3 Tariff Busting Solutions For Your Small Business

Tariffs, Taxes & Timelines: What History Teaches Small Business Owners

In 1913, the United States took a major turn in how it funded its future. That year, the 16th Amendment was ratified, giving the federal government the authority to collect income tax. Later that same year, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act, which dramatically lowered tariffs—the main source of federal revenue up until that point—and implemented the first modern income tax. It was a massive policy shift, driven by changing views on fairness, modern economics, and the needs of a growing nation.

But go back a little further, and you’ll find a very different view. Alexander Hamilton, our first Secretary of the Treasury, believed strongly in the power of tariffs—not just for funding the government, but to nurture and protect American industry. In his 1791 Report on Manufactures, he wrote: "The wealth... independence... and security of a Country appear to be materially connected with the prosperity of manufactures." His strategy was one of proactive preparation: build up your domestic strength so you’re less vulnerable to the ups and downs of global powers.

For me, this kind of historical perspective feels like a gift that keeps on giving. When I’m bogged down in modern-day headlines or overwhelmed by the sheer pace of change, looking back helps me breathe. History reminds us that hard times do end. That people have navigated uncertainty before. That we can borrow strategies from the past, experiment with what worked for others, and find comfort in knowing this moment is part of a much larger arc. As small business owners, we carry a lot. But preparing for the worst while expecting the best isn’t just smart strategy—it’s a long-term stress reducer. It’s a reminder that we’re not the first to face tough choices, and we won’t be the last. And most importantly, it gives us the insight to keep going.

And yes, history gives us insight—but we still need action. If new tariffs or policy shifts affect your business, here are three ways to prepare:

1. Streamline operations. The goal is always to run your business as lean and efficient as possible. Protect profit margins, eliminate waste, and make sure you’re regularly funding an emergency account for the unexpected.

2. Be flexible with suppliers. If a current supplier becomes too expensive due to tariff-related costs, be open to alternatives—as long as quality and service remain consistent. If switching vendors isn't realistic, look for negotiation opportunities. Can you bulk buy certain products or materials to reduce costs?

3. Cut unnecessary expenses. Reevaluate your software stack—are you paying for tools you don’t fully use? Clean up your overhead. And when it comes to marketing, track ROI more closely to make sure your spending aligns with what’s actually driving results.

   
   

Perspective is powerful—but pairing it with a plan is where the real resilience lives.

Let's write your strategy plan together and set timelines for implementation. Why keep putting off the "hard thing" the "time consuming thing"? Once we do it, put in the work, you will be shocked how easy it was.