How Small Business Owners In Tennessee Can Prepare for New Tariffs

And Why It's a Wake-Up Call to Think Long-Term

With new tariffs back in the headlines, small business owners—especially those who import products or rely on global supply chains—need to pay attention.

Tariffs don’t just hit importers. They ripple across entire supply chains. Even if you don’t bring products in from overseas directly, your vendors or your vendors’ vendors might.

Here are six strategic actions every small business owner should consider now to stay ahead of potential cost increases—and what this moment might be telling you about your long-term plans.

1. Know Your Exposure

Start by mapping out your full supply chain. Do you source products from China or other overseas markets? Do any of your U.S.-based suppliers? Understanding your cost structure—including margins and raw material inputs—allows you to model how a tariff increase could affect your profitability.

2. Communicate with Your Customers

Don’t wait until you’re forced to raise prices. Let your customers know what’s happening and how future costs may change. Many businesses are already adjusting prices gradually to avoid sudden shocks—or the need to borrow from a line of credit to absorb the hit.

3. Hold Product Strategically

If you have the ability to hold inventory overseas or in a bonded warehouse in the U.S., you may be able to wait out the uncertainty. This gives you flexibility if tariff implementation timelines shift or policies change.

4. Sell Overseas Instead

In some cases, it may make sense to redirect imported goods to international customers. This avoids the U.S. tariff altogether and opens up new markets.

5. Explore Onshoring

Can you shift any of your manufacturing or sourcing to the U.S.? It’s not always possible—some industries lack the domestic capacity—but if it’s feasible, onshoring can offer more stability and predictability.

6. Diversify Your Suppliers

Tariffs or not, supplier diversification is always smart. Even if pricing is similar across the board today, having options in multiple regions is a hedge against future disruption.

What This Means for Business Owners

Tariffs are just one example of how fast the business environment can change.

If you're a small business owner in Nashville, Clarksville, or Franklin, Tennessee, now is the time to think beyond short-term survival and toward long-term resilience.

Building that resilience isn’t just about staying afloat—it’s about increasing the value and marketability of your business.

✅ Businesses that can weather supply chain disruptions

✅ Businesses with strong margins and diversified suppliers

✅ Businesses with stable leadership and low owner dependency are more valuable and easier to sell.

That’s why this isn’t just a supply chain conversation—it’s an exit strategy conversation.

If you’ve been too deep in the day-to-day to build out that kind of strength, hiring a General Manager may give you the space you need to focus on high-leverage decisions. Or, if you’re ready to start preparing your business for a sale, now is the right time to begin that process.