Across the economy, volatility became the norm. Competing macroeconomic signals created whiplash, stalwart industries like CPG absorbed the shock of rapid policy shifts, recent graduates navigated an evolving job market reshaped by AI, and private finance markets faced heightened scrutiny and fewer exits. Through it all, we’ve had a front-row seat advising our partners on how to adapt with confidence.
Tariffs Upended Business Overnight
While the new administration signaled during the campaign that tariffs were likely, few anticipated the speed or scale of their rollout, or the industries that would feel the most profound impact. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) was hit hardest. For many of our partners, survival required rapid pivots: shifting manufacturing hubs, reevaluating shipping costs, building alternative sourcing plans, and most importantly, engaging in transparent conversations with suppliers, retailers, partners, and customers. Agility and honesty proved to be the best shock absorbers.
Partnering With Purpose
After years of near-constant momentum, private equity encountered meaningful turbulence. Several firms missed forecasts; consolidation concerns grew louder, and rising interest rates made financing more expensive, squeezing returns and limiting exits. In moments like these, companies need to understand the whole landscape of capital options. The Asset-Based Lending (ABL) industry brings decades of experience, offering funds without taking company equity, allowing businesses to remain nimble, well-capitalized, and aligned with the right partners. ABL differs from private credit in that it is more stable because the loans are tied to hard assets that are constantly monitored, protected by dominion and control and fair well through broader market swings – ideal for uncertain times like these.
Managing Through Crisis in Any Season
If COVID taught us anything, it’s how to weatherproof a business. Throughout 2025, we encouraged partners to apply those lessons proactively: reduce spending judiciously, maintain the right level of inventory, and stockpile essential supplies when feasible. Disciplined operations aren’t just for turbulent moments—they’re a competitive advantage during periods of growth as well. Many of our clients have been with us through multiple crises – the financial crisis of 2008 and COVID – so we have the mutual trust and confidence to manage challenging times together.
Choosing the Right Partners
We’ve all seen the email promising fast cash. Immediate capital can be tempting, but as with most things, if it sounds too good to be true, it often is. We advise our partners to know their lenders: meet them in person, speak to current and former customers, and assess not just the money but the mindset. When a company is growing or has assets, accessing capital isn’t the challenge—finding a partner who will stand with you through cycles is.
Offering Customers More Options
Many CPG companies begin online or build strength in a single retail channel. While this can be a powerful launchpad, the last several years have shown the necessity of an omnichannel approach. Consumers want to shop where and how it’s most convenient for them. Diversifying distribution not only expands reach but also safeguards the business when a single channel contracts or changes. Preparing for growth means preparing for uncertainty—from sourcing to distribution to sales.
A Year of Remarkable Growth at JPC
For JPalmer Collective, 2025 was a year defined by meaningful expansion and grateful reflection. As of December 19, 2025, we are proud to fund more than 63% women-owned or women-led companies and have doubled our team to support them. We financed 18 deals, and our portfolio is more than $100MM. Some of our partners have been with us for 13 years, generously referring new brands and founders to our portfolio, which is one of the greatest compliments we can receive.
Entrepreneurship requires courage, resilience, and a community of people willing to open doors. We are grateful every day to work alongside leaders who embody these qualities. Thank you to our partners for your trust, collaboration, and vision.
We’re energized for 2026 and look forward to creating new opportunities that help nimble companies of all sizes grow and thrive.
— The JPC Team
