We call upon the U.S. Congress, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of the Treasury to take urgent action in support of America’s small businesses, which are being hit hardest by the sweeping new tariffs.

Reintroduced in early 2025, these tariffs have dramatically hiked the cost of key imports like food ingredients, manufacturing components, electronics, textiles, and packaging, rippling through local economies and supply chains. Across the country, we’re seeing price spikes, delayed shipments, collapsing margins, and closures. These shocks worsen existing financial pressures like the rising cost of living and hit those least able to bear them. Indeed, large corporations can weather this with deep pockets. Small businesses cannot.

Additionally, in this moment of rapid policy change, small businesses need consistency, not uncertainty. As tariffs escalate, investor confidence dwindles, and new opportunities dry up. As a result, a recent New York Times report found that, in a survey of over 600 small business owners, more than half were concerned about tariffs while nearly a third were “very concerned.”

Thus, we urge expedient action that can mitigate the negative economic impacts of the tariffs. Specifically, we call for: 

• The allocation of emergency relief funds for small businesses.
• Expansion of SBA small business loan programs.
• A national initiative to provide free technical and legal guidance to affected small businesses.
• Formal investigations into the unintended consequences of the tariffs on small businesses and the development of an actionable response plan.
• Legislative and administrative safeguards to ensure long-term consistency and sustainability in the trade and economic policy in the future.     

Action is vital. Small businesses make up 99% of all U.S. enterprises. Collectively, they employ 46% of the American workforce and contribute 44% of the nation's GDP. They play a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering opportunity, and sustaining the American dream.

But they are more than statistics. When a family-run bakery shuts down, it is not just a closed shop: it’s a dream gone quiet and a space where memories were made that no longer exist. Small businesses are the heartbeats of communities and critical anchors for numerous families. They operate with passion, hustle, and often, very little margin for error.

If we don’t act now, we risk losing thousands of these vital businesses to preventable shocks. As youth leaders and citizens who care deeply about our communities, we refuse to stand by.

Help our businesses stay open and our communities stay strong by signing this petition to demand immediate federal support and relief.

-Youth Voice for Small Business

April 14, 2025

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Updates:

May 22, 2025 | We are excited to share an important development:

On May 5, 2025, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), joined by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), introduced the Small Business Liberation Act. This bill would exempt over 34 million small businesses from the broad tariffs imposed after the April national emergency declaration.

This legislation is a powerful response to the voices raised across the country—including yours. It offers real hope to the businesses and communities hit hardest.

 How You Can Help:

📞Call your representatives and urge them to support the bill.

📣Spread the word on social media using #SmallBusinessLiberationAct.

🤝Mobilize your community to join the call for relief.

📝Sign this petition and tell others to sign as well to increase visibility. 

Small businesses are more than numbers—they are the heart of our neighborhoods. Let’s turn this momentum into action.

-Youth Voice for Small Business