News

Press Release: New National Survey of Small Businesses: Fraud, Scams and Ransomware Impose a $131 Billion “Hidden Tax” on Main Street

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:55 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Nazirah Ahmad
nazirah@emccommunications.com

New National Survey of Small Businesses: Fraud, Scams and Ransomware Impose a $131 Billion “Hidden Tax” on Main Street

First-of-its-kind national survey commissioned by the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) also found that 71% of small business owners fear AI will make fraud, scams and ransomware attacks more frequent.

Washington, D.C. — April 9, 2026 As Americans prepare to file their 2025 tax returns ahead of the April 15 deadline, a first-of-its-kind national survey of more than 500 small business owners reveals that America’s small businesses are paying a staggering $131 billion annual “hidden tax” due to fraud, scams, and ransomware. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult for the Public Private Strategies Institute, also found that AI is increasing the risk: 71% of small business owners fear AI will make attacks more common while fewer than half (44%) of businesses feel prepared to respond to the most frequent types of attacks.

Fraud, scams, and ransomware are draining revenue, slowing growth, and forcing entrepreneurs to divert time and resources away from serving customers and expanding their businesses. For the first time, PPSI’s national survey quantifies the real financial losses due to fraud, scams, and ransomware accrued each year by America’s small business community.

“When nearly three in four small businesses experience fraud or ransomware in a single year, this is no longer an isolated risk. It has become a routine cost of doing business,” said Tammy Halevy, Executive Director of Reimagine Main Street, a project of PPSI. “At that scale, fraud functions like a hidden tax on entrepreneurship. That’s money that should be going toward hiring, innovation, and growth, not to criminals.”

The survey also found that:

Widespread Impact: Nearly three in four (72%) of small businesses were hit by fraud, scams, or ransomware last year.
Material Losses: Credit card/payment fraud and email phishing are the most frequently reported attacks. For affected businesses, the financial damage is significant — averaging nearly $60,000 for payment fraud and more than $90,000 for email compromise.
Constrains Growth : Fraud doesn’t just drain revenue; it slows growth. Small businesses say these threats make it harder to accept payments (43%), attract and retain customers (40%), and innovate or develop new products (39%).
AI Increases the Threats : Seven in ten (71%) small business owners say AI will make fraud and ransomware more common, with 76% of victims reporting that AI was used in their attacks.

Fraud Defense Is a Shared Responsibility

The scale of the fraud threat means that small businesses cannot shoulder this burden alone.

Most take action when incidents occur — and reporting often leads to meaningful resolution. Among businesses that experienced fraud, 77% say they reported it. Of those who reported, 54% say the matter was fully resolved and another 33% say it was partially resolved.

However, business owners see fraud prevention as a shared responsibility. A majority say business owners themselves (51%), payment platforms (51%), and financial institutions (50%) are “very responsible” for preventing and protecting against fraud.

When asked what shapes their view of responsibility, three factors stand out in nearly equal measure: who has the best visibility into threats (39%), who has control over business operations (37%), and who has the legal authority to prevent attacks or punish bad actors (37%).

For guidance on prevention, small businesses most often turn to online resources (46%), financial institutions (42%), and cybersecurity companies (39%) — underscoring the need for clear, accessible support from trusted partners.

“This survey makes one thing clear: small businesses are doing their part, but as AI and other disruptive technologies emerge they cannot fight this battle alone,” said Rhett Buttle, President of the Public Private Strategies Institute. “Reducing this hidden tax on entrepreneurship will require stronger coordination between the private sector and policymakers. When small businesses are protected, they can focus on what they do best — creating jobs, serving customers, and driving growth.”

Awareness Outpaces Preparedness

While 63% of small businesses say cyber threats are a serious problem, far fewer feel prepared for the most frequent attacks. Only 44% say they are well-prepared for payment fraud, and 41% feel prepared for business email compromise. Just 31% feel prepared for social engineering scams. And while ransomware is less common, fewer than one in three businesses (30%) say they are ready to respond to an attack.

“Most small business owners say, ‘I'm so small, why would they target my company?’ We are not immune. A ransomware attack shut down my 116-year-old manufacturing business for nearly a week during our busiest season and cost over $100,000 to clean up,” said Walt Rowen, President of Susquehanna Glass Company in Columbia, PA. “There are simple things you can do to protect yourself, and every business should be doing them. If this is a problem today, it's going to be 10 times worse tomorrow.”

Most Effective Tools Not the Most Widely Used

Fewer than half of small businesses (48%) use multi-factor authentication, yet among those that do, 70% say it is very effective. Similarly, only 24% carry cyber insurance, even though 61% of policyholders say it is very effective. And while just 31% conduct regular security audits, 58% of those who do say they are very effective.

This national survey was fielded by Morning Consult between December 19 - 29, 2025 among a sample of 506 small business owners in the United States (0 to 500 employees). The data was weighted to approximate a target sample of small businesses based on enterprise size, NAICS industry grouping, and region. The result have a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

For more information about the survey and its findings, visit https://www.ppsi.org/insights/fraud-scams-ransomware-survey

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About Public Private Strategies Institute
The Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) is an independent research and education organization. PPSI engages in educational activities concerning the public and private sectors’ roles in advancing societal change. PPSI explores best practices and trends through research, publications, and educational events. Additionally, it produces educational and informational content that will educate public and private sector actors about their capacity to be agents of social change; and conduct research into the existing landscape of public and private social responsibility and the potential for the future. For more information, please visit ppsi.org .

About Reimagine Main Street
Reimagine Main Street, a project of the Public Private Strategies Institute, is a multi-stakeholder, cross-sector initiative that brings small business leaders, investors, experts, and policymakers together with business owners and the people they employ. We engage diverse stakeholders and develop data-driven insights to shape and inform market opportunities and policy. For more information, please visit reimaginemainstreet.org

AI on Main Street: What Small Businesses Really Think

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:12:47 GMT

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, economies, and everyday life — automating routine tasks, sharpening decision-making, and redefining how businesses innovate and compete. But what does this technological shift mean for small businesses?

To explore this question, Reimagine Main Street, in partnership with 14 small business organizations and with support from PayPal, conducted a national survey of nearly 1,000 small businesses with annual revenues between $25,000 and $5 million. The goal was to better understand how business owners perceive AI, what experiences they’ve had with it so far, and where they see opportunities or concerns.

Our mission: to surface the opportunities, challenges, and barriers that small businesses face in adopting AI — and ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an AI-powered economy.

AI Interest Is High, Adoption Is Emerging

The survey revealed that small businesses are moving past the question of if AI matters and are grappling instead with how to make it work. Roughly three-quarters of respondents are either actively using AI or exploring its possibilities.

About 25% are active users, already integrating AI tools into daily operations.
Just over half (51%) are explorers, curious and experimenting but not yet fully committed.
The remaining 24% are non-users, with no immediate plans to adopt.

This spectrum of engagement shows that while adoption is uneven, curiosity and awareness are widespread.

The Benefits: From Efficiency to Strategy

For those already using AI, the gains are clear and tangible.

92% of active users report that AI saves them time and improves efficiency.
77% see positive results in marketing and customer engagement, including automating outreach and generating content.
53% prioritize AI for financial forecasting, pointing to cash flow management as a critical area where smarter tools are needed.

Importantly, business owners also view AI as more than just a way to work faster. Many believe it enhances competitiveness and resilience, helping them navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

The Challenges: Security, Bandwidth and ROI

Not all small businesses are ready to dive in. The survey uncovered persistent barriers that slow adoption:

38% worry about data security and privacy.
37% say they lack the time or resources to explore new technologies.
34% struggle to see a clear business case or return on investment.

For these “explorers,” the key to moving forward is greater clarity and support. Nearly three in four said they would be more likely to adopt AI if tools were easier to use, if ROI was clearer, and if training opportunities were more widely available.

Opportunities to Unlock Small Business Potential

The findings highlight several priorities for enabling broader adoption:

Accessible, user-friendly tools that fit into existing workflows.
Training and education to demystify AI and show practical applications.
Trusted providers and partnerships to address concerns about data security and reliability.

