by Jackie Navarrete
Introduction in Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity: Every Struggle Prepares You for Strength
In the world of business, there’s a simple truth: growth comes through struggle. That may sound cliché, but it’s never been more relevant than in 2025. The stock market has been bouncing around like a rubber ball, and it’s easy to feel a little anxious. Headlines scream about volatility, tech sell-offs, and interest rate hikes. And sure, we’re all feeling the effects.
But here’s the part the headlines don’t emphasize: this is the beginning of a recovery cycle.
What feels chaotic today is actually a recalibration—one that will likely lead to a healthier economy in the months ahead. So if you’re a small business owner wondering what all this financial turbulence means for you, take a deep breath. Let’s walk through what’s really going on and how you can come out stronger.
What’s Happening in the Stock Market Right Now?
First off, let’s break it down for anyone who doesn’t live and breathe financial news.
The stock market is where investors buy and sell shares (tiny ownership slices) of public companies. Prices change constantly based on:
- Company performance (profits, losses, innovations)
- Government policy (like interest rates and tariffs)
- Global events (wars, pandemics, elections)
- Consumer behavior and investor confidence
This year, the stock market has been fluctuating significantly. Some days the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 are up; the next day, they’re falling sharply. It’s like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded.
Why the Fluctuations?
Let’s look at a few key contributors:
1. Interest Rate Hikes
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in an effort to cool inflation. This makes borrowing more expensive, which slows down large purchases and investments—but it also means we’re actively fighting inflation, which is good long-term.
2. Geopolitical Tensions and Tariffs
Former President Donald Trump recently announced new tariffs aimed at reshaping trade deals and encouraging more domestic production. While these policies create short-term uncertainty, they’re also aimed at making the U.S. economy more self-reliant—something that can benefit small businesses in the long run.
3. Tech Sector Corrections
High-flying tech stocks like Apple, Meta, and Amazon have taken a hit in recent weeks:
- Apple saw its shares drop 9.25% after tariff news broke.
- Amazon and Meta also lost roughly 9% during the same window. But keep in mind, these companies saw massive gains during the pandemic era. A correction doesn’t mean failure—it means realignment.
Is This a Bad Thing?
Not at all. In fact, this kind of recalibration is necessary.
Think of the economy like a garden. You can’t just plant seeds and expect perfect growth forever. Sometimes, weeds (unsustainable trends) pop up, and you need to prune and clear the path to keep things healthy.
Short-term volatility is part of every growth cycle:
- The Dot-Com Bubble burst (2000) was followed by a tech renaissance.
- The Great Recession (2008) eventually led to some of the strongest market growth in history.
- The pandemic crash (2020) led to record-high rebounds in less than a year.
Right now, we’re in the uncomfortable middle. But guess what? This is exactly when smart business owners plant seeds.
What Does This Mean for Small Businesses?
You’re probably thinking: “Okay cool, Wall Street’s riding a rollercoaster—what does that have to do with my restaurant or retail store?”
The connection might surprise you. Stock market trends indirectly influence nearly every aspect of small business life.
1. Consumer Confidence
When stocks tumble, people get nervous. They may cut back on spending, which affects retail, hospitality, and dining industries. But as the market stabilizes—and it will—confidence returns, and spending goes back up.
2. Access to Capital
Higher interest rates mean loans are more expensive. If you’re planning to expand or invest in new equipment, it might cost a bit more. But keep in mind: rates will likely adjust as inflation eases later this year.
3. Cost of Goods
Tariffs and supply chain adjustments might increase the cost of imported items. That could affect your inventory or raw materials. But again, many of these shifts are aimed at encouraging local production—good news for U.S.-based suppliers and small-scale manufacturers.
4. Labor Market & Retirement Plans
If your employees have retirement plans tied to the market, they may be feeling some stress. This is a great time to talk to your team, offer support, and remind them that market cycles are temporary.
Real-World Example: A Silver Lining
Take Sarah, who owns a family-run café in Wisconsin. She noticed a dip in regulars when inflation was high and market news was grim. Instead of panicking, she leaned into community marketing, partnered with a local farm for fresh produce, and added a loyalty app.
Even though her costs went up, she saw increased engagement, higher average ticket sales, and a stronger brand. Now, she’s planning to expand her business with the help of a local lender who supports small businesses with flexible rates—even amid volatility.
Sarah didn’t wait for the storm to pass. She built a stronger roof.
What Should Small Business Owners Do Right Now?
Let’s talk game plan. Here’s how you can position your business for growth—even in turbulent times:
✔ Strengthen Customer Relationships
Lean into your loyal base. Personalize emails, offer special perks, and let your community know you’re here for the long haul.
✔ Reevaluate Spending
Invest in tools and marketing that show ROI. Consider switching to cash discount programs to save on processing fees. (Yep, VMS can help with that.)
✔ Explore Local Suppliers
Domestic partnerships may be more reliable (and cheaper) in the long run, especially with tariffs in play.
✔ Keep Learning
Stay informed, not overwhelmed. Read short summaries of financial news or follow business podcasts that break it down in plain English.
Final Word: This Is the Hard Part Before it Gets Good
Let’s be real: it’s not easy out there right now. But if you look at every economic recovery in history, this always comes first—the struggle, the uncertainty, the recalibration.
What follows? Innovation. Opportunity. Growth.
As a small business owner, you’re in a unique position. You can pivot faster than corporations, connect with customers on a human level, and adjust your strategy in real-time. That agility is a superpower. Use it.
So yes—the stock market is fluctuating like crazy. But instead of bracing for impact, take this time to build, adapt, and prepare for what’s next.
Better days are coming. And when they do, the businesses that stayed strong and steady during the storm will be the first to thrive.
Need help getting your business ready for what’s next?
At Velocity Merchant Services, we help small businesses succeed with tools like POS systems, cash discount programs, working capital, and personalized support. Reach out anytime—we believe in small business because we are one.
For more insights like this, keep up with the VMS blog—where small business meets big tech without the fluff.
