Five Ways to Stay Creative in Business During Geopolitical Unrest

I just got back from speaking at Expo West, where 80,000 people gathered to talk about the future of food, business, and global trade. One of the biggest conversations? Tariffs. Supply chains. The market downturn. Investors pulling back.

If you’re not paying attention, now’s the time to start. Policies like Trump’s recent tariff hike on Canadian steel and aluminum aren’t just headlines; they’re signals. The market is shifting, and businesses—especially small and creative ones—need to be thinking about agility, strategy, and survival.

So, how do you thrive when geopolitical uncertainty shakes up the game? Here are five things to watch and how to stay creative in the face of unpredictability:

1. Know Where Your Ingredients and Materials Come From—And Have a Backup Plan

If you're in food, CPG, or manufacturing, your supply chain is your lifeline. A tariff on one material—like aluminum—can trickle down to packaging costs, import fees, and production timelines. Now is the time to map out where every critical material in your business comes from.

Build relationships with multiple suppliers across different regions.
Consider nearshoring—sourcing closer to home to avoid international disruptions.
Keep an eye on global trade policies so you can predict shifts before they happen.

2. Investors Are Pulling Back—But Money is Still Flowing in the Right Places

Markets are down, and investors are tightening their belts. That doesn’t mean capital has disappeared—it means it’s shifting.

Government funding and grants for supply chain innovation, sustainability, and tech are expanding.
Alternative financing like revenue-based financing, microfunds, and strategic partnerships are key.
VCs are looking for profitability—get your numbers tight and focus on making money, not just raising it.

3. Build for Profitability, Not Just Growth

The high-burn, high-growth model that defined the last decade? It’s not the move anymore. Investors want cash-positive, resilient businesses that can survive economic shifts.

Cut unnecessary expenses and focus on high-margin revenue streams.
Automate and streamline operations where possible.
Get real about your pricing and profitability—undercutting your value isn’t sustainable.

4. Flexibility is Everything—Embrace Alternative Business Models

The brands that survive aren’t the biggest; they’re the ones that can pivot fast.

Explore B2B sales, licensing, or partnerships that diversify your revenue streams.
Get creative with subscription models, digital offerings, or community-driven commerce.
If physical products get hit with high costs, lean into digital and services as an additional revenue stream.

5. Protect Your Brand, Your Community, and Your Story

During times of uncertainty, trust is everything.

Your customers, investors, and partners need to know you’re in this for the long run.
Tell your story—transparently. If supply chain issues impact pricing, communicate it.
Focus on community-driven initiatives and loyalty-building strategies.

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Look, times like these separate the short-term thinkers from the real builders. If you can navigate this moment wisely, your business will come out stronger, more resilient, and more valuable than ever.

Let’s be real: we’re in a new era of business. But this is also a moment of opportunity for those who move strategically and creatively. Stay informed, build flexibility into your operations, and don’t be afraid to reimagine the way you do business.