3C Small Business
Resilience Toolkit
Practical tips and resources to help your business stay nimble, reach more customers, and keep growing through any market shift.
Running a small business is always hard work, but today’s climate demands a new playbook. Between rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and fast-moving policy changes, small businesses are facing a lot of uncertainty. While you can’t control global trade policy, you can control how your business responds.
This toolkit offers practical ways to harness digital tools for efficiency and growth, stay up to date on trade and tariff developments, and speak out on issues that affect your business.
Keep Customers Engaged When it Matters Most
When markets shift, staying connected with customers becomes even more important. Uncertainty can tempt business owners to pull back on marketing, but continuing those efforts can make the difference between keeping business steady during challenging times and experiencing a decline.
Use flexible digital advertising:
Platforms like Google Ads and Amazon Ads let you set your budget, target specific audiences, and adjust campaigns in real time. AI-powered tools like Performance Max can optimize your ads automatically, helping you get the most bang for your buck.
Expand e-commerce:
Selling across multiple online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok diversifies revenue and shields you from downturns in any single channel. In fact, 3C research found that 91% of small online sellers use more than one sales method — and sellers actually use an average of four different marketplaces.
Work smarter with AI tools:
AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copy.ai can save hours on repetitive tasks and boost productivity. From writing product descriptions to generating social media posts, leveraging AI can help free up your time, so you can focus on what’s important — serving your customers and growing your business.
Stay Informed on Trade and Tariff-Related Challenges
Tariffs can have a big impact on small businesses’ supply chains and are often complex to navigate. Taking a few practical steps and knowing where to find reliable guidance can help you adjust and prepare for future changes.
Build a support network:
Your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can connect you with training, funding, and other entrepreneurs who’ve navigated similar challenges.
Stay informed on the latest news on trade and tariffs:
Learn the basics:
Stay Connected and Share Your Story
The policies and market forces affecting your business often change quickly; Your voice matters in ongoing policy conversations.
• Check out the 3C Advocacy Toolkit for a step-by-step guide on ways to share your perspective with policymakers.
• Sign up for our Seller Policy Insider newsletter for quarterly updates.
• Connect with other business owners in the Seller Policy LinkedIn Group to trade insights and stay informed.
The Bottom Line
Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about having the tools to tackle them head-on. Use this toolkit as your starting point to strengthen your operations, stay connected to customers, and be ready for whatever’s ahead.
Need more help?
Contact 3C for additional support