When these needs are met, small businesses say they are eager to use AI not only for efficiency, but also for growth, innovation, and better decision-making. From forecasting sales trends to tailoring customer offers in real time, owners see AI as a way to expand opportunities and strengthen competitiveness.

The Reimagine Main Street survey underscores a pivotal moment: small businesses know that AI is here to stay, and most are ready to explore how it can serve them. While hurdles remain — from cost and complexity to privacy and ROI — the appetite to learn and adopt is strong.

With the right support from policymakers, technology providers, and business ecosystem leaders, small businesses can harness AI not just to keep pace, but to lead.

Public Private Strategies Institute is hosting its inaugural Small Business Innovation Summit on October 15 in Washington, DC to bring together leaders across sectors to further examine how disruptive technologies from artificial intelligence to digital finance are reshaping the broader economy, and what these changes mean for small businesses and the people they employ.

Tammy Halevy joins NYSE TV to Talk Recent Survey on AI and Small Business

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:14:56 GMT

Tammy Halevy, Executive Director at Reimagine Main Street, a project of PPSI, joined LIVE on NYSE TV, to spotlight new data from our survey on how AI is reshaping Main Street. Watch the full interview here or below.

Rhett Buttle, President at Public Private Strategies Institute Scripps News

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:47:57 GMT

Rhett Buttle, Founder of the Public Private Strategies Institute, joined Scripps News' Main & Wall to talk about the record number of small business applications.

Rhett Buttle, President at Public Private Strategies Institute Joins NYSE TV Live

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:32:54 GMT

Rhett Buttle, Founder of the Public Private Strategies Institute, joined NYSE TV to talk about Small Business Saturday.

Celebrate and Shop Small: Rhett Buttle’s Statement Ahead of Small Business Saturday

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:15:15 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Saturday, November 30 is Small Business Saturday, a day to recognize, celebrate and shop at the over 34 million independent businesses in communities across the country.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Rhett Buttle, President of Public Private Strategies Institute, released the following statement:

“The over 34 million independent businesses in America are the backbone of our communities and of our economy. About 62 million people – or nearly half of all working Americans – are employed by small businesses. And small businesses do so much more than create jobs and deliver goods and services – they bring communities together, deliver critical innovations, and build community and cultural identity.

“This Small Business Saturday is a chance to recognize, celebrate, and support small businesses in your community. Over the past four years, we have seen a historic small business boom in the United States, with a record 20 million new small business starts. Every small business is an act of hope and optimism, from new business to business that got through COVID to business that has been a part of your community for decades.

“Despite the progress of the past four years, there remain critical challenges facing the small business community, from the cost of health care to the tax landscape . While we must continue to advocate for policy solutions, shopping small on Small Business Saturday is one of the best ways to ensure MLK Boulevards, Cesar Chavez Ways, Chinatowns, Main Streets, and the millions of Americans who benefit from small business growth are able to thrive.

“We applaud our friends and partners at the United States Small Business Administration, Women Impact Public Policy (WIPP), and American Express for their work on Small Business Saturday activities, spreading the word to #ShopSmall on #SmallBizSat. Find a small business participating in the efforts here .”

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Business Organizations Partner on a Successful Series of Small Business Summits Bringing Over 200+ Business Leaders to the White House

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:32:15 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Over the past six months, over a dozen business organizations built a series of impactful business fly-ins at the White House, gathering over 200 business leaders from across the country to engage directly with top policymakers on critical economic issues. These summits, covering four regions and representing over 20 states, offered business owners a unique opportunity to discuss economic policies such as the Investing in America Agenda and the transformative effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and CHIPS Act.

"We were proud to be part of the coalition that brought hundreds of business leaders to Washington to learn about opportunities in the Invest in America Agenda,” said Dr. Janis Shinkawa, Chair of the Board of Director at the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) . “There is incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs across America right now thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS & Science Act, which are fueling a small business boom. It’s critical that we keep that boom going by connecting policymakers and business leaders to discuss these opportunities and ensure they are implemented effectively.”

“The USHCC was honored to support a series of regional economic summits at the White House led by our partners at Public Private Strategies,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, CEO & President, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce . “These impactful events empowered our local chamber leaders to better understand and leverage federal investments in small businesses. By bringing these resources directly to our communities, we are ensuring that Hispanic-owned businesses across the country are positioned to thrive and grow.”

“WIPP is delighted to have supported the inclusion of small businesses in this partnership,” said Angela Dingle, President & CEO, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) . “Providing women-owned small businesses the opportunity to be at the forefront of policy that affects them is critical in ensuring that these entrepreneurs have a voice in the economy. It is through initiatives such as these that these underrepresented voices are made to feel valued and included.”

“Engagements like these are essential to ensuring that historic investments of the past four years are accessible to all. The chance to gain resources and deeper understanding on these policies is paramount to closing the gap to upward mobility for small business owners,” said Ying McGuire, CEO & President, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) . “This initiative fortifies the alliance between policymakers and small business owners, a relationship which is needed now more than ever.”

"We were thrilled to be a part of these summits, which have opened new avenues for LGBT-owned businesses to engage directly with policymakers and gain critical insights into federal initiatives that support their growth," said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder & President at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) . "By bridging the gap between small businesses and Washington, we ensure that our voices are heard, and our unique challenges are addressed, creating a more inclusive and vibrant economy."

"These summits have empowered our community by connecting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs with decision-makers at the highest level," said Chiling Tong, President and CEO at the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) . "With the support of policies like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act, AAPI-owned businesses are better equipped to innovate and thrive. It is essential that we continue to foster these conversations to ensure that all entrepreneurs, regardless of background, have the resources they need to succeed."

"When you're an entrepreneur sifting through business resources, it's easy to get lost in the information and wonder if there are real human beings on the other end of the phone. The fly-ins put a friendly face to the bureaucratic processes small business owners must navigate to push their enterprises towards sustainability. I think the events helped restore entrepreneurs' faith that government officials are looking out for them." said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director.

“When small business leaders brief Washington decision makers on policy issues affecting their business -- like tax credits, infrastructure investments, and childcare access -- everyone walks away with a better understanding of how economic policy impacts not only their bottom line, but the communities they employ and serve. This year's regional summits highlighted how valuable local business leaders are to building and maintaining vibrant communities and local economies.” said Liz Fairchild, Executive Director of Business Forward .

"This series provided a fantastic opportunity to elevate the voices of small business owners, offering entrepreneurs nationwide a platform to share their concerns with some of the most influential lawmakers in Washington. In a world that so often dismisses the smallest businesses because they don't have enough market share on their own to exert real power, it was refreshing to see individual business owners welcomed to the table and treated as important constituents whose needs should be addressed." John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority .

“These summits were an incredible opportunity to connect business leaders from all corners of the country with key policymakers. By facilitating these important discussions, we ensured that small businesses, the backbone of the American economy, have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping economic policy,” said Rhett Buttle, President of Public Private Strategies Institute .

"Small businesses fuel innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth. It's crucial that their voices are not only heard but also reflected in our nation's policies. These summits provided a meaningful opportunity for business owners to engage with policymakers on the opportunities and challenges of running a business,” added Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Principal at Public Private Strategies .

Small Business Summits, by the numbers:

200 business leaders have participated in four economic briefings at the White House.
Four regions represented, spanning over 20 states, including:

Mid-Atlantic: DC, DE, MD, NC, PA, VA, & WV

Midwest: IL, IN, MI, MN, & WI

Southwest: AZ, CO, NM, NV, & UT

Southeast: AL, FL, GA, NC, & SC

Business leaders took part in policy briefings, networking receptions, and training, featuring guest speakers from the U.S. Department of Treasury and key Administration officials. The final event in September emphasized opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Southeast, focusing on ensuring that small business voices are heard as these historic investments continue to support a thriving business environment.

“These summits allowed small business owners to bring their concerns directly to the nation's leaders, ensuring that policies are informed by those who live and breathe the day-to-day challenges of running a small business,” said Sammi Kerley, Small Business for America's Future (SBAF).

