How Tariffs Hit Female Founders

Hello all, and a very happy (almost) Friday.

Before we head off into the weekend, we wanted to to highlight something that really excited us this week: a remarkable initiative championed by our equally remarkable client, Juliet, co-founded by the dynamic duo Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher. Together with 40-plus other visionary women founders (including JBC clients like Ellen Marie Bennett of Hedley & Bennett, Yanghee Paik of Rael, Grace Na of Pistola Denim, Irene Chen of Parker Thatch, Karen Robinovitz of Sloomoo Institute, and Kerry Docherty of Faherty Brand), they're calling for essential tariff exemptions that would significantly benefit small businesses across the nation. This impressive coalition represents a staggering $1 billion in combined revenue, underscoring the impact of their advocacy.

In a powerful open letter addressed to President Trump and key policymakers, this outstanding group of leaders expresses a pressing concern: the tariffs that disproportionately affect small businesses. As they poignantly state, "We are becoming unintended collateral damage in an escalating global trade war."

Together, they advocate for three essential changes:

1. Tariff exemptions for small businesses below designated revenue thresholds

2. Comprehensive assessments of the impact of tariffs prior to implementation

3. Stronger support for transitioning to domestic supply chains through tax incentives and grants

Every single day, we embrace our responsibility to use our global platform to advocate fiercely for our outstanding brand partners, regardless of the challenges at hand. This commitment becomes even more urgent when the integrity of the U.S. small-business ecosystem — and critical social issues like racial justice and gender equity — are at stake.

Since the current administration announced sweeping tariffs, voices from esteemed economists to billionaire hedge fund managers have sounded the alarm on the severe repercussions for small businesses, many of which are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy unless these tariffs are swiftly and permanently lifted.

This struggle hits particularly hard for women-owned businesses, which number over 12 million in the U.S., generating an impressive $1.9 trillion in revenue and employing 10.9 million people. Despite their significant contributions to our economy, female founders face daunting challenges. On average, women take 4.3 years longer than men to save enough capital to launch a business, underscoring the urgent need for alternative funding options, such as grants and women-focused venture capital. Systemic barriers persist — from underrepresentation in high-growth industries to biases that hinder investment and business opportunities.

At JBC, we have always prioritized supporting women-founded brands, not just because of these compelling statistics, but because it aligns with our core values. We take pride in championing initiatives that empower small businesses and uplift the brilliant women behind them.

To explore their advocacy further, check out the full article — exclusively featured in Fortune — by reading more here.

We'd love to hear your thoughts: How can we continue to support women in business?

xx,

Jenny & Melissa