Small Businesses Enhance Supply Chain Resilience

Small businesses are crucial for strengthening national supply chains, vital for economic stability and security. Dale Fickett, CEO of Open Trellis, stated that entrepreneurs can address supply chain challenges by adopting new technologies. Recent global events exposed weaknesses, including reliance on foreign suppliers and material scarcity. Small firms can improve efficiency and adaptability using big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Fickett advises business owners to evaluate their current capacities against supply chain needs. Investing in employee training and monitoring global trade and technology shifts are also key. Government programs, like the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies Initiative and the Procurement Technical Assistance Program, offer support. By embracing technological advancements and maintaining flexibility, small businesses contribute to robust supply chains, benefiting local economies and national interests.