Building Tariff Resilience for Mid-Market and Small Companies

4 Types of Tariff Resilience

Accenture just released a useful guide for their clients on 4 types of resilience to address tariffs. Rising tariffs and global supply chain disruptions have created new challenges for mid-market and small companies. Unlike large corporations with deep resources, smaller firms must find lean, effective ways to stay resilient. This blog explores how the four key dimensions of resilience in the Accenture report operational, commercial, people, and technology can be used by mid-market and small companies. It provides practical strategies for navigating these pressures.

1. Operational Resilience Mid-market and small businesses can boost operational resilience by simplifying their supply chains and building strong relationships with local suppliers. This reduces exposure to international tariffs and disruptions. Affordable digital tools—such as inventory apps and basic ERP systems—offer visibility into operations and improve decision-making. For example, a mid-sized construction company began pre-purchasing bulk materials during tariff-free periods and storing them locally to avoid sudden price hikes. They also streamlined their project timelines and material usage to reduce dependency on volatile import supplies.. This shift reduced shipping delays, minimized tariff impact, and gave the business greater control over project timelines. By focusing on lean processes and prioritizing cash flow, companies can stay agile and weather shocks more effectively. Operational resilience isn’t about doing more with less; it’s about doing the right things smarter. Streamlining operations not only reduces costs but also enhances flexibility in responding to market shifts and unexpected challenges.

2. Commercial Resilience To maintain commercial resilience amid tariff pressures, businesses must balance profitability with customer retention. With rising costs, it’s vital to understand what price increases the market can absorb. Monitoring competitor pricing and customer sentiment using free or low-cost tools helps guide smarter decisions. For instance, a boutique food brand adjusted its packaging size and introduced bundled deals to preserve margins while keeping customers happy. Businesses should consider adjusting their product or service mix to align with demand, and offer flexible pricing or bundling to maintain margins without losing customers. Agility in commercial strategy—driven by insight and customer feedback—enables smaller companies to stay competitive and protect revenue streams even as global trade dynamics fluctuate.

3. People Resilience People are a company’s most valuable asset in times of disruption. Building people resilience starts with open communication and a commitment to employee well-being. Cross-training enhances flexibility, allowing staff to take on different roles as needed. For example, a small marketing agency trained account managers in basic design tools to ensure campaign delivery when design staff were stretched thin. Small companies can offer affordable upskilling through online learning or mentorship, boosting morale and capability. Real-time feedback mechanisms help identify issues early and strengthen trust. Empowered employees adapt better, innovate faster, and drive performance. Investing in your team fosters a resilient culture that can weather change, absorb shocks, and sustain business continuity—no matter what challenges arise.

4. Technology Resilience Technology resilience enables small and mid-sized companies to stay secure, efficient, and scalable in uncertain times. Cloud-based tools provide flexibility and reduce dependence on rigid infrastructure, while regular data backups and basic cybersecurity practices protect against growing digital threats. For instance, a regional logistics firm moved its dispatch and routing systems to a cloud platform, ensuring real-time tracking and faster response to route disruptions. Focusing tech investments on solutions with clear operational impact ensures that every dollar spent drives value. Aligning technology with core business needs—like procurement, logistics, or customer service—helps teams respond quickly to tariff-related changes. In a volatile environment, strategic use of technology isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining control, enabling adaptation, and securing long-term viability.