Patricia McKinley, Owner, KHAVL Transport, LLC, Phoenix, AZ: "As a small business owner, it's vital to have our voices and priorities heard. This event at the White House was an incredible opportunity to highlight the critical role small businesses play in driving economic growth and creating jobs in our communities. We look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue about the challenges we face and the support we need to continue thriving."

Maysee Heer, CEO of the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee, WI said: "Diverse communities are a vital part of Wisconsin's economic landscape, and we've witnessed substantial job creation and a surge in new business ventures, thanks to these supportive actions the Administration has taken. By investing in diverse-owned small businesses, we not only preserve cultural heritage but also fuel economic growth. Our dialogue with the White House today was a crucial step in advocating for these essential changes."

Subrina and Greg Collier, BayHaven Restaurant Group Charlotte, NC, said: “I’m encouraged by the White House’s commitment to investing in the small business economy. This event allowed us to bring the unique challenges and opportunities of our region to the table and to learn about resources and support available to promote growth. It was an important step toward ensuring that small businesses like mine continue to thrive and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.”

Media Highlights

Several business owners who attended the summits shared their insights on the impact of federal economic policies on small businesses in prominent media outlets:

Suzanne Stantley discussed how the Investing in America Agenda has benefited small businesses in her recent interview with Yahoo! Finance.

Walt Rowen highlighted the challenges and opportunities for business owners in a segment on Fox 5 DC.

Shaundell Newsome spoke about the importance of equitable access to federal resources during his appearance on LNL.

Additional Media Contributions

Business owners also shared their perspectives in several Letters to the Editor (LTEs) published across the country, reflecting on the summits' discussions and their impact on the business community:

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STATEMENT: Historic SBA Lending Milestone Is Latest Sign of America’s Small Business Boom

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:41:22 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided a record $56 billion in lending during Fiscal Year 2024, supporting more than 100,000 small business financings—the most in over 15 years. The Vice President also highlighted efforts to cut red tape and announced new proposed measures aimed at simplifying access to federal contracting, benefiting small businesses across the country.

The new measures aim to make it easier for small businesses to compete for federal contracts, furthering opportunities for growth and innovation.

Rhett Buttle, President, Public Private Strategies Institute, released the following statement:

“The historic $56 billion in SBA lending to small businesses in FY24, a more than 50% increase from four years ago, is just the latest sign of America’s small business boom. Thanks in part to smart policy investments like the Capital Readiness Program and State Small Business Credit Initiative, there have been more than 20 million new small business applications in the past four years. A small business start or loan is an investment in a brighter future, and over the past four years, small business lending has increased dramatically, with particularly strong increase among Black-, Latino- and women-owned businesses.

“The new measures unveiled today seek to cut red tape, streamline federal contracting, and ultimately, build more momentum for American entrepreneurs. By increasing access to capital and opportunities, these actions will help strengthen businesses in communities across the nation, promoting job creation and economic growth. We remain focused on fostering partnerships that support small businesses and ensure their continued success.”

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Southeastern Entrepreneurs Connect With Policy Leaders and Advocate for Small Business Growth at The White House

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 19:41:30 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, a delegation of business leaders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina gathered at the White House to discuss the impact of federal policies on their communities and explore new avenues for growth under the Investing in America Agenda. The event underscored the unique challenges and opportunities facing the region’s entrepreneurs. Participants also learned directly from the Biden-Harris Administration about their efforts to support small businesses through strategic investments and economic policies.

Following the Business Leader Summit, business leader participants released the following statements:

Steven Adkins, President/CEO, Greater Miami LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Miami Beach, FL, said:

“As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, I am deeply honored to have our voice recognized in such an important forum. Bringing together business leaders from across the Southeast to discuss the Investing in America Agenda, while also sharing our unique experiences as LGBTQ entrepreneurs, underscores the vital role collaboration plays between the public and private sectors. It was an invaluable opportunity to engage with policymakers and hear firsthand about the investments driving growth and innovation in our region. These discussions have left us with a renewed

Rhett Buttle, President, Public Private Strategies Institute, said:

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, particularly in the Southeast where they play a crucial role in driving innovation and job creation. This event provided a unique opportunity for business owners to directly engage with policymakers, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. The insights gained from this event will help shape the policies that support small business growth and economic resilience in the region.”

Subrina and Greg Collier, BayHaven Restaurant Group Charlotte, NC, said:

“I’m encouraged by the White House’s commitment to investing in the small business economy. This event allowed us to bring the unique challenges and opportunities of our region to the table and to learn about resources and support available to promote growth. It was an important step toward ensuring that small businesses like mine continue to thrive and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.”

Devotis Lee, D Cafe Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, said:

"It was inspiring to see the White House recognize the critical contributions of Southeastern small businesses. The investments being made by leaders in Washington today will be instrumental in ensuring our businesses thrive in a competitive national landscape for decades to come."

Bailey Lewis, Words First Content Strategy, Columbia, SC, said:

“Small businesses across the Southeast are powering our communities forward. This event at the White House was an invaluable opportunity to learn about new avenues for growth, to voice our concerns, and to share our perspectives on the small business landscape. We discussed critical issues such as managing the not-insignificant costs of running and growing a small business, as well as the need to foster more competitive markets. Together, we identified steps to drive economic growth and strengthen our communities, ensuring that the Southeast remains a vibrant place for entrepreneurship.”

Laconya Murray, Off the Mark IP Solutions, Montgomery, AL, said:

“The discussions we had this week in Washington reinforced the vital role that small businesses play across our economy. It was an honor to join entrepreneurs from across the Southeastern region to learn about the policies shaping the economic landscape in our communities.”

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STATEMENT: Rhett Buttle on Record 19 Million New Business Applications

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 18:06:23 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, a delegation of business leaders from the Southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado gathered at the White House to discuss the crucial role of small businesses and Main Streets in the economy. The event underscored the unique challenges and opportunities facing small business owners and served as a platform for business owners to share their experiences and insights directly with policymakers. Participants learned directly from the Biden-Harris Administration about their commitment to small businesses and the big investments they have made so communities in the Southwest can take part in the economic boom.

Following the Business Leader Summit, business leader participants released the following statements:

Patricia McKinley, Owner, KHAVL Transport, LLC, Phoenix, AZ:

"As a small business owner, it's vital to have our voices and priorities heard. This event at the White House was an incredible opportunity to highlight the critical role small businesses play in driving economic growth and creating jobs in our communities. We look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue about the challenges we face and the support we need to continue thriving."

Kristelle Siarza Moon, Owner and CEO, Siarza & Volunteer Executive Director, Asian Business Collaborative, Albuquerque, NM:

"These meetings underscore the importance of supporting small businesses, particularly those in underrepresented communities. We were thrilled to bring our perspectives to the table and discuss ways to foster inclusive economic development. By sharing our experiences and insights, we hope to influence policies that create a more equitable business environment for all."

Masaru Torito, Owner, Kokoro Restaurant, Denver, CO:

"This event provided a remarkable platform to discuss the vital role of small businesses in our economy. It was an honor to share our story and the unique challenges we face in the restaurant industry. We hope our contributions will help shape policies that support small businesses and foster a more resilient economic environment."

Andrea Vigil, Owner, Allegiant Electric LLC, Las Vegas, NV:

"Being part of this event at the White House was a significant moment for small businesses like ours. It was a chance to advocate for policies that will help us thrive and continue contributing to the local and national economy. We look forward to continuing to have productive discussions and the opportunity to collaborate on solutions that will benefit small businesses across the country."

Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Secretary, Public Private Strategies Institute said:

"We are deeply committed to elevating the voices of small business owners and ensuring they have a seat at the table when it comes to policy decisions that affect their lives. This event at the White House underscores the critical role small businesses play in driving our nation's economy and fostering innovation within our communities. By bringing together a diverse group of business leaders from the Southwest, we are highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities they face in this vibrant region. Our goal is to advocate for policies that support their growth and sustainability.

