Black Entrepreneurs Battled COVID – Now Tariffs Are the Next Hurdle

The adage goes, “When America sneezes, Black communities catch pneumonia.” This reflects concerns about the devastating effects of tariffs from the Trump era on small Black-owned enterprises. COVID-19 starkly illustrated their vulnerability, with a staggering 41% of these businesses disappearing. In the U.S., only 1% of small businesses export, despite representing significant imports. Retaliatory tariffs diminish competitiveness, particularly for those reliant on global supply chains. As the Trump administration recently scrapped funding for the Minority Business Development Agency, Black entrepreneurs must strategize for survival through collaboration and innovation. It’s time for community support.