Local Small Businesses Struggle Amid Rising Costs and Job Cuts

Many small businesses in El Paso and across the U.S. are facing unprecedented challenges due to rising costs, including tariffs and inflation, leading to significant job losses. A recent analysis revealed that small businesses with fewer than 10 employees have cut jobs for 13 consecutive months, with a staggering loss of 292,200 jobs in 2025 alone. Business owners are grappling with steep price hikes, making it difficult to maintain operations or pass costs onto consumers. This situation threatens the livelihoods of employees in these mom-and-pop shops and could lead to further layoffs if conditions do not improve. Community members should be aware of the economic pressures affecting local businesses and consider supporting them during these tough times.

Key Details: • 292,200 jobs lost in small businesses in 2025, the highest since tracking began. • Small businesses have cut jobs for 13 months straight. • Rising costs due to tariffs and inflation are impacting local shops. • Support local businesses to help mitigate job losses.