“Small businesses are not just economic entities; they are the heart of our neighborhoods, providing jobs, services, and a sense of community. Today, we are amplifying the importance of their contributions and advocating for an environment where they can thrive. We are grateful to the White House for recognizing the value of these discussions and for the opportunity to collaborate on building a more inclusive and robust economy. Together, we can create a future where every small business has the resources and support it needs to succeed."

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Business Leaders from States in the Southwest Meet at White House To Champion Small Businesses and Main Streets

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 20:35:35 GMT

Following the Business Leader Summit, business leader participants released the following statements:

Patricia McKinley, Owner, KHAVL Transport, LLC, Phoenix, AZ:

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About Public Private Strategies Institute
The Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) is an independent research and education organization. PPSI engages in educational activities concerning the public and private sectors’ roles in advancing societal change. PPSI explores best practices and trends through research, publications, and educational events. Additionally, it produces educational and informational content that will educate public and private sector actors about their capacity to be agents of social change; and conduct research into the existing landscape of public and private social responsibility and the potential for the future. For more information, please visit ppsi.org .

Readout: Director Lael Brainard Joins Small Business Leaders For Discussion on Lowering Costs for Small Businesses & Families

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:04:28 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Last week, the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) hosted a Business Leader Briefing featuring the President's Chief Economic Advisor, Lael Brainard, Director, National Economic Council, The White House.

The event brought together a few hundred small business leaders to hear directly from Director Brainard about the Biden-Harris Administration’s Lowering Costs Agenda, including efforts to lower health care and prescription drug prices, make childcare more accessible and affordable, and create a level playing field for small businesses.

Moderated by Carolina Martinez, CEO of the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO) Network, business leaders also engaged in Q&A with administration officials and provided feedback and insights drawn from their experiences.

A full recording of the briefing is available for viewing here .

Director Lael Brainard discussed the Administration’s commitment to small businesses, saying, “The President and the Vice President believe that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. You all are the job creators, you're huge contributors to GDP, you breathe life into Main Streets all over the country and you represent the best in service and innovation.”

Director Brainard highlighted recent efforts made by the Biden-Harris administration to lower costs for small businesses, adding, “We couldn't be prouder that there has been a record number of applications in each of the last three years – each one an act of optimism. We know that to start a small business it is critical to have access to health insurance, and affordable childcare, to see costs coming down, to provide a little bit of breathing room at the end of the month…That’s why the President has a comprehensive plan to keep lowering costs across nearly every area of a budget.”

Rhett Buttle, President of the Public Private Strategies Institute said, “We hope this briefing was informative and provided valuable insights into the current administration’s efforts to support small businesses and families. We believe in the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive positive change, economic growth, and innovation for Main Streets across America."

A full recording of the briefing is available for viewing here .

To learn more about the Lowering Costs Agenda, please explore this factsheet and remarks from D irector Brainard announcing the initiative last month.

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Readout: Arizona Business Leaders Discuss State of Democracy with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:44:08 GMT

PHOENIX, AZ – This week, the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened a virtual roundtable with 35 Arizona business leaders to discuss the current democracy landscape in Arizona. The roundtable featured Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who emphasized the critical role of partnerships between the state and the business community to engage and educate voters, encourage civic participation, and counter misinformation and disinformation.

A recent poll showed that the strong majority of business leaders say the existence of a well-functioning democracy is important to a strong economy, and that business leaders are more likely now than five years ago to take action to support democracy, like allowing employees to take time off from work to engage in the political process.

The roundtable provided a platform for a dynamic exchange of ideas on how to address current challenges and leverage the strengths of the business community to support a vibrant democracy in Arizona.

Participants are saying:

Secretary Fontes emphasized the importance of addressing false claims and maintaining Arizona’s reputation. “We know there's no tangible proof of any significant problems with Arizona's elections. We know because that's what the data shows us. And yet there are still people out there who continue to make false claims, some of them elected by the system they criticize, and they're doing damage to our state’s reputation. Think about it from a business perspective: is that helpful? Especially when we've got a burgeoning semiconductor industry. We're dealing with a lot of big issues like water, education, workforce and our healthcare needs. Arizona’s reputation is something we really have to think about, which impacts the opportunities for Arizona's businesses. Help get more American voices engaged in the Democratic enterprise. That to me is where business leaders can also be community leaders.”

Monica Villalobos, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce who moderated the roundtable, stressed the importance of inclusive engagement. “Business owners play a vital role in protecting democracy by serving as a vehicle to disseminate truthful information on elections and actively discouraging misinformation.”

Neil Giuliano, President and CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership and former Mayor of Tempe , echoed these sentiments. “Business leaders know that misinformation permeating society is not healthy for democracy, and an unhealthy democracy threatens future economic prosperity. These conversations are important and we are happy to encourage them among all community leaders.”

Rhett Buttle, President of the Public Private Strategies Institute and Co-Founder of the Business & Democracy Initiative , highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Arizona’s business leaders are in a unique position to foster civic engagement and support a healthy democracy. We are committed to building these essential partnerships to empower voters and strengthen our democratic institutions.”

Business Leaders from States in the Midwest Advocate for Small Businesses and Main Streets at White House

Fri, 31 May 2024 21:14:19 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, a delegation of business leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin gathered at the White House to discuss the critical role of small businesses and Main Streets in the economy. The event underscored the unique challenges and opportunities facing small business owners and emphasized the need for supportive policies to foster economic growth, small business development, and community engagement. Participants also learned directly from the Biden-Harris Administration about their commitment to small businesses and the big investments they have made so communities in the Midwest can take part in the economic boom.

Following the Business Leader Summit, business leader participants released the following statements.

Chris Douglas, Managing Director of C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management, Indianapolis, IN said:

“It was great to be in Washington this week and to meet with officials from across the Biden-Harris administration to discuss the vital importance of small businesses to our economy. Their Investing in America Agenda has led to a record number of new business starts for three years running, well above the preceding administration; strong job creation; levels of unemployment so low as to be practically unprecedented; and inflation falling back in line. I think Hoosiers are seeing the benefits. After this week’s discussions, I’d like to see this administration continue on its path. Their policies and successes make me much more optimistic about the future of small business across the country.”

Gene Gelgelu, President and CEO, African Economic Development Solutions, St. Paul, MN said:

“Small business is the backbone of our economy, and the Biden-Harris administration knows it. That’s why they’ve made historic investments in small business growth that are fueling strong job creation, a record number of new small business starts, and falling inflation. This week’s meetings only strengthened my optimism about the future of the small business landscape.”

Kevin Heard, Board President of the Detroit LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Detroit, MI said:

"The Biden-Harris Administration has created an environment where LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can thrive like never before. Our work focuses on creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, so that everyone has a seat at the table. By supporting diverse-owned businesses, we enrich our communities and drive innovation. Today's discussions highlighted the achievements made and the path forward to maintain this incredible momentum."

Maysee Heer, CEO of the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee, WI said:

"Diverse communities are a vital part of Wisconsin's economic landscape, and we've witnessed substantial job creation and a surge in new business ventures, thanks to these supportive actions the Administration has taken. By investing in diverse-owned small businesses, we not only preserve cultural heritage but also fuel economic growth. Our dialogue with the White House today was a crucial step in advocating for these essential changes."

Suzanne Stantely, Founder & CEO of BE Group Inc./Contractor Advisors, Inc., Chicago, IL said:

"Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy, continually adapting and innovating to meet the needs of their communities. The Biden-Harris Administration's policies have directly resulted in increased job opportunities and business expansions in Illinois. Our job is to continue ensuring that Main Street has access to the resources and support needed to thrive. Today's visit with the White House was an important opportunity to voice the needs of small business owners across Illinois and the nation."

Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Secretary, Public Private Strategies Institute said:

"Today's event highlighted the remarkable economic progress small businesses have seen under the Biden-Harris Administration. A record number of new small business applications, falling inflation, and robust job growth: these are clear indicators of the success of targeted investments in small business that are growing the economy and fueling a small business boom. This administration’s focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors has been crucial in driving this success.

“By bringing together diverse voices from across the Midwest, we highlighted the universal importance of small businesses in driving economic growth and community well-being. It's essential that we continue to advocate for policies that support Main Streets across America, and collaboration with the White House is a promising sign of commitment to fostering a thriving small business environment."

