April 11 – 5@5 Global Small Biz Report

📣 Your daily snapshot of five global stories reshaping small business—delivered fresh at 5 am PDT. Today's Top Stories Impacting Small Business

The WBN Global News Team 5 AT 5 April 12th, 2025

From tariffs and inflation to a million-pound bracelet startup and a telecom game-changer, today’s headlines hit every corner of small business life.

📋 At A Glance:

U.S. importers hit hard by tariffs
Side hustle becomes million-pound success
Verizon offers custom price-locked plans
Argentina inflation squeezes SMBs
Coffee and chocolate shops face cost surges

🔹 1. Tariffs Threaten U.S. Small Importers

Source: The Wall Street Journal
Small and midsize U.S. businesses are reeling from Trump’s tariff hikes, particularly those importing from China. Many lack the financial resilience of large corporations and now face steep increases in landed costs, threatening their pricing models and profitability.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
With nearly $868 billion in goods at stake, SMBs relying on overseas sourcing must pivot fast—whether by adjusting supply chains, raising prices, or absorbing painful margins.

🔹 2. Side Hustle Grows into Million-Pound Business

Source: The Sun
Kerry Bilson turned a £250 side hustle into a million-pound bracelet brand, Letterbox Love, during the pandemic. The small gift business took off with low-cost, emotional products and has since become a UK success story.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
Proof that personal storytelling, lean startup methods, and niche targeting can still deliver explosive results—even from your lounge floor.

🔹 3. Verizon Introduces 'My Biz Plan' with Custom Options for Small Businesses

Source: Small Business Trends
Verizon unveiled ‘My Biz Plan,’ a customizable, contract-free solution tailored to small businesses. It features an industry-first price lock and tech support bundles.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
Small business owners gain telecom control with predictable pricing—vital in today’s volatile cost environment.

🔹 4. Argentina's Inflation Surges, Impacting Small Businesses

Source: ABC News
Argentina’s inflation rose by 3.7% in a month—the fastest pace in seven months—sending shockwaves through local markets. Small businesses are most vulnerable as purchasing power drops and supplier costs rise.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
SMEs operating in inflation-heavy regions must adapt quickly with pricing strategies, wage protections, and cost controls—or risk collapse.

🔹 5. Trump's Tariffs Affect Coffee and Chocolate Business Owners

Source: ABC News
Small food and beverage businesses reliant on imports are reeling as new tariffs take hold. Raw materials, from cocoa to coffee beans, are spiking, squeezing already thin profit margins.

Why It Matters for Small Business:
Expect price hikes in cafés, gift shops, and gourmet businesses unless U.S. trade tensions ease—or alternate supply routes open up fast.

👁️ Watch List – Developing Stories To Keep An Eye On:

Minnesota entrepreneur warns tariffs may shutter her baby gear startup
UK shoe chain shutters store after 60 years
Paris Hilton’s nonprofit offers $25K recovery grants to women-led small businesses
SBA to eliminate 2,700 jobs in upcoming reorganization
Canva debuts Visual Suite 2.0 with AI-powered features
HubSpot rolls out 200+ new tools for SMBs
U.S. toy store owners report skyrocketing China-sourced costs
Small businesses face egg shortages and price surges
Corporate Transparency Act remains in limbo
Business owners express rising concern about the future

WBN News Global Team

TAGS: #Small Business News #Trade Policy #Inflation Impact #Startup Success #Business Tools #Telecom Innovation #Food and Beverage #Global Economy