US small business owner says China tariffs endanger her company: ‘I could lose my home’

Here's how one local company aims to mitigate tariff-induced cost increases

Companies are getting creative amid inevitable tariff-induced cost increases. Renee Rouleau, founder and CEO of an Austin-based skincare company, has a plan to try to avoid raising the prices it charges customers.

US small business owner says China tariffs endanger her company: ‘I could lose my home’

Beth Benike knew the tariffs were coming. The Minnesota veteran invented a placemat with bungee cords that hold toys or utensils, keeping them off the floor when babies toss them. It’s one of several products she created for Busy Baby, a company she runs with her brother. They are manufactured in…

Local bike company hangs on for dear life as Trump tariffs take hold

Showers Pass and Vvolt headquarters on SE 6th Avenue. (Photo: Showers Pass/Vvolt) As President Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to run roughshod over the economy, one local company has gone into survival mode to weather the storm. Kyle Ranson, CEO of southeast Portland-based apparel company Showers Pass and founder of electric bike brand Vvolt says he may be forced to close as the weight of tariffs suffocate his business. “Obviously we’re going t…