Business leaders from across the Midwest gather at the White House for Midwest Regional Business Briefing on May 31, 2024

NEW SURVEY: Consumers Overwhelmingly Support Business Action to Safeguard Democracy

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:08:49 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of Super Tuesday, a new poll finds that consumers are deeply concerned about the state of democracy and strongly support action by businesses to protect democratic institutions. The poll, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Public Private Strategies Institute, sheds light on consumer expectations for businesses to actively engage in protecting and upholding democracy in the United States. The newly released research builds on previous surveys from the Business & Democracy Initiative that show business leaders and consumers alike know that a strong democracy is essential to a strong economy.

Read the Full Survey Report Here

The survey questioned more than 2,500 consumers across the country and shows strong consumer preferences for business action to prevent the spread of disinformation on social media, encourage employee civic education and participation, and take a public stance in support of democratic institutions.

Key Survey Findings:

Consumers are deeply concerned with the state of American democracy:

84% of consumers express concerns about the state of democracy in the U.S., with 86% of Democrats and 82% of Republicans sharing this concern.

Consumers believe businesses have a responsibility to act to protect democracy:

76% of consumers believe businesses should ensure safe and fair elections.
72% of consumers support businesses speaking out publicly about threats to democracy.
67% of consumers want businesses to influence federal policies related to democracy.
69% of consumers expect businesses to take action at the state level.

Consumers support concrete actions by businesses to support democracy, including shifting advertising and donation dollars to support democratic ideals:

74% of consumers support businesses that pull advertising dollars from social media platforms that do little to prevent the spread of disinformation.
65% of consumers support business donations to political candidates or organizations that work to protect democracy.
75% agree employees should have time off for political engagement.
74% support businesses publicly endorsing democratic principles.

Rhett Buttle, President of Public Private Strategies Institute and Co-Founder of the Business & Democracy Initiative :

"These findings make it clear that a thriving democracy is not just a political concern, but an economic imperative. The overwhelming majority of consumers recognize the link between democracy and a strong economy. This data should be a wake-up call for businesses as we approach the 2024 elections. Consumers believe that businesses have a duty to ensure fair elections and protect democratic institutions, and businesses need to act accordingly.”

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The Future of Benefits: Emerging Opportunities & Innovations for Hispanic-Owned Businesses

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:15:55 GMT

On September 28, 2023, PPSI hosted a virtual event, The Future of Benefits: Emerging Opportunities & Innovations for Hispanic-Owned Businesses.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, this virtual event examined trends in the healthcare market for small- and medium-sized employers. The event featured an expert panel discussion on the unique challenges and opportunities in expanding healthcare coverage among Hispanic business owners and their employees, including the fix for the “family glitch," new health reimbursement arrangement options, the Inflation Reduction Act, and enrollment in the Marketplace. The webinar highlighted the evolution of the employer market and new choices in the small and medium-sized market for small business owners.

Speakers included:

Ramiro Cavazos, President & CEO, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Erika Gonzalez, Owner, South Texas Allergy and Asthma Medical Professionals (STAAMP) and Co-Chair, Small Business for America’s Future
Katherine Hempstead, Senior Policy Advisor at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Marvin Figueroa, Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, US Department of Health and Human Services
C. LeRoy Cavazos Reyna, Senior Advisor, Public Private Strategies (moderator)

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Public Private Strategies Institute and U.S. Small Business Administration Launch “Investing in America: Small Business Tools and Resources,” New Initiative to Help America’s Small Business Owners

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 21:52:40 GMT

Project Will Reach Hundreds of Thousands of Businesses Across the PPSI Network, Inform and Connect Them With U.S. Small Business Administration Initiatives and Programs

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new collaboration to expand public awareness of new opportunities stemming from the SBA’s programs and new initiatives that will empower business owners across the country. The initiative will educate small business owners about the Invest in America agenda, specifically how investments in infrastructure, clean energy, American manufacturing, and domestic supply chains create opportunities for them.

The historic economic investments made over the past two years include tens of billions of dollars in funding opportunities flowing through the U.S. Small Business Administration. These resources have the potential to transform communities and strengthen our economy, but only if business owners have access to information about new programs and are connected with the tools to take advantage of them.

As part of this series, on August 31, in celebration of National Black Business Month, the SBA and PPSI will host a virtual event to highlight SBA tools and resources available to Black entrepreneurs and small business owners under the Biden-Harris Administration.

That’s why the U.S. Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies Institute will jointly host a series of events that bring together senior administration officials, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, and small employers – these events will reach hundreds of thousands of business owners across the PPSI network.

“Investing In America: Small Business Tools and Resources” will feature regular webinars and in-person engagement to discuss initiatives such as the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), CHIPS and Science Act, The Community Navigator Program, and other initiatives to assist business owners.

Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration:

“Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, small businesses are building and benefiting from investments in infrastructure, clean energy, American manufacturing, and domestic supply chains. At the SBA, we are modernizing programs to meet businesses with capital, revenue opportunities, and networks of advisors so they can take advantage of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic initiatives. The SBA’s collaboration with PPSI will serve as a force multiplier for our outreach to help more small businesses and entrepreneurs – especially those in underserved communities – connect to the SBA and engage in our nation's next great era of economic growth.”

Rhett Buttle, President, Public Private Strategies Institute:

“Major investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS & Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act have enabled the SBA to rapidly scale and deploy new programs and funding opportunities for businesses across the country. For these opportunities to be implemented efficiently, effectively, and equitably, there needs to be dedicated and consistent outreach and education to help diverse constituencies of business owners access these generational investments. That’s why PPSI is so excited about this partnership to engage our diverse network of hundreds of thousands of business owners to expand public awareness of these opportunities.”

Cosponsorship Authorization # 23-48-C: The SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

# # #

PPSI and U.S. Small Business Administration Launch “Investing in America: Small Business Tools and Resources,” New Initiative to Help America’s Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Thrive

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:53:35 GMT

Project Will Reach Hundreds of Thousands of Businesses Across the PPSI Network, Inform and Connect Them With U.S. Small Business Administration Initiatives and Programs

Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration:

Rhett Buttle, President, Public Private Strategies Institute:

# # #

About Public Private Strategies Institute

The Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) is an independent research and education organization. PPSI engages in educational activities concerning the public and private sectors’ roles in advancing societal change. PPSI explores best practices and trends through research, publications, and educational events. Additionally, it produces educational and informational content that will educate public and private sector actors about their capacity to be agents of social change; and conduct research into the existing landscape of public and private social responsibility and the potential for the future. For more information, please visit ppsi.org .

Business Leader Briefing: A Conversation with Chair of the Federal Trade Commission Lina Khan

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 18:49:27 GMT

Readout of PPSI Business Leader Briefing with Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan

WASHINGTON D.C. – On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan joined the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) for a Business Leader Briefing. Chair Khan was joined in discussion by Rhett Buttle, President of PPSI. The virtual event was joined by hundreds of business leaders to learn more about the FTC’s priorities and initiatives, and how the agency’s work impacts communities across the country.

Chair Khan provided remarks on the history and the core missions of the FTC, as well as how her agency is dedicated to not only protecting consumers and consumer interests but also businesses who are trying to find their space in the marketplace.

“Today the FTC enforces antitrust laws, which are really about promoting competition, making sure that businesses are able to compete on the merits.” said Chair Khan. “If somebody has a good idea and they’re able to get financing for that idea, the goal is to make sure whether they succeed or fail is linked to the success of their idea and not whether they are upsetting one of the existing giants.”

Chair Khan discussed the agency’s recently proposed rule to ban non-compete clauses, current policy initiatives to promote consumer and small business safety within the digital space, and useful tools and services for small businesses nationwide.

Additionally, Chair Khan had a conversation with Buttle and answered questions from small business owners and business leaders, about topics ranging from how the FTC works to support small businesses, to how the FTC approaches the balance of ensuring consumers have protections while supporting the usage of tools to drive small business growth.

