Small businesses in the United States are facing severe economic challenges, with job cuts and rising costs threatening their survival. Shirley Modlin, owner of 3D Design and Manufacturing in Powhatan, Virginia, reports struggling with component delays and price hikes of up to 400% due to tariffs, resulting in a 90-day delay in vendor payments. The US Congress Joint Economic Committee revealed that small businesses have cut jobs for 13 months straight, with 292,200 jobs lost in 2025 alone, marking the highest loss since tracking began. Business owners like Trevor Frampton in Santa Rosa, California, are considering layoffs for the first time in a decade, as they cannot pass costs onto consumers who are increasingly opting for larger retailers or e-commerce. Despite these challenges, new business applications remain robust, with 1.56 million filed between November and January, reflecting ongoing entrepreneurial spirit. However, the economic landscape remains precarious, with rising inflation and employment declines in tariff-affected industries. Owners like Modlin express frustration over the unpredictability of tariffs and the impact on their livelihoods, emphasizing the need for stability in order to sustain their businesses.