A common phrase from small business owners across the country is that “things just feel slow right now.” For many, this slowdown didn’t start in January. It crept in late last year as the election season ramped up, and economic signals started to shift.Everyone had hopes that the dust would settle and things would return to normal. Now halfway through the year, many small business owners are still navigating an unpredictable landscape and are unsure of what their next step should be.
It’s a perfect storm of challenges:
Consumers are being more cautious with their spending.
Small business owners are hesitant to make big moves.
Tariffs have driven up costs on inventory and supplies.
Global trade has slowed, affecting both availability and pricing.
Hiring is cooling off, adding uncertainty for planning and growth.
And even banks are tightening up, making traditional capital harder to access.
Put simply: the market feels choppy. Many small business owners are just trying to stay steady and prepare for what is ahead.
But here’s the good news, slow periods also create opportunities for business owners to act strategically. If a small business owner can position their business wisely now, they will not only ride out the uncertainty, but they will also be ready to move ahead when the market rebounds.
Here are some practical ways to do just that:
Keep The Sales Engine Running
When things feel uncertain, it’s tempting to pull back on marketing and sales efforts. But that can backfire. But now is the time to stay visible. Stay connected with customers. Keep making offers. Keep building relationships. When the market picks back up, the business will be front of mind, while competitors may still be trying to regain lost ground.
Adapt to Supply and Inventory Challenges
Tariffs and global trade shifts have created real inventory headaches for many small business owners. Costs are up. Supply chains are less predictable. If a small business owner is facing this, now is the time to adapt:
Forecast needs more carefully.
Strengthen relationships with key suppliers.
Explore alternate sourcing where possible.
Maintain financial flexibility, meaning act when opportunities arise because bulk purchasing or grabbing inventory when it is available can give you a competitive edge.
Focus on The Business’ Best Customers
In times like these, not every customer will spend the same way they did before. Focus on the ones who truly drive the business:
Nurture those relationships.
Offer them value and flexibility.
Give them reasons to keep coming back.
Keeping core customers engaged is one of the best ways to stay steady while others are struggling.
Offer Payment Flexibility; Without Straining Cash Flow
Many customers right now are looking for payment flexibility. Some businesses have begun offering this through installment plans and collecting receivables over time. Providing this service will definitely help with client retention and assist in keeping sales flowing; however, it can put a strain on your cash flow if you’re not careful.
One strategy is for businesses to establish a dedicated fund or account to support these installment plans without draining operating cash. This allows the business owner to extend flexibility when others can’t; thus, giving you an edge while keeping business financially sound.
And it’s worth noting that if a small business owner does not have the extra cash flow readily available to support this plan, many businesses are turning to secondary market capital to fund this new service without disrupting operations.
Make Smart, Targeted Moves
In uncertain times, broad expansion may not make sense — but small, strategic moves often do:
Add services that meet current needs.
Make efficiency improvements that protect margins.
Test new offers or marketing approaches on a limited scale.
Having flexible capital available can also help a small business owner move on these opportunities quickly while others are stuck waiting for slow bank approvals or limited credit.
Strengthen Financial Flexibility
In times like these , it is important to keep sales efforts strong, adapt to shifting supply and customer needs, and to maintain healthy cash flow levels. It is also imperative to not wait until the business is under pressure to think about securing additional financing, especially in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. The best time to secure financing is when there is still plenty of room to maneuver.
Consider reaching out to Penhurst Capital, as Penhurst specializes in assisting small business owners secure fast, flexible funding solutions designed to help small businesses move confidently through today’s uncertainty and tomorrow’s opportunities.