“During the pandemic many small businesses saw huge digital acceleration and a lot of Main Streets really turned to digital tools,” said Buttle . “We hear a lot of businesses empowered by digital tools, but also businesses struggling with Digital Tools. I’m curious how does the FTC approach this balance of protecting consumers and small employers, while at the same time allowing support for the many small businesses who are being accelerated by the digital economy?”

“One of the top sources of complaints that we get from smaller businesses in the space of digital markets is that a lot of the key tools that you need to compete and access digital markets are controlled by a relatively small number of companies, so that’s one of the things that we’re looking at,” said Chair Khan.

You can view an event of the recording below

Note, this conversation was originally recorded on June 21, 2023.

Public Private Strategies Institute & U.S. Department of Commerce Announce New Partnership to Educate & Engage Business Owners, Pilot Support for Good Jobs

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:52:23 GMT

Public Private Strategies Institute and U.S. Department of Commerce Announce New Collaboration to Educate Business Owners on New Federal Economic Investments & Pilot Strategies to Accelerate “Good Jobs”

Partnership Will Reach Hundreds of Thousands of Businesses, Inform and Connect Federal Investments & Pilot Programs to Strengthen Employers & Workers

WASHINGTON, DC (June 20, 2023)– Today, Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a new collaboration to expand public awareness of the Department’s programs, priorities, and new initiatives.

The historic economic investments made over the past two years include tens of billions of dollars in funding opportunities flowing through the Department of Commerce. These resources have the potential to transform communities and strengthen our economy, but only if business owners have access to information about new programs and are connected with the tools to take advantage of them.

That’s why Public Private Strategies Institute and the Department of Commerce will jointly host a series of events that bring together senior administration officials, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, and small employers – these events will reach hundreds of thousands of business owners across the PPSI and Department of Commerce networks.

In addition, Reimagine Main Street , a project of PPSI, and the Department of Commerce will engage small employers on job quality and design pilots to advance “Good Jobs.” Ultimately, the partnership seeks to accelerate small business awareness and adoption of Good Jobs Principles through the DOC’s Job Quality Toolkit .

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo:

“Thanks to President Biden we have seen a historic small business boom over the past two years, and the Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring this boom translates into high-quality job opportunities for workers across the country. As the Department and entire Administration continue to make investments in America, including in our small businesses, we are taking steps like this collaboration and our Job Quality Toolkit to ensure small business owners have the tools and knowledge they need to create good jobs and grow economic opportunity in every community.”

Rhett Buttle, President, Public Private Strategies Institute:

“Major investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS & Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act have enabled the Department of Commerce to rapidly develop and deploy new programs and funding opportunities for businesses across the country. For these opportunities to be implemented efficiently, effectively, and equitably, there needs to be dedicated and consistent outreach and education to help diverse constituencies of business owners access these generational investments.

“That’s why PPSI is so excited about this partnership to engage our diverse network of hundreds of thousands of business owners to expand public awareness of these historic economic opportunities.”

Tammy Halevy, Executive Director of Reimagine Main Street, a project of the Public Private Strategies Institute:

“Reimagine Main Street looks forward to our partnership with the Department of Commerce to improve job quality among small employers. More than half of the nation’s 134 million employees work for firms with fewer than 100 employees. These firms and workers are the lifeblood of MLK Boulevards, Cesar Chavez Ways, Chinatowns, and Main Streets across the country. However, research shows these workers are less likely to be in ‘good jobs’ compared to workers employed by larger firms, and represent a significant share of low-wage workers.

“Our collaboration with the Department of Commerce will leverage our network to engage diverse business owners across the country and pilot strategies to increase the quality of all jobs.”

Earlier this year, Reimagine Main Street launched a project to improve job quality with support from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Reimagine Main Street’s previous research on Good Jobs and small employers found that job quality is a significant driver of business performance. As a result, efforts to advance good jobs should accelerate growth and increase the profitability of small businesses, create incentives for already strong small companies to improve job quality, and stimulate innovations across markets and policy to make affordable benefits available at scale. This partnership between Reimagine Main Street and the Department of Commerce builds on the insights from that work.

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About Public Private Strategies Institute

About Reimagine Main Street

Reimagine Main Street , a project of the Public Private Strategies Institute, is a multi-stakeholder, cross-sector initiative that brings small business leaders, investors, experts, and policymakers together with business owners and the people they employ. We engage diverse stakeholders and develop data-driven insights to shape and inform market opportunities and policy.

Together, we are working to ensure MLK Boulevards, Cesar Chavez Ways, Chinatowns, and Main Streets prosper, and that the benefits ripple across communities and throughout the economy.

About the U.S. Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce’s mission is to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities. Through its 13 bureaus, the Department works to drive U.S. economic competitiveness, strengthen domestic industry, and spur the growth of quality jobs in all communities across the country. The Department serves as the voice of business in the Federal Government, and at the same time, the Department touches and serves every American every day.

Public Private Strategies Institute and U.S. Department of Commerce Announce New Collaboration to Educate Business Owners on New Federal Investments & Pilot Strategies to Accelerate “Good Jobs"

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:45:00 GMT

Partnership Will Reach Hundreds of Thousands of Businesses, Inform and Connect Federal Investments & Pilot Programs to Strengthen Employers & Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a new collaboration to expand public awareness of the Department’s programs, priorities, and new initiatives.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo:

Rhett Buttle, President, Public Private Strategies Institute:

Tammy Halevy, Executive Director of Reimagine Main Street, a project of the Public Private Strategies Institute:

“Our collaboration with the Department of Commerce will leverage our network to engage diverse business owners across the country and pilot strategies to increase the quality of all jobs.”

# # #

About Public Private Strategies Institute

About Reimagine Main Street

Together, we are working to ensure MLK Boulevards, Cesar Chavez Ways, Chinatowns, and Main Streets prosper, and that the benefits ripple across communities and throughout the economy.

About the U.S. Department of Commerce

PPSI Convenes Business Leader Roundtable with Bipartisan U.S. House Working Group on Paid Leave

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:59:45 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – On May 11, 2023, Public Private Strategies Institute facilitated a roundtable discussion with the members of the Bipartisan U.S. House Working Group on Paid Leave and business leaders from across 10 major business organizations.

The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges for the small business community that are presented by a federal paid family and medical leave program and possible paths forward for small business owners and the self-employed.

Business leaders were in dialogue with members of the bipartisan U.S. House Working Group on Paid Leave, including Representative Colin Allred (D-TX), Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Representative Julia Letlow (R-LA), and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).

The Washington Post highlighted the event, noting the optimism and progress made among the bipartisan group.

Washington Post: A big day in Washington for paid leave

Paid leave is having a moment.
The House bipartisan paid family leave working group is hosting another monthly meeting this morning, building on the momentum of previous meetings as the group continues to work toward a bipartisan agreement.
The bipartisan working group, led by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), will focus on the business perspective and will hear from leaders of Etsy, Pinterest, the National Association for the Self-Employed, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and the National Association of Women Business Owners about the benefits and challenges of paid leave.
Read the full story here .

Following the event on May 11, business leaders shared their perspective and takeaways from the discussion on the future of federal paid leave policy.

Megan Patton, Board of Directors Member, National Association of Women Business Owners & Managing Partner, ODA Strategy:

“It was a pleasure being a part of the House Working Group on Paid Leave’s roundtable discussion. From a moral standpoint, our women business owners want to provide paid leave to their employees, but we know that the cost and a lack of replacement workers can impede putting a formal paid leave program in place. We hope the Working Group continues to look for the proper baseline, so we can keep our small business owners thriving.”

Ramiro Cavazos, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC):

“The Hispanic business community is key to growing our American economy -- we are honored to be a part of this important bipartisan roundtable discussion with the House Working Group members to voice the needs of all Hispanic businesses. The need for attracting a more diverse and skilled workforce grows daily and efforts to address programs like paid family and medical leave at the federal level will only benefit all small and minority-owned businesses. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to continue to engage with this group of legislators as they continue to develop solutions for paid leave policies.”

Eddie Monroy, Executive Director, NextGen Chamber of Commerce:

“Direct engagement with working group House Members was critical in ensuring the business perspective of next generation leadership is heard.

