Balancing Impact and Survival: How the USAID Halt Is Reshaping My Small Business
Last week, the U.S. government issued a global stop work order for USAID projects and programs—a decision that has sent ripples of uncertainty through the international development community. Many of my friends and colleagues are waking up this morning to an uncertain path forward. I've ran a small business with operations in the U.S. and Cambodia, for the last 14 years and this global stop work order has profound effects on our path forward.
In Cambodia, much of our 2025 strategy hinged on several USAID-funded small awards and contracts. These included initiatives focused on youth empowerment and skills development, building digital literacy, and establishing digital youth clubs in rural areas to help young people safely navigate online spaces. Another program centered on democracy, rights, and governance, where we used digital tools to support partners advocating for legal and civic rights. These projects represented critical areas of impact, not just for the beneficiaries but also for our organization and the people we employ.
The Immediate Impact on Small Businesses
While we’re in a slightly better position than some national-level businesses due to revenue from software consultancy work with UN agencies and the Cambodian government, the stop work order still has significant implications for us. There’s no clarity from the U.S. government about what happens next—whether payments for completed work will be honored, whether staff salaries are secure, or how the next 90 days will unfold.
For small businesses like ours, this ambiguity creates immense strain. Many of us don’t have the cash reserves to sustain 90 days of operations without incoming payments, especially for program staff salaries. It’s an untenable position for many organizations, and the inevitable result for some will be layoffs and program closures.
A Broken Process
The way this decision has been rolled out is emblematic of a broader challenge in how aid and development are politically managed. I firmly believe in transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility in US government spending. But there are better ways to achieve these goals than through sweeping, unilateral disruptions that dismantle a the entire US global aid infrastructure overnight.
If there are programs that no longer align with U.S. priorities, they should be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. However, this blanket approach of stopping all aid programs globally seems more about disruption than constructive reform. The cost of this approach will be borne by small businesses like mine, by the communities we serve, and by the dedicated staff who will find themselves out of work.
Moving Forward
As we navigate these uncertain times, we’re working closely with our partners and other donors to see how we can sustain our programs. We’re seeking creative solutions to continue supporting the youth and communities who depend on these initiatives. But this is a challenging road, and it’s disheartening to see aid treated as a disposable asset in a political agenda.
Aid isn’t just a line item in a budget—it’s a lifeline for countless people worldwide and an investment in global stability. As Senator Graham stated last week during the confirmation hearing of OMB nominee Russell Vought, foreign-aid "is a critical component of defending American values..." But the U.S. government’s decision to stop work on all USAID programs fails to recognize this. And while we’ll do our best to adapt, the broader consequences of this decision will ripple far beyond small businesses like mine.
A Call for a Better Way
Aid and development deserve better. They deserve thoughtful reforms, clear communication, and a commitment to the people and communities they serve. Disrupting programs without a plan undermines trust, dismantles progress, and leaves countless individuals and organizations in limbo.
As someone deeply committed to the work we do, I hope this decision sparks a conversation about how we can improve the system—not destroy it. And I hope we find a way forward that prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and the long-term benefits of global development.
This post was originally published on LinkedIn.
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