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MARYVILLE

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News Brief

May 15, 2025

Small business owners across the country are concerned about the uncertain economy

Results of a new survey of nearly 900 small business owners across the country show they are concerned about an uncertain economy, including the owners of small mom and pop operations in Nebraska. The survey, conducted by Small Business for America's Future, shows nearly 70 percent of small business owners think the Trump administration fell short on economic leadership during its first 100 days. They cited tariffs as a key factor in creating instability. Owner of Big Mama's Kitchen and Catering in Omaha, Gladys Harrison says the tariffs will affect the cost of the imported seasonings she uses for her family's oven-fried chicken recipe.

"...telling me that they can see a 25 to a 145 percent increase in tarrifs and what they are going to charge me for my seasons.", says Harrison. 

The Trump administration has said it is imposing tariffs in an effort to create more U.S.-based jobs and improve the domestic economy. Harrison says she is thinking of ways to avoid closing her doors or passing the increases on to her loyal customers, many of whom have been eating Big Mama's fried chicken for generations.

"We don't want to have our food so expensive that the people who live and work in our community can't come and spend their money with us.", says Harrison. 

Harrison adds higher costs will also hinder her ability to be involved in the community, a tradition she said her mother and grandmother taught her was critical to any small, family-owned business.