“The workforce and hiring continue to be a top issue for the small business ecosystem. In order to be competitive we need solutions such as paid leave to help small entrepreneurs compete. A recent survey from the NextGen Chamber of Commerce and Capital One showed that a significant number of start-ups – a combined 55%, were born out of necessity during the pandemic, driven by childcare and adult caregiving demands.

“The work of this bipartisan group of legislators is an important step in the right direction to helping small businesses remain competitive in the marketplace and to compete for top talent.”

Chiling Tong, President & CEO National ACE:

“It was an honor to be invited to participate in an engaging dialogue with members of the Bipartisan House Paid Leave Working Group alongside many of our partners in the diverse small business community. Paid leave is an important issue for AAPI business owners, who often come from multigenerational households with caregiving responsibilities. There is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach for a paid leave framework that meets the needs of all small business owners, so we deeply appreciate the Working Group’s commitment to learning and hearing from the small business community about what works, and what doesn’t work in terms of paid leave.

"National ACE looks forward to continuing our engagement with members of the Working Group, as well as our partners to explore solutions that work for AAPI small businesses, and for all small businesses.”

Katie Vlietstra Wonneberg, Secretary, Public Private Strategies Institute:

“Public Private Strategies Institute is proud to be able to bring together the public and private sectors for this important bipartisan dialogue on the future of paid leave.

“Small and medium sized businesses face significant challenges in the paid leave space. As bipartisan discussions on paid family and medical leave policies continue at the federal level, in-person and direct engagement from business leaders is critical to shaping good policy development and outcomes.”

The full list of business leaders and organizations participating in the event included:

Talisha Bekavac , Executive Vice President, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)
Ramiro Cavazos , President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)
Todd McCracken , President & CEO, National Small Business Association (NSBA)
Eddie Monroy , Executive Director, NextGen Chamber of Commerce
Elle Patout , National Director of Advocacy and Public Relations, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Megan Patton , Board of Directors Member, NAWBO & Managing Partner, ODA Strategy
Adrienne Schweer , Head of the Paid Family Leave Task Force, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC)
Chiling Tong , Chief Executive Officer & President, National ACE
Katie Vlietstra Wonneberg , Principal, Public Private Strategies and Secretary, Public Private Strategies Institute
Jeff Zubricki , Head of Etsy Americas Advocacy and Public Policy

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The Future of Benefits: Opportunities in Healthcare Benefits for Small Businesses

Tue, 16 May 2023 15:15:55 GMT

On Monday, May 15, 2023, PPSI hosted a virtual event, The Future of Benefits: Opportunities in Healthcare Benefits for Small Businesses.

During National Small Business Month, this virtual event examined trends in the healthcare market for small- and medium-sized employers. The event featured an expert panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities in expanding healthcare coverage among small businesses and their employees, including the fix for the “family glitch," new health reimbursement arrangement options, the Inflation Reduction Act, and enrollment in the Marketplace. The event highlighted the evolution of the employer market and new choices in the small and medium-sized market for small business owners.

Speakers included:

Bryan Giaimo, General Manager of Platform, Stride Health

Katherine Hempstead, Senior Policy Advisor, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Dr. Ellen Montz, Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Michael San Juan, President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Metro Washington, D.C

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Access to Capital Resources & National Small Business Week Pre-Celebration

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 23:21:51 GMT

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on a celebration of Access to Capital Resources and a Pre-Celebration of National Small Business Week!

The webinar featured remarks from:

David Brown, Director of Policy, Office of the Administrator, SBA
Christina Hale, Associate Administrator, Office of Communications and Public Liaison, SBA

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Business Leader Briefing: Conversation on the Debt Limit with Aviva Aron-Dine, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 17:05:13 GMT

Listen in to this recorded virtual Bu siness Leader Briefing with White House official Aviva Aron-Dine, Deputy Director, National Economic Council.

Aviva Aron-Dine briefed business leaders about the latest policy developments on the debt limit and what it means for the private sector.

Note, this conversation was originally recorded on April 24, 2023.

Supporting the Health and Health Care of Women Business Owners

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 21:21:35 GMT

On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, PPSI hosted a virtual event, The Future of Benefits: Supporting the Health and Health Care of Women Business Owners.

This event featured a panel discussion with women experts on the challenges and opportunities female business owners face when providing benefits to their employees. The event focused on the barriers women business owners face such as less access to capital and rising healthcare costs; and new choices available, including the fix for the “family glitch," new health reimbursement arrangement options, the Inflation Reduction Act, and enrollment in the Marketplace.

Speakers included:

Emily Barson, Senior Advisor, Public Private Strategies
Dr. Erika Gonzalez, Co-Chair, Small Business for America’s Future | Past Chair, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Amy Hall, Minority Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives
Marilyn Serafini, Executive Director of the Health Program, Bipartisan Policy Center
Kathy Warnick, Owner, Warnick Consultants | Former Chair of the National Board of Directors, National Association of Women Business Owners

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Access to Capital and Black Entrepreneurs

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 22:22:52 GMT

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on a celebration of Access to Capital and Black Entrepreneurs.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Lenwood V. Long Sr., Presidet and CEO, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
Ted James, Regional Administrator, SBA
Felicia Brown, Senior Advisor, AARP

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 23:31:18 GMT

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development, SBA

Aikta Marcoulier, Region VIII Administrator, SBA

Dr. Shawn Murray. President Senior Consultant and Chief Academic Officer, Murray Security Services

Margaret Graves, Senior Fellow, IBM Center for the Business of Government and the IBM Partner fof Digital Transformation Strategy and Senior Advisor, IBM's Federal Services

Rich Schmidt, President and CEO, Tipping Point Solutions

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: 2022 Recap of SBA Resources, and 2023 Look-Ahead

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 17:19:03 GMT

On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on SBA resources from 2022 and a look-ahead to 2023.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Anne Zimmerman, President and CEO, Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc
Jennifer Kim, Associate Administrator, Office of Field Operations, SBA
Malik Lee, Managing Principal and Founder, Felton & Peel Wealth Management

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Healthcare Briefing

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 20:46:34 GMT

On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on healthcare options and small business resources for entrepreneurs.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Dr. José R. Romero, Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control
Dr. Meg Sullivan, Chief Medical Officer, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jeff Wu, Deputy Director for Policy, Center for Cosumr Information and Insurance Oversight, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Mas Torito, Owner, Kokoro Restaurant

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:06:45 GMT

On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) hosted a webinar to honor the one-year anniversary of President Biden signing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The event featured remarks from SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and National Minority Supplier Development Council CEO & President, Ying McGuire.

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Veterans Business Development

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:52:29 GMT

On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community.

The discussion focused on honoring our veterans and providing resources from the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development.

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Small Business Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs from Historically Underserved Communities

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 18:59:16 GMT

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and small business resources for aspiring entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Donald R. Cravins, Jr. , Under Secretary of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Carl E. Brown, Jr. , State/Executive Director, District of Columbia Small Business Development Center at Howard University

Warren Miller , Senior Advisor, SBA, Office of Disaster Assistance

Felicia Brown , Senior Advisor, Small Business/Entrepreneurship, Financial Resilience, AARP

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

NEW RESEARCH: As “Family Glitch” Rule is Finalized, PPSI Research Explores Small Employers’ Views on Healthcare Landscape

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 02:36:39 GMT

NEW RESEARCH: As “Family Glitch” Rule is Finalized, PPSI Research Explores Small Employers’ Views on Healthcare Landscape

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, President Biden announced that the Treasury Department “is finalizing” a rule to fix the “family glitch.” Rhett Buttle, the President of Public Private Strategies Institute, previously wrote for Forbes about how the family glitch has been a challenge for many small employers and their employees, and the Biden Administration’s efforts to address the issue.

As the Biden Administration moves ahead with efforts to fix the “family glitch,” new research released today from the Public Private Strategies Institute, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, explores small employers' views on broader changes in the healthcare market including:

Small employers’ continued struggle with cost and choice
New health reimbursement arrangement options, including Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs)
The impact of recent public policy changes like the impact of the “family glitch” and the Inflation Reduction Act

The research includes new polling data gathered in partnership with Morning Consult.

EVENT | The Future of Benefits: Emerging Opportunities in the Healthcare Market for Small Employers

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:44:57 GMT

On Tuesday, October 11, business leaders and leading health experts gathered for a virtual event, The Future of Benefits: Emerging Opportunities & Innovations in the Healthcare Market for Small & Medium Sized Employers.

The event featured the unveiling of new research from the Public Private Strategies Institute on trends in the small and medium-size employer marketplace, and an expert panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the evolving healthcare market among small businesses and their employees.

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Community Initiatives and Resources

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 02:23:00 GMT

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community

The webinar featured remarks from:

Victor Parker , Deputy Associate Administrator, Officer of Field Operations (SBA)

Nicola Corzine , Founding Executive Director, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

Jeff Stout , Deputy Chief Program Officer for Business and Industry, Office of Recovery Programs, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Lisa Coppola , Board of Director Chair-Elect, National Association of Women Business Owner (NAWBO)

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Access to Capital for Minority Small Businesses

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:45:05 GMT

On Wednesday, August 31, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about access to capital for minority small businesses.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Mark Madrid , Associate Administrator, Officer of Entrepreneurial Development, SBA

Lenwood V Long Sr. , President/CEO, African Amerian Alliance of CDFI CEOs

Ed Cooper, Vice President, SMB Initiatives and Customer Insights, CyberSource and AuthorizeNet

Vincent Evans , Executive Director, Congressional Black Caucus

As our Guest Ed Cooper from Visa mentioned, they offer Practical Business Skills (PBS), a global digital learning platform delivering free, relevant, accessible, and credible online educational resources so SMB owners can make confident, informed decisions to grow their businesses through digital transformation.

Practical Business Skills: https://www.practicalbusinessskills.com/

Visa's Authorize.net offers education on how payments work, how to promote and sell products and services online, and accept contactless payments.

Learn more about how payments work: https://www.authorize.net/en-us/resources/how-payments-work.html

Whether you’re a business beginner or an entrepreneurial expert, find the solutions, tools, and resources you need to take your small business to the next level.

Visa's Small Business hub: www.visa.com/smallbusinesshub

Click here to connect with Lenwood Long and the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs

Click here to connect with Vincent Evans and the Congressional Black Caucus

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Developing Effective International Business Growth Strategies

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:09:09 GMT

On Wednesday, August 17, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about developing effective international business strategies for growth.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Gabriel Esparza , Associate Administrator, Office of International Trade, SBA

Alisa S. Joseph , Director of Program, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Broadband Access, Equity, and It's Impact on Small Businesses

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:26:39 GMT

On Wednesday, August 3, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Broadband Access, Equity, and It's Impact on Small Businesses.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Sarah Morris, Senior Advisor, Office of the Assistant Secretary, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Terri Billups, Acting Director/Deputy Director, Rural Affairs, SBA

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Celebrating Made in America

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 05:22:12 GMT

On Wednesday, July 6, 2022, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a discussion of community initiatives and resources as part of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community. The discussion focused on celebrating Made in America initiatives.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Tiffany Townsend, Senior Advisor, Office of Government Contracting & Business Development, SBA
Candace Waterman, President and CEO, Women Impacting Public Policy
Aikta Marcoulier, Region VIII Administrator, SBA

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Pride Month Celebration, Disaster Resiliency, and More

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 16:40:58 GMT

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022 the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about Pride Month, disaster resiliency, and other critical topics .

The webinar featured remarks from:

Francisco Sanchez Jr., Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Assistance, SBA

Hannah Bristo l, Associate Director of Public Engagement, The White House

Andres Wydler , Executive Director, StartOut

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Access to Government Contracting Opportunities

Wed, 25 May 2022 16:41:08 GMT

On Wednesday, May 25, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about critical resources and access to government contracting opportunities.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Bharat Ramamurti, Deputy Director, National Economic Council, The White House

Mark Madrid , Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development, SBA

Bibi Hidalgo , Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting & Business Development, SBA

Paul Disselkoen, Senior Associate, Global Government Relations, PayPal

Andrea Vigil , Founder, AllegiantElectric LLC

Terry Sutherland , Director of Entrepreneurship Education, SBA

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Resources and Celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Wed, 11 May 2022 14:07:02 GMT

On Wednesday, May 11, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about critical resources and to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Congresswoman Judy Chu, California's 27th Congressional District

Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison

Ying McGuire, CEO and President, National Minority Supplier Development Council

Jennifer Kim, Associate Administrator, Office of Field Operations, SBA

Ben Raju, District Director, Los Angeles District Office, SBA and National Co-Chair, WHIAANHPI Regional Network

Geraldine ‘Geri’ Sanchez Aglipay, Regional Administrator, Region 5, SBA

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: Discussing the U.S. Small Business Administration's Equity Action Plan

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 14:00:29 GMT

On Wednesday, April 27, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about the SBA's recently released Equity Action Plan .

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Business Leader Briefing: Disucssion with the President of the Export-Import Bank and The White House

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 17:56:37 GMT

President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), Reta Jo Lewis and Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, Sameera Fazili, join Public Private Strategies Institute for a discussion about how businesses can engage with and access opportunities through the EXIM Bank.

EXIM Bank President Reta Jo Lewis also covers a new domestic financing program, which is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Make More in America Initiative that provides opportunities for business leaders to grow by boosting their ability to manufacture in America, which will help strengthen the domestic supply chain.

Building a Better America: Leaders at SBA and Veteran Women's Enterprise Center Discuss Opportunities for Veteran Owned Small Businesses

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 18:44:42 GMT

On Wednesday, April 13, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about critical resources for veteran-owned small businesses.

The webinar featured remarks from:

VR Small, Founder and CEO, Veteran Women's Enterprise Center (VWEC);

Larry Stubblefield, Associate Administrator, Office of Veterans Business Development at the U.S. Small Business Administration.

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: U.S. Trade and Development Agency Chairman and SBA Official Discuss International Trade and Small Business Opportunities

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:39:08 GMT

On Wednesday, March 30, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about how to access and utilize critical resources to engage in international trade and grow their businesses.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Vinai Thummalapally, former Ambassador and Acting Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency;

Gabriel Esparza, Associate Administrator of SBA’s Office of International Trade;

and Arrow Augerot, Director of International Policy of the Americas for Amazon.

As a reminder, you can find more information and support from the SBA on some of the issues discussed by accessing the resources below.

Resources for selling internationally from Amazon:

How to sell internationally with Amazon Global Sell ing Guide ;

1-minute video overview of how to start selling internationally;

1-minute video overview of global selling tools;

Build International Listings (BIL) Tool and Resources for exporting inventory.

You can watch a full recording of the event below:

Business Leader Briefing: White House Advisor on Confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court of the United States

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:40:53 GMT

On Friday, March 25, 2022, Public Private Strategies Institute hosted a Bu siness Leader Briefing with White House Advisor Minyon Moore .

This event brought together thousands of business leaders, owners, and advocates from across the country to hear from Minyon about the White House effort to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States.

You can watch a recording of the event below:

Building a Better America: SBA Administrator Guzman, White House Officials and Small Business Leaders Gather to Discuss Resources for Small Businesses

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 03:21:05 GMT

On Wednesday, March 16, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) convened leaders from across government and business for a conversation with small business leaders about how to access and utilize critical resources to grow their businesses and our economy.

Nearly 9,000 business owners and leaders registered for a discussion of the new and existing resources available to small business owners, and particularly to women small business owners as we celebrate and recognize Women’s History Month.

The webinar featured remarks from:

Isabel Guzman, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration;

Bharat Ramamurti, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council at the White House;

Chiling Tong, President and CEO of the Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE);

Natalie Madeira Cofield , Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership at the SBA;

Rhett Buttle, President of the Public Private Strategies Institute;

and Renee Johnson, Senior Advisor to Public Private Strategies Institute.

Business Leader Briefing: Join USTDA Acting Director Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally (ret.) during Black History Month

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:39:46 GMT

Listen in to this recorded virtual business leader briefