Small Business Owners: It's time to rally, again

I recently traveled to Capitol Hill twice—first with the National Small Business Council of the Small Business Majority where I joined other small business advocates from across the country to discuss key tax reforms. My second trip was with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses VOICES Program where we focused on challenges facing rural small businesses including access to capital, workforce development and federal policies.

This was an important opportunity for me and other small business owners to meet with those directly involved in the decision-making that has affected our everyday lives.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 99.9% of U.S. businesses are small businesses, as of July 2024. We are the backbone of the U.S. economy yet policies often fail to support us. Rising healthcare costs, tax policy inequities and lack of representation in legislative decisions create hurdles for small business owners trying to thrive in an uncertain time.

I had the opportunity to share with elected officials how the current administration's decisions trickle down and affect small businesses across the country. I approached these discussions with a simple question: How can we help you? The answer: with your voice.

Small business owners often hesitate to speak up, fearing repercussions or feeling unheard. But telling our stories about how these policies affect everyday people is one of the most effective ways to create change. Right now, Washington is filled with noise—real stories from real people can rise above it.

Change doesn’t happen without involvement. As small business owners, we have a responsibility to each other to share our stories, support one another, and push for policies that benefit small businesses. My time in Washington reinforced an important truth: small business owners are no strangers to challenges, but resilience is what has made us who we are.

Now it’s time to advocate for ourselves, so here are four ways every small business owner can do just that:

If you want to be heard, there is strength in numbers. We are all facing the same challenges right now and we owe it to each other to support, uplift and advocate together. Collaboration creates momentum. Lean on your fellow small business owners, exchange ideas and work together to find solutions. But don’t stop there—broaden your scope and connect with small business owners beyond your circle and even your industry. Expanding your network will bring new perspectives and fresh ideas. At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team.

Small businesses, particularly women and minority-owned, indicate that access to capital is a real challenge. And with the uncertainty of the economy right now, it is more important than ever to have capital to grow, evolve and survive. Don't be afraid to ask your lender. And if that fails (which it recently did for me), go to another lender, and then another. You've worked hard to get where you are, and you will find someone who believes in you.

Now obviously take this one with a grain of salt. Running a business involves calculated risks, not reckless decisions. This one is all about pushing past self-doubt. Speak up, go after opportunities and take action with confidence. The worst thing you can do is let hesitation keep you from moving forward. I have a lot of mantras, as do most entrepreneurs, but the one I use consistently, is you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.

When you started this adventure, it was because you believed in your work and you believed in yourself. Never lose that. When times are uncertain, tap into your passion and fight for yourself. Doubt and worry will always creep in, but so will resilience. That’s what got us here. Trust your ability to adapt and remember—it’s always too early to give up.

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