MIAMI – Small business owners in South Florida are bracing for the impact of new federal directives, with some calling them “disruptive” and “distracting.”
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The event, held in a HUBZone — a historically underutilized business district qualifying for federal contract dollars — drew mixed reactions from attendees navigating the evolving business landscape under the Trump administration.
SBA Urges Calm Amid Policy Shifts
Speaking to business owners, SBA Deputy Director Althea Harris urged attendees not to panic in the face of uncertain policy changes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to shifts in Washington.
“If you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, Trump might get rid of small business programs for women, Black, Hispanic, or other groups’ — whatever you do, do not panic. Look for the opportunities,” Harris said.
She pointed to local economic initiatives, including efforts by the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency and Miami-Dade County, as signs of resilience.
“When we see what the Omni CRA is doing, Miami-Dade County, we can see progress,” Harris said.
Concerns Over Immigration and Workforce Stability
For some business owners, immigration policy remains a major concern, particularly regarding its effect on workforce stability.
“There’s a lot of workforce that is a little bit scared. As business owners, we are seeing that in our businesses,” said Isabel Restrepo, who owns multiple companies, including an appliance distribution business. “People don’t know if they are going to stay or not, so their focus is on their families—not on their work.”
Trade Tensions and Supply Chain Fears
Trade tensions are also a point of concern. Paul Perkins, founder of an e-bike company, is worried about the potential for higher tariffs on Chinese imports under the current administration.
“The hard thing is, China is really good at making our product. So tariffs could really hurt our supply chain,” Perkins said.
With tariffs on e-bikes already increasing, Perkins said his company is starting to rethink its manufacturing strategy.
“Before June 2024, there was a 0% tariff, the Biden administration kept a 25% tariff, and now it’s causing us to think, if that goes any higher, we have to rethink how we manufacture or assemble,” Perkins said.
Aligning with Federal Priorities
Harris acknowledged the challenges but encouraged businesses seeking federal contracts or grants to align their strategies with the administration’s priorities.
“We are open for business — but notice, there’s a new owner. And we need to make sure you’re giving us what we need and what we’re looking for,” she said.
When asked whether businesses should align with Trump’s policies, Harris was clear.
“I would say so, absolutely. We don’t have to be happy about it, we don’t have to be sad about it — but we do have to be about it, right?” she said.
Small Business Owners Respond to Changing Landscape
Some business owners are still uncertain about how to proceed in this shifting environment.
Christina Vazquez from Local 10 News asked Perkins, “After what you heard, do you worry your e-bike business might be at odds with Trump’s executive orders on climate?”
“One hundred percent,” Perkins said. “We’re playing in a different game — we have to understand what will keep us on the field.”
Challenges Ahead for South Florida Entrepreneurs
For others, the challenges of navigating uncertainty and changing policies are affecting their business operations.
“I think there is a general sense of uncertainty as to what is going on,” said Isiaa Jones, Executive Director of the Omni CRA, which focuses on community revitalization and small business funding. “But I must say that no matter what happens we always try to support all of our small businesses who are here in this area. We want to build the local economy that we do have, and there is support for small businesses at the state, local, and federal level.”
Disruption and Distraction: The Impact on Small Businesses
Many small business owners in South Florida are struggling to cope with the disruption and distractions created by ongoing policy changes. Isabel Restrepo echoed the concern about workforce instability, saying that distractions can negatively affect business.
“A lot, a lot, because people don’t know if they are going to stay or not so their focus is on their families, not in their work,” Restrepo said.
She added that small businesses are vital to the country’s future, noting that “there is a lot of good people that is just working, creating a future, helping the United States grow.”
In light of ongoing challenges, she hopes that the president will take note of how policies impact small business owners.
“I understand what he is doing, but I also ask him to see the good people, and how this will impact the United States of America,” Restrepo said.
Small Business Resource Guide:
- Florida APEX Accelerator: A statewide resource for businesses to find expert guidance in identifying, competing for, and winning government contracts
- Miami-Dade County: To apply for a mom and pop small business grant