At Reston Roundtable, Walkinshaw Hears How Trump’s Tariffs Are Squeezing Local Small Businesses
Washington,
December 9, 2025
Reston, Virginia – Small business owners from across Fairfax shared how recent federal tariffs and the growing affordability crisis are squeezing their businesses at a roundtable hosted by Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) at Scrawl Books in Reston. The conversation focused on how these tariffs, higher operating costs, and rising prices for health care, groceries, housing, and utilities are straining small businesses this holiday season. Local business owners described thinner margins, customers cutting back, and the pressure of trying to keep doors open while supporting their employees. “I brought small business owners from across Fairfax together at Scrawl Books in Reston to hear how this economy is hitting them. From design studios to coffee, tea, and neighborhood book shops, many shared the same fear: how much longer they can keep this up,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Owners described the sacrifices they have made to keep employees on the payroll, but federal tariff policy is driving up costs, the affordability crisis is squeezing customers, and we are heading toward a health care cliff if Congress does not extend ACA premium support. Small businesses are the backbone of Fairfax and watching them struggle cuts against what the American Dream should be. I am taking their stories to Congress to fight for lower costs and an economy that empowers small business owners to thrive.” “I’m grateful to Congressman Walkinshaw for taking the time to really listen to my small business story,” said Sarah Wells, CEO and Founder of Sarah Wells Bags. “My company designs breastfeeding gear for new moms, and we just celebrated 13 years in business. Our mission is to support parents in one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives, but this year has been especially hard. Tariff policies have driven up our costs, disrupted our supply chain, and made it harder for new parents to afford what they need. Roundtables like this matter because they give small business owners a real seat at the table. I’m thankful to Congressman Walkinshaw for showing up, asking thoughtful questions, and committing to take what he heard back to Congress to fight for businesses like mine.” “I really appreciate Congressman Walkinshaw bringing small business owners together and taking the time to listen,” said Paul Olsen, CEO of Weird Brothers Coffee. “We’re a disabled-veteran owned, family-run coffee roaster, but our real mission is people, bringing our community together in our three local shops. The affordability crisis is pushing up costs on everything from beans to utilities, and tariffs add another layer of stress at a time when small businesses should be getting help. Roundtables like this give us a real voice, and I’m grateful the Congressman is taking what we’re seeing on the ground back to Congress to fight for small businesses like mine.” “I am grateful to Congressman Walkinshaw for coming to Scrawl and hearing from local business owners about the challenges we are facing,” said Rachel Wood, owner of Scrawl Books. “As an independent bookstore, we are proud to be a space where people gather, kids discover a love of reading, and local authors share their work. But 2025 was one of the toughest years ever for Northern Virginia businesses, with federal layoffs, rising costs, and unpredictable tariffs. I appreciate that our Congressman is listening and ready to fight for policies that support the unique businesses that contribute so much to our community.” Walkinshaw pledged to use the insights from the discussion to push for policies that lower costs, stabilize supply chains, and ensure small businesses have the tools and resources they need to compete and prosper in Fairfax and across the country. Participants in the roundtable included:
The small businesses are members of Main Street Alliance, a network of 30,000 small business owners working together to help small businesses thrive. View pictures of the event here. ### |
