Midland Businesses Adapt to Economic Uncertainty: The Reality of Business Today

In 2025, the economic climate has been unpredictable at best, with key concerns that range from inflation to imposed tariffs and beyond. In fact, 59% of small business owners reported “economic uncertainty,” when questioned about leading obstacles to the “future growth and survival” of their businesses, a 2025 National Small Business Association report highlighted by Investopedia discovered. With modern stressors aplenty, businesses across the nation have been forced to adapt in order to survive. In Midland, businesses can discover solutions that include smart and strategic preparations to sustainable integrations. 

Newfound necessities include awareness (and preparation) 

The impact of new federal policies has already been felt in Michigan, with concerns like tariffs causing price hikes for customers. Businesses, on the other hand, have been left to reassess their supply chains and make changes where need be — not to mention they’ve been left on their toes in anticipation of further changes and how to navigate them. In many cases, awareness around the economic climate and potential changes has allowed many to prepare for economic uncertainty (to a degree). In nearby Saginaw Township, owner of Oppermann Cork ‘N’ Ale Jeff Oppermann planned to prepare in a strategic way, an early April 2025 article from ABC 12 News highlighted. With merchandise sourced from France, Italy, and tequila from Mexico, Oppermann noted that he planned to purchase as much imported goods as he could before tariffs hit. This would then allow him to keep his prices the same for as long as possible. 

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While change in the economic climate can be worrisome, it’s crucial to note that small businesses aren’t necessarily failing in 2025. A June 2025 article from The Guardian by Gene Marks highlights Principal Financial’s Well-Being Index, which found that 56% of companies surveyed did in fact report experiencing growth in their business. The Index, from June of this year, further revealed that 90% of employers “have either maintained or grown their workforce over the past year,” The Guardian notes. For Midland ventures, potential solutions extend beyond awareness and short-term plans, with long-lasting strategies that range from sustainability to strategic supply chain and pricing adjustments. 

Long-term changes present beneficial advantages

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Sustainability in business isn’t a fix-all solution for Midland businesses looking to thrive through economic uncertainty, though it can result in several positive changes that can carry into the long-term future of the business. For instance, basic advantages of sustainable changes can potentially include cost reductions, contribution to the local economy, and the attraction of new customers. The PwC 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey backs this up, as the survey discovered that some consumers are prepared to pay 9.7% more for goods that are “sustainably produced or sourced.” The PwC press release points out that this comes even in the wake of cost-of-living pressures (like inflation). This survey compiled the perspectives of consumers from 31 countries and territories, further cementing the sentiment and how valuable sustainability can be.

Aster, a farm-to-table restaurant in Midland, was just one example of a local business that focused on a sustainable approach. This included a menu that was locally centered. In addition to beef sourced from Stoney Grove Farm (located in Rodney), a 2024 article from A Healthier Michigan by Jake Newby notes that the restaurant sourced fresh tomatoes from Good Stead Farm (which is located in Hope), and even whitefish from none other than Lake Erie. The article also cited the words of chef Evan Sumrell, who pointed out the stark lack of farm-to-table style restaurants in the Midland area — a surprising reality despite the fact that the area is a farming community. While Aster recently closed its doors following the sale of the establishment, it nevertheless stands to serve as a significant example of how sustainable business can make a difference. In relation to future economic uncertainty for restaurants, locally-sourced ingredients can both provide customers with fresh food while providing cost benefits to the establishment itself. 

Balance is essential for Midland ventures

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Cost saving strategies are becoming a priority for businesses today, with strategies such as purchasing goods before the tariffs are implemented. While this can be a smart move at the moment, a more concrete move can set up Midland businesses for the long haul — especially when considering the fact that uncertainty often isn’t predictable. One ABC News article highlights the words of Carrin Harris, the CEO of Blitz Proto, who elaborates on the concerns that looming tariffs have brought. Harris told ABC News: “A lot of our quotes are no longer good because the cost of components continues to go up, and it’s volatile, and we can’t even anticipate it.” 

A Forbes council post by James Webster highlights several ways that small businesses can successfully adapt to economic concerns, specifically tariffs. One of the primary concerns for small businesses amidst rising tariffs is the fact that this often leads to the increase in materials and goods that businesses rely on. One smart solution pointed out by Webster includes the negotiation of supplier terms, or even looking elsewhere for new vendor solutions (if possible). This can go hand in hand with sustainable changes, whether the goal is to source eco-friendly materials or discover vendors that prioritize sustainability in the supply chain process. Strategic price adjustments are another option listed by Webster, which can help retain customers (and remain profitable) during difficult times. This can be a particularly beneficial strategy when implemented in a smart, balanced way.

Launching a Midland company — a smart move?

For aspiring Midland business owners, launching a company in today’s economic climate can feel like a major gamble at best. While an uncertain economic climate can bring to light a variety of concerns for aspiring entrepreneurs, starting a venture of your own isn’t an impossible feat. While key considerations range from marketing to the discovery of adequate suppliers, enlisting the help of professional services along the way can ease the journey (and provide peace of mind). A registered agent service, for example, is a great way to streamline business formation, especially when the goal is to create a limited liability company (LLC). With prime advantages such as help with annual filings and robust customer support, new LLC owners can focus on other important aspects of business in the meantime. A Northwest Registered Agent deal will further help aspiring business owners, as a discount can provide a budget friendly option for those who wish to get started as soon as possible.

While professional agencies can be a fantastic way to get a new company off the ground, a smart business concept can further secure a successful outcome amidst economic uncertainty. One 2024 article from the Midland Daily News by Max Milne highlights the Coney Guys food stand, which is operated by brothers Lee and Nick Johnson. Serving both the Midland and Elkton areas, the business has thrived in recent years. The key menu item (hot dogs) has served as a blessing in disguise when it comes to looming concerns like inflation, as Lee notes that these have remained relatively cheap. “I love that we can sell a really good product for a low price,” Lee remarked. Aspiring Midland businesses may take away key strategies from this, as a low-cost product can turn a profit even in an uncertain economic climate. 

Hot-button topics like inflation and tariffs have been on the mind of business owners throughout the nation. Like many, Mid-Michigan establishments can navigate upcoming issues in proactive and strategic ways, from the move to long-term sustainability to negotiating supply chain details.