Navigating Tariffs and Market Uncertainty: Why Now Is the Time for Chambers & EDOs to Launch a Business Retention and Expansion Program

In today’s unpredictable global trade environment, local businesses—especially small and medium-sized ones—are under immense pressure. From rising tariffs and disrupted supply chains to ongoing inflation, they’re facing operational challenges that threaten their long-term viability. For chambers of commerce and economic development organizations (EDOs), this is a critical moment to step in and provide support.

A well-executed Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program doesn’t just support local businesses—it builds resilience, fosters trust, and helps communities grow stronger from within. However, we recognize that many organizations are stretched thin. With limited staff and resources, launching a comprehensive BR&E initiative can feel daunting. That’s where Golden Shovel Agency can help.

Why a BR&E Program Is Essential in Today’s Climate

While tariffs are intended to support domestic industries, U.S. businesses can struggle as their cost of goods increases while they search for new, domestic partners. When over half of U.S. imports being raw materials and components, broad-based tariffs could increase costs long term. 

As John G. Murphy, Senior Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, points out, “A tariff is a tax on imported goods... Americans (or American businesses) literally pay these import taxes.”

A BRE program offers chambers and EDOs a proactive framework to:

• Identify at-risk businesses
• Understand evolving needs
• Connect businesses with targeted resources
• Promote stability and growth

In short, a BR&E program helps economic development and chamber leaders to proactively identify business challenges and offer solutions that can help to keep the doors open and communities strong.

The Challenge: Too Much Need, Not Enough Capacity

While the benefits of BR&E are clear, the reality is that many local leaders—especially in rural or under-resourced areas—simply don’t have the internal bandwidth to plan and execute a full-scale program.

That’s why Golden Shovel Agency partners with economic developers and chamber leaders to build customized BR&E programs. With over 16 years of exclusive economic development experience, our team understands the importance of preserving local jobs. Our expertise in economic development initiatives allows us to hit the ground running quickly so you can respond to business needs faster. 

Case Study: Choose Roseville – A Hands-On Approach to Small Business Resilience

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted local commerce in Roseville, Minnesota, the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) made a bold move. Instead of a short-term fix, they launched the “Choose Roseville” campaign in partnership with Golden Shovel.

Golden Shovel developed a customized BR&E program aimed at supporting Roseville’s small business community. One of the unique features of this program was the hiring of a dedicated Social Media Coach to provide personalized marketing support to local businesses. From setting up Google Business Profiles to filming promotional videos and crafting weekly posts, businesses received the kind of expert support they could never afford on their own—and it was provided at no cost to them.

The outcome? Small businesses gained a professional online presence, increased visibility, and stronger customer engagement. Impressively, 60% were women- and minority-owned businesses, reflecting Roseville’s commitment to inclusion. Participating businesses reported an increase in sales. In addition, several businesses who were on the verge of closing reported increases large enough to expand their hours of operation. 

Bethany Quinn, President of Golden Shovel Agency, said, “The Roseville EDA staff, Mayor, and City Council are true visionaries. They insisted on a solution that provided hands-on, tangible help to their small business community.”

Golden Shovel Builds BR&E Programs That Work for You

Golden Shovel’s Business Retention and Expansion services are built with your community’s needs at the center. Whether your businesses are grappling with global trade shifts, workforce shortages, or rising costs, we develop strategies to support long-term success.

Our services include:

• Business outreach and surveying
• In-person visits and needs assessments
• Digital marketing and communications
• Workforce development and job promotion
• Supply chain resilience planning
• Inclusive engagement strategies

We’re not just a service provider—we’re your long-term partner in success. Our clients trust us because we deliver measurable outcomes and provide ongoing support through services like our GateKeeper Client Support Program, which ensures continuity and responsiveness even as leadership changes.

Don’t Wait for the Next Crisis

Every day without support puts another business at risk. Chambers and EDOs have the community trust and relationships to make an impact. Golden Shovel provides the strategy, expertise, and implementation support to make it happen.

Let’s build a stronger, more resilient economy—one business at a time.

Contact Golden Shovel today to learn how a custom Business Retention and Expansion program can support your community’s unique needs.

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