top of page
%20II%20(1).png)
Our Stories
.png)
Featured Story
We Pay the Tariffs: Taking our Case Directly to Congress
In September 2025, small businesses did more than share their concerns about tariffs — they showed up in Washington to be heard . We Pay the Tariffs organized a two-day Capitol Hill lobby day that brought more than 100 small business owners to Washington, D.C . Over the course of two days, participants met with over 150 congressional offices across both the House and Senate , representing communities and industries from across the country. These meetings were not symboli
We Pay the Tariffs
2 days ago
Search
Small Business Stories
Tariffs at the Table: How Food Importers and Restaurants Are Feeling the Heat
When we think about tariffs, we don’t always think about where they show up—in this case, on our plates. But across the country, restaurants, food trucks, and small food importers are raising alarm bells about the downstream effects of high tariffs on the food industry. From Italian restaurants sourcing specialty ingredients to family-run distributors trying to keep shelves stocked, these businesses are being squeezed by costs they simply can’t absorb. One New Jersey-based fo
We Pay the Tariffs
Jun 26, 2025
Tariffs Ripple Through the Auto Supply Chain
Across the auto industry, small suppliers are bearing the brunt of new tariffs—often before major manufacturers. In Michigan, SMT Automation, a small machinery maker for auto plants, saw Q1 revenue plunge by 40%, forcing an immediate reduction in staff. President Elena Morales added: " We had forecast to have a lot of work this year… Now, most companies are pushing back order times. The new building is empty and we have been letting people go." - Elena Morales, Financial Post
We Pay the Tariffs
Jun 25, 2025
Another Small Business Lost to Tariffs
Even long-standing, family-run businesses are being forced to adapt—or shut down. In Holland, Michigan, a toy company that had thrived for 12 years announced it’s closing its physical operations and going fully digital after tariffs on Chinese imports surged to 30%. Marissa Berghorst, who co-owns the shop with her mother, shared her reality: "' This isn’t political for me... I’m a mom trying to run a small business and make sure families in our community have access to qualit
We Pay the Tariffs
Jun 23, 2025
Small Businesses Struggle Under Trump’s Tariffs
A recent CNN report details how America’s small manufacturers and retailers are reeling from the unpredictable and mounting tariffs introduced during President Trump’s second term. Julie Robbins, CEO of Ohio-based guitar pedal maker EarthQuaker Devices described the potential impact bluntly: “ My fear is, if this continues, there’s going to be like the mass extinction of small businesses. ” Julie Robbins, CNN Unpredictable trade policies have left tight-margin firms caught o
We Pay the Tariffs
Jun 11, 2025
Trump’s Tariffs Hit Small U.S. Manufacturers Hard
New and increased tariffs under former President Trump’s recent trade push are squeezing small manufacturers across the country. Many are discovering that moving production back home isn’t so simple—or affordable. South Carolina entrepreneur Rozalynn Goodwin shared her frustration: “Every manufacturer in the United States we’ve spoken to has told us, ‘You need to continue making this in China. It’s going to cost you three to four times more to make it here.’ Our customers wil
We Pay the Tariffs
May 22, 2025
Tariffs Could Put Small Businesses Under
Many small businesses are feeling the financial squeeze as new trade tariffs roll out under the current administration. Mike Roach, co-owner of Paloma Clothing, a womenswear store in Oregon, shared a candid perspective on the stakes: " This is the worst and most uncertain situation we've ever been in... This is way worse than anything else in terms of not knowing what to do and what the future is going to hold because of the uncertain factor." Mike Roach, CBS News Tariffs are
We Pay the Tariffs
May 8, 2025
Colorado Small Businesses See Tariff Shock
Sandra Payne, president of Denver Concrete Vibrator, shared how she's feeling the squeeze of these incredibly high new tariffs: “It was 25% for this product. The product itself was $3,100. The tariffs are $675… We don’t want to raise our prices all the time. We’ve raised them a couple times in the last couple of years. But margins are tight and we will be forced to deal with this somehow.” Sandra Payne, The Colorado Sun Tariffs of this scale aren’t paid by foreign government
We Pay the Tariffs
Apr 30, 2025
bottom of page