Uncertainty Ahead? Technology Can Future-Proof Your Small Business

Small business owners are constantly navigating change. And while the post-holiday slump typically offers a respite from the fast and furious December shopping rush, in 2025, more changes are coming.

Donald Trump seems to be following through on threats to enact big tariff hikes in the early days of his new administration, along with dismantling the de minimis exemption for lower-value imported goods. However it plays out, businesses large and small are beginning to think about how they can prepare for higher prices and restrictions on imported goods.

Data from Katana Cloud Inventory showed that businesses began to front-load commodity imports immediately after the 2024 election results were called, with a 50% increase in median stock value from the week of October 28 to the week of November 4. However, that was only a temporary solution. Going forward, it will be critically important, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), to have systems in place that can help them meticulously manage their inventory and holistically manage operations — from planning and demand forecasting to supplier management and more.

Goods Today Vs. Goods Tomorrow

Accord…