Ben Coryell, who runs a wilderness guiding company called Golden Mountain Guides in Golden, Colorado, has hit a rough patch lately. He has received numerous calls from clients wanting to cancel their climbing courses and mountaineering trips for the summer. Many cite a sense of unease about making big financial commitments due to the turbulent economic climate, which has been largely influenced by recent government policies and tariff hikes.
Coryell is also worried about how long he can keep offering these trips. Cuts in personnel at the National Park Service have slowed down the approval of permits he needs for popular routes. With fewer rangers available, he fears that unlicensed guides might start crowding the market, which could pose safety risks for clients.
Despite not laying off any employees yet, Coryell feels the pressure. “It’s becoming clear that we may have to pause some of our operations until we can return to a more stable situation,” he said.
Many small business owners share similar concerns. Recent government changes, like funding freezes and immigration policy shifts, have left entrepreneurs uncertain and scrambling for solutions. According to Natalie Madeira Cofield, who leads the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, small businesses with fewer than ten employees are feeling overwhelmed. “This is an unprecedented moment,” she remarked.
As of summer 2023, the National Small Business Association reported that over 60% of small businesses face challenges from rising costs and unpredictable political changes. Many are adjusting their plans and finding innovative ways to adapt.
Social media is abuzz with reactions from business owners expressing their frustrations and sharing tips. Some are turning to grassroots initiatives to support each other, emphasizing community resilience as a way to withstand tough times.
Coryell’s situation is just one example of a wider trend that affects countless small businesses today. Keeping an eye on the evolving landscape is critical for anyone trying to survive and thrive in this challenging environment.
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Source linkUnited States Politics and Government,Small Business,Federal Aid (US),International Trade and World Market,United States Economy,Entrepreneurship,Customs (Tariff),Executive Orders and Memorandums,Trump, Donald J,Regulation and Deregulation of Industry
