With the federal government officially shut down, small business owners are once again facing a period of uncertainty and concern. While large corporations often have the resources to withstand disruptions like these, small businesses — the backbone of our local economy — feel the effects almost immediately.

Shutdowns have consequences that reach well beyond Washington. They delay payments on government contracts, pause Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, interrupt grant funding and slow down regulatory approvals that many local employers depend on to keep their operations running.

On top of that, local consumer spending often dips as federal workers and contractors go without paychecks. These ripple effects add stress to small businesses that are already managing tight margins and a competitive economic environment.

We’ve seen how resilient our small businesses can be, even during difficult times. But resilience shouldn’t mean going it alone. We encourage every small business owner to take proactive steps to manage through this shutdown.

Start by reviewing your cash flow and budget to identify nonessential expenses that can be postponed. Invoice clients quickly and follow up on any outstanding payments to keep your revenue stream stable. If you expect slower income, reach out to your local bank or credit union now — before you need help — to explore short-term financing or lines of credit.

Communication is also key. Keep your employees informed about how the shutdown could affect your business and reassure them that you’re taking steps to minimize disruptions. Maintain open communication with your customers through your website, social media and email newsletters.

It’s also a good time to remind the community how important local businesses are to the strength and stability of our region. Every dollar spent locally helps keep jobs, services and opportunities in local communities.

This is also a moment for collaboration and community. Chambers of commerce are here to help their members navigate uncertainty. They provide connections to local financial resources, facilitate conversations with peers and advocate on behalf of members at the regional and state levels. Chamber events and roundtables are great opportunities to share experiences, exchange ideas and identify creative strategies to stay strong.

Finally, I encourage small business owners to make their voices heard. Contact your elected officials and share how this shutdown impacts your business and employees. Lawmakers need to understand that when the federal government stops functioning, local economies — especially small towns and counties like ours — bear the burden.

Shutdowns don’t just stall government — they stall progress. Small businesses are innovative, determined and deeply rooted in their communities. With preparation, partnership and persistence, we’ll weather this storm as we have so many before.

Dan DeBone is president and CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.

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