Walk down any Main Street in the U.S., and you’ll see them—nearly 35 million small businesses shaping neighborhoods and driving local economies.
Together, they generate 43.5% of U.S. GDP and more than half of all new jobs, yet discussions on trade, technology, and economic policy rarely give them the credit they deserve.
Even under pressure from tariffs, rising costs, and changing consumer habits, small businesses continue to adapt and thrive.
These businesses represent one of the most underleveraged investments in retail and technology—a chance to support expansion that delivers a tangible impact across communities nationwide.
Main Street Plays a Huge Role in the U.S. Economy
Small retailers, in particular, influence the economic and social fabric of their neighborhoods in ways that large corporations simply cannot match.
They can respond to local preferences, offer products and services that national chains overlook, and cultivate personal relationships that are increasingly rare in a screen-driven world.
As a subset of the broader business landscape, small specialty shops employ millions of Americans, support nearby vendors, attract customers to neighborhoods, and help retain talent that might otherwise migrate to larger cities.
Entrepreneurship is also notably on the rise, with nearly one in 10 Americans now running a solo business. Many Main Street shops we work with began as weekend projects or even side ventures before growing into trusted local establishments.
Headwinds Are Real, But the Tailwinds Are Stronger
Small businesses face pressures that big chains can absorb more easily. Trade policies and tariffs hit smaller importers hardest, adding roughly $856,000 in costs per firm each year.
Many lack compliance teams or deep financial reserves, and because policy exemptions traditionally favor major marketplaces, specialty retailers are left to shoulder substantial operational and regulatory costs.
Even under these pressures, local communities continue to show up and support small businesses—and specialized technology can take them one step further.
The Future Is Bright for Specialty Retailers
Small retailers may not always make headlines, but they move real economic value—from local grocers managing fresh produce, to liquor stores balancing compliance and customer loyalty, to boutique shops curating unique inventory for their communities.
Adoption of digital platforms, omnichannel operations, AI workflows, and specialized point-of-sale (POS) software is still in its early stages, meaning many shops are just beginning to put these capabilities to work.
These tools enable small retailers to operate with a level of sophistication once reserved exclusively for large chains—without losing the personal touch that keeps them integral to their neighborhoods.
When combined with fair policies and access to capital, these resources help small businesses expand thoughtfully and deliver tangible returns for investors.
Betting on Main Street Is Smart Economics
While national chains and billionaire marketplace owners may dominate our news feeds, the real story lies in the resiliency of small businesses. Supporting these SMB retailers through fairer trade policies, improved access to capital, and modern software is one of the most valuable bets America can make.
For investors, policymakers, and technology providers, the returns are tangible—stronger local economies, more connected communities, and a segment of retail primed for expansion.
Read original post here.