In Uncertain Times, Smart Startups Go Back to the Basics

By Neal McTighe, Director of the SBTDC Business Launch Program

A recent edition of the Triangle Business Journal led with a striking headline: “The Era of Uncertainty”.

For startup founders, that message may hit close to home. Questions about market timing, funding, and long-term viability can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re just getting started.

At the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), our purpose is to help entrepreneurs not just survive but thrive. That purpose doesn’t pause when uncertainty rises—it becomes more vital.

For every startup founder feeling hesitant about launching in a volatile environment, we want to offer a perspective built on experience: focus on what you can control.

• Relationships
• Communication
• Finances
• Planning

These are the levers that, when pulled with care and intention, still move businesses forward—even in unpredictable times.

Rather than retreating in the face of uncertainty, we believe in leaning into the enduring practices that have long been the backbone of successful ventures. These “old-school” approaches aren’t outdated—they’re foundational. They help startups plant their feet, define their value, and chart a thoughtful course through complex environments.

Our Business Launch Specialists are constantly hearing from entrepreneurs about what’s really happening behind the headlines. We know that external factors—from inflation to shifting supply chains—can’t be ignored. But we also know how to balance those realities with the business-building principles that endure.

When you work with the SBTDC, you’ll get grounded, up-to-date guidance that helps you respond to today’s entrepreneurial environment while building a business that lasts.

Timeless Business Fundamentals That Still Deliver

• Build Meaningful Relationships
  People do business with people they trust. Whether it’s customers, mentors, partners, or team members, investing in real relationships opens doors, generates insight, and creates resilience.

• Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
  In noisy markets, clear messaging stands out. Craft a compelling story around your mission and value, and share it consistently across the channels your audience pays attention to.

• Know Your Numbers
  Deep financial awareness—cash flow, margins, break-even points—is not optional. It’s what allows you to make strategic decisions, weather lean times, and identify opportunities before others do.

• Strategize and Plan
  A solid business plan is more than a document—it’s a living framework for making decisions, adapting to change, and staying aligned with your goals.

• Deliver Real Value
  Trends come and go, but solving real problems for real people never goes out of style. Focus on customer needs and deliver consistent value—your relevance will follow.

Resources to Help You Take the First Step

If you’re reading this and preparing to take your first step with a new venture, we encourage you to explore how the SBTDC can help. We offer valuable tools, practical resources, and seasoned mentorship that give our founders a powerful advantage.

• NC SBTDC Business Startup Guide
• Taking the Leap Cohorts
  Our hands-on, multi-day series for promising pre-venture founders includes virtual, military-affiliated, and in-person options.

No matter where you’re starting from, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Let’s turn uncertainty into action—and build something lasting together.