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Tariff-related anxiety is surging among U.S. small business owners, and new research from Alignable — done in collaboration with Harvard Business School and MIT researchers — shows just how quickly concern is growing.

Just completed and based on 4,441 small business owner responses, Alignable's April Tariff Report found:

* 44 percent of SMBs expect reduced sales due to tariffs — up 14 points since February.

* Over 25 percent already report tariff-related revenue drops.

* Only 5 percent expect a significant revenue boost from tariffs.

* 68 percent anticipate continued uncertainty through April; 42 percent say it could last through 2025.

Other notable findings:

* Over 50 percent say they can’t negotiate better supplier prices.

* Domestic alternatives often cost 25 percent more and take six months or more to source.

* 75 percent believe average tariffs of 15 percent percent are here to stay.

* More than 50 percent were unaware of retaliatory tariffs from China and Canada.

 

Where concern is highest:

NY (55 percent), PA (52 percent), FL (48 percent), MA (48 percent), NJ (45 percent), and IL (40 percent).

Industries: Retail (57 percent), Restaurants (54 percent), Travel (54 percent), Construction (53 percent) and Manufacturing (52 percent). 

First Capital Bank (OTCQX: FCPB) announced it has surpassed $1 billion in total assets as of March 31, 2025, a significant milestone, officials said, that highlights the bank's commitment to serving its customers and communities.

Since moving its headquarters to Charleston, South Carolina in 2018, the bank has experienced over $900 million in growth.

"Reaching this milestone is a positive reflection of our incredible team and the trust our customers place in us every day," said Joe Kassim, president and CEO of First Capital Bank.

Kassim added, "Our focus has always been on building long-term relationships, delivering exceptional banking solutions, and supporting the businesses and individuals who rely on us. This milestone is not just about numbers—it represents the impact we've made in the communities we serve."

Looking ahead, Kassim emphasized the bank's continued commitment to growth and service: "As First Capital Bank moves forward, we remain focused on delivering the personalized service and financial expertise that have fueled our success. We will continue investing in our people, technology, and communities to build on this momentum."

First Capital Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina.

Its principal activity is ownership and operation of First Capital Bank, a state-chartered community bank that operates five branches and one loan production office in North Carolina and South Carolina. 

 

The Southern Bank has appointed M.J. “J.” Huggins III as its new chief executive officer, bringing nearly 40 years of experience in community banking leadership to the growing financial institution. 

Officials said Huggins will oversee strategic growth, operational  excellence, and community engagement, reinforcing The Southern Bank’s commitment to  delivering best-in-class financial services across South Carolina and Georgia. 

“We are thrilled to welcome J. Huggins to our leadership team,” said Jamin M. Hujik, CEO of  Southern Financial Corporation, and executive vice-chairman of The Southern Bank.

Hujik added, “J.’s deep understanding of community banking, combined with his proven track record of leadership and  passion for serving local businesses and families, makes him the perfect choice to drive our  next phase of growth.” 

Huggins most recently was director of Credit Risk Management at United Bank, following  23 successful years with Crescent Bank, later CresCom Bank, where he held key executive positions, including president, secretary, and director.

He has also held leadership roles at Carolina First Bank and C&S Bank in Atlanta. 

“This was an opportunity I simply could not pass up,” Huggins said. “I’m excited to reunite with an exceptional team, including Jamin Hujik and Scott Frierson, who were instrumental in building CresCom’s success. Together, we have a tremendous opportunity to elevate The Southern Bank and redefine what a community bank can be.” 

Huggins serves on the board of the Business Development Corporation of South Carolina, as well as the Wall College of Business at Coastal Carolina University, where he was previously honored as Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. 

A graduate of the LSU Graduate School of Banking and Coastal Carolina University, Huggins is  originally from Myrtle Beach, S.C., and now lives in Charleston, S.C., with his wife.

His two sons have followed in his footsteps, both working in the financial industry.

With over $335 million in total assets, the bank serves both personal and business customers online and through local branches in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Aiken, S.C., and Gibson, Hephzibah, Sardis, and Waynesboro, Ga.

The Southern Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Financial Corporation (SFCO).

 

Craig Brown, owner and chairman of the Greenville Drive and Fluor Field, was presented with the Order of the Palmetto on April 4, 2025.

Established by Governor John C. West in 1971, the Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

It is presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale.

“Craig’s leadership as owner and chairman of the Greenville Drive, pivotal role in the revitalization of the West End of downtown Greenville, and philanthropic endeavors … speak volumes about his unwavering commitment to service and excellence,” said Rep. Bruce Bannister, who nominated Brown for the honor.

Bannister added, “This prestigious award is not only a fitting tribute to his remarkable legacy but also a source of inspiration for others to follow his example of selfless dedication and service.”

It began in 2005 with Brown’s pledge to bring a minor league baseball team to Greenville and build a new ballpark.

Although other cities offered opportunities for funding a stadium, Brown was adamant that Greenville was the right city for the team and offered to privately build the ballpark.

He wanted the community to truly understand that this new stadium was for them rather than costing them. 

Earning the title “Ballpark of the Year” in its first season, Fluor Field –– known as “Greenville’s front porch” –– has become an anchor of the renewed West End area of Greenville.

Fluor Field is a year-round gathering place for people of all walks of life to participate in festivals, educational programs, fundraisers, reunions, tributes, and more. 

Long before the stadium was completed, Brown began working toward building a stronger and more vibrant Greenville.

Shortly after joining the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, he was elected to its Board of Directors and tapped to serve as co-chair of ACCELERATE! Greenville, an entrepreneurial initiative designed to increase per capita income of the Upstate Community.

At Greenville Health System (now Prisma Health) he was a member of the Strategic Coordinating Organization Board and was an early champion of the Medical Experience Academy, founded by Brenda Thames, Ed.D., a 2022 Order of the Palmetto recipient. 

The Academy’s mission is to engage students early in the field of medicine to increase the number of healthcare providers in South Carolina.

So strong was Thames’ faith in Brown’s leadership, she asked him to be the chairman of the Academy’s Advisory Board.

Over the past 20 years, Brown has been a generous donor to many Upstate organizations — from the United Way of Greenville to the Girl Scouts-Mountains to Midlands to Unity Park, and many more.

Brown also gives generously of his time and talent. He does this through board service for organizations such as Upstate Warrior Solution and Furman University’s Advisory Board and through various Greenville Drive partnerships with Greenville County Schools, the United Way, Prisma Health and more.

In a letter of recommendation, Greenville Mayor Knox White said, “As Greenville's mayor for the past 29 years, I've worked with many people and organizations, and I cannot think of anyone who has been a better partner to Greenville and the Upstate than Craig Brown.”

Since 2006, more than 500,000 fans a year have been welcomed to Fluor Field for both Drive games and additional community events.

In 2017, the Drive organization was honored with the prestigious John H. Johnson President’s Award, presented by Minor League Baseball and given to “the total baseball franchise,” based on community impact and operational excellence.

Awarded by “Baseball America”, the Drive also received the prestigious Freitas Award, which recognizes the nation’s top Single-A MiLB franchise, in 2012 and 2020.

 

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