said. |
In this blog post, we will explain the changes for small businesses, how small business owners are feeling about the changes, the potential impacts of tariffs, and tips for business resilience through policy changes.
How small business owners feel about the new economic changes
It can be difficult to keep up with some of the changes from the administration and predict the impact it can have on your business.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Q1 2025 Small Business Index reported that the top concerns for small business owners so far are inflation, followed by revenue.
“Right now, there is a lot of economic uncertainty, so the lending environment will be very interesting, to say the least. There will be a lot of moving pieces, as well as a lot of opportunities,” Credibly Founder Ryan Rossett said.
There is both optimism and uncertainty, with potential implications varying for different industries. Regardless of the unknown, one thing has always been true: small business owners are resilient.
The economic plan for small businesses
The president is proposing to lock in the 2017 tax cuts. He’s also interested in zero taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits for retirees.
If passed, those changes could increase available capital for businesses through reduced tax liabilities.
He’s also proposing a tax deduction on interest paid on U.S.-made car loans. So if you’ve got company vehicles or work trucks, that might help you save—and, even more, look for opportunities within the changes.
For some businesses, though, this could mean a shift in federal revenue collection and changes in how business deductions are reviewed.
How the changes have impacted small businesses
If you rely on certain countries for materials or inventory, you’re likely to feel the impact of these changes in your margins.
With tariffs rolled out in early April and changing much since then, there are now import fees that could shake up your supply chain and hit your margins. As tariffs are now applied to imports into the U.S., there are even steeper rates for key players like China, Japan, and the EU.
Mexico and Canada are exempt from new penalties for now, but only if goods meet USMCA guidelines. Products like steel, aluminum, and autos still face existing tariffs.
What does this mean for your business? Higher costs on everything from raw materials to retail goods. And with inflation projected to rise and GDP growth expected to slow, you’ll want to plan ahead.
Here’s what you need to watch:
- Costs could climb fast. If you import, you could pay more for goods outside of the U.S.
- Exports could suffer too. Other countries have issued their own tariffs against the U.S. Many countries are responding with new charges on U.S. exports, including agriculture, automotive, and more. If you sell overseas, demand could drop.
- Your supply chain might get rocky. With so many moving parts, even small shifts in tariffs can delay shipments, limit access to goods, or force you to find new vendors.
You can’t ignore trade shifts. Now’s the time to tighten operations and talk to pros who understand international logistics. Staying nimble is your best move.
| Learn more about your financing options to stay ahead of the curve: |
How recent policies may affect small businesses
New policies for the SBA are aimed at helping small businesses. The new Made in America Manufacturing Initiative is one such policy.
A dedicated Office of Manufacturing and Trade is rolling out a program to deliver hands-on support and training for small manufacturers nationwide.
You will also have a hotline to flag costly or outdated rules for review. That’s an additional form of communication to get in touch about these rules.
Need to invest in equipment or property? Updates to the 504 program could make those funds more accessible, without adding to taxpayer costs. Exporting? The expanded 7(a) Working Capital Pilot will make global sales more doable, covering expenses like inventory and shipping.
This new initiative also aims to drive the skilled labor pipeline. All of these propositions could favor small-scale manufacturers.
Use capital strategically to keep your business moving forward.Talk to a financing expert today and find out how the right capital can help you stay one step ahead. |
What deregulation could mean for SMBs
For small business owners, fewer regulations might sound interesting. Industries like energy, manufacturing, finance, and transportation are seeing renewed attention under the increase in deregulation.
There have been many rollbacks, including a directive for energy-related rules to expire after just one year. That could create space for quicker adaptation and greater flexibility with reduced requirements around operations or expansion.
The administration has also asked for public input on what to cut. That means business owners may need to navigate more uncertainty when planning long-term investments or partnerships.
How to make the most of the economic changes for your business
If tariffs change or trade policies shift again, here’s how to keep your business steady.
- Rethink your suppliers. Don’t assume your current deals are still working in your favor. Run the numbers. If imports get hit with new fees, it might be time to look local.
- Have a backup plan. Global disruptions don’t always give you a heads-up. Build out a plan B now—whether that means alternative vendors, adjusted inventory levels, or sourcing shifts.
- Drive efficiency with tech. Now’s a good time to lean on automation, smarter inventory tools, or cloud systems. A tighter operation makes it easier to adjust when costs change.
- Protect your cash flow. Even a strong business can feel the pinch when goods cost more. A line of credit or access to fast funding can help you stay flexible without slowing down.
- Talk to your customers. If you need to raise prices, be transparent. Explain why. Focus on what sets your product apart—whether it’s quality, service, or value they can’t get elsewhere.
- Get expert advice. Whether it’s your accountant, a trusted mentor, or a pro from your local business center, don’t guess your way through economic changes. Get guidance and plan smart.
When the landscape keeps shifting, the edge goes to the business owner who’s prepared.
