June 3, 2025 - Gild Insurance Blog

Why a Concussion Protocol for Small Businesses Is Essential

According to the CDC, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist within the skull, triggering chemical changes and potentially damaging brain cells. A forceful impact to the face, neck, or even other parts of the body can also lead to a concussion.

In high-movement environments like gyms and fitness studios, this risk becomes a serious liability.

That’s why having a concussion protocol for small businesses, especially those in the fitness space, isn’t just a recommendation. It’s a proactive protection plan. A well-defined protocol outlines clear steps to identify, respond to, and document suspected concussions, helping you protect your clients, your team, and your coverage. Key components typically include:

Initial evaluation: Recognize common symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and confusion.

Immediate action: Remove the individual from activity if a concussion is suspected.

Referral to medical care: Seek evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional.

Return-to-activity guidelines: Only resume workouts after receiving medical clearance.

Need help getting started? The NCAA’s Concussion Protocol is a helpful real-world model that small fitness businesses can adapt.

Tools and Resources to Build Your Protocol

Start strong with trusted, evidence-based resources:

CDC’s Heads Up: A national campaign offering detailed information on signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies. Great for staff training and client awareness.
👉 CDC Heads Up

American Academy of Neurology: Access clinical guidelines and a professional concussion checklist to assess severity and determine next steps.
👉 American Academy of Neurology

How Gild Insurance Helps You Stay Protected

Having a concussion protocol is a smart first step—but it’s only part of a strong risk management plan. Gild Insurance offers tailored coverage designed for fitness professionals, giving you the protection you need from multiple angles.

Here are a few products that can help safeguard your business:

General Liability Insurance: Covers client injuries, including slips, falls, and concussions that happen on your premises.

Professional Liability Insurance: Protects you if a client claims your training advice or supervision caused an injury.

Workers’ Compensation: Required in most states if you have employees, this coverage helps with medical bills and lost wages if a team member is injured on the job.

Commercial Property Insurance: Covers equipment, furnishings, and your space if damaged by fire, theft, or other covered events.

Whether you’re a personal trainer, studio owner, or fitness consultant, Gild makes it easy to get the right coverage for your specific business needs.

Tariffs are tightening the squeeze on small businesses in Texas. For retailers in sporting goods, toys, and home goods, the pressure is building fast. In 2023, Texas imported $92 billion worth of goods from China and $107 billion from Mexico, but with Texas small business tariffs now hitting both sources, costs are rising, and margins are shrinking

Whether you’re managing tight inventory or trying to stay competitive against big-box retailers, the trade landscape is shifting—and fast. At Gild Insurance, we’re here to help you face it head-on with the tools, protection, and practical strategies outlined in our Survive Tariffs runbook to help your business stay resilient.

Let’s take a closer look at how Texas small business tariffs are affecting retailers and what you can do right now to reduce your risk.

The Real Impact of Texas Small Business Tariffs on Retailers

Retailers importing products like yoga mats, dumbbells, or children’s toys are facing an uphill battle. Tariffs on Chinese imports have fluctuated significantly, at times reaching levels that substantially increase costs—particularly for small businesses that lack the purchasing power and profit margins of larger competitors. Even at the low end, Chinese tariffs remain above 30%.

Many are also grappling with supply chain slowdowns at Gulf Coast ports, making restocking difficult and expensive. And in regions near the border, price-sensitive customers are shopping in Mexico, adding another layer of competition that favors big-box stores.

For small businesses in cities like Houston and Dallas, where they play a vital economic role, these tariffs are not just a nuisance—they’re a threat to survival.

3 Ways Texas Retailers Can Stay Resilient

If you’re in retail—especially in toys, sporting goods, or home décor—here are a few actionable strategies to consider:

Diversify Sourcing: Shift more of your imports to Mexico or other tariff-exempt countries to reduce reliance on Chinese goods.
Blend Domestic Inventory: Integrate U.S.-made products into your offerings. They may have higher sticker prices but can offer stability and branding advantages.
Adopt Lean Inventory Practices: Use just-in-time inventory systems and smarter demand forecasting to avoid tying up cash in overstocked, high-tariff goods.

These tactics won’t eliminate risk but they will give your business more control in an unpredictable environment.

How Inland Marine Insurance Helps You Handle Texas Small Business Tariffs

When importing goods or managing a mobile inventory, there’s one more step you can take to shield your business: Inland Marine Insurance.

Unlike standard property policies, Inland Marine Insurance covers:

Goods in transit
Inventory stored offsite
High-value movable property

If a shipment is delayed, damaged, or stolen on its way to your retail floor, you’ll be glad to have this extra layer of protection. And in the current tariff climate, that peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. Schedule a time to talk to an agent and get the protection your business deserves

Stay Protected with Gild Insurance

While you can’t control international trade policy, you can control how you protect your inventory and manage your risk. At Gild Insurance, we specialize in helping small businesses like yours stay resilient through changing times—with insurance solutions that work the way you do.

Want to learn more?

👉Download the Tariffs Runbook today to stay informed, stay protected, and stay ahead.

👉Want personalized help? Schedule a call with Gild Insurance and discover smarter ways to protect your business—now and into the future