Small Business Layoffs Trigger Surge in Tech Skill Scholarship Applications

Labor Crisis in Small Businesses: A Wake-Up Call for America

In a startling revelation regarding the ongoing labor crisis, small businesses in the United States have recently laid off approximately 120,000 employees. This trend, highlighted in the November 2025 ADP Jobs Report, signals a dire situation for the nation's economic backbone, which comprises establishments with fewer than 50 employees. Amidst these layoffs, a singular beacon of hope emerged — Automation Workz received a staggering 4,500 applications for just 5 available Tech Skill Coaching Scholarships within just 30 days.

As the layoffs spread, the implications extend beyond mere numbers. They resonate across the economy, threatening the stability of entire industries increasingly reliant on small businesses. Notably, major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including automakers, tech firms, and logistics companies, depend on these smaller suppliers for nearly half of their production ecosystem. This disruption thus ripples through manufacturing knowledge and adversely influences supply chains.

But the scenario grows bleaker. Laid-off employees have found themselves in an educational and professional void after being deemed ineligible for workforce development retraining funds due to earning more than $20,000 during the six months preceding their layoffs. And even if they manage to qualify, only a few workforce development training programs can provide the mid-level training necessary to transition these individuals into high-demand careers in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and network engineering.

What’s especially tragic is the toll on local economies as these displaced mid-level employees — many with families and substantial ties to their communities — find themselves unable to secure jobs that offer comparable income. Consequently, local businesses suffer as these citizens lose spending power, further weakening the economic fabric of the communities they inhabit.

Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, passionately articulates the plight of these workers, reiterating their desire for opportunities akin to those experienced by Jimmie Porter. Following his layoff from a $54,000 position, Porter successfully transitioned to a $96,000 salary as a data center specialist, courtesy of Automation Workz's tech skill coaching program. Byrd-Hill states, "Tech skill coaching is a game changer for laid-off workers."

Automation Workz is now urging corporations, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations to contribute to tech skill coaching scholarships and workforce development initiatives aimed at supporting laid-off workers. The appeal underscores the imperative to safeguard not only the OEM supply chain but also local economies across the nation from further deterioration. Byrd-Hill emphasizes that preserving America’s workforce should be at the forefront of national priorities, inviting tax-deductible donations to the Jetsonnaire Layoff Scholarship as a measure to foster technological workforce growth.

The governmental neglect of funding for workforce development is untenable. As both federal and state agencies reduce budgets for retraining initiatives, the risk of a profound economic crisis looms, potentially jeopardizing the country’s economic future.

Ida Byrd-Hill's credentials as a leader in the industry are well-established. With an MBA and a career that spans finance, technology executive search, and human resources, Byrd-Hill has played a crucial role in preparing more than 17,000 front-liners in crucial domains like AI and cybersecurity. Her advocacy underscores a conviction — equipping laid-off employees with the skills they need can not only uplift their families but also revitalize entire local economies.

In summary, as the economy grapples with the fallout from mass layoffs in small businesses, a concerted effort to fund educational opportunities in technology is warranted. Investment in human capital will prove essential to not only restore but also enhance the nation’s labor force, ensuring sustainable growth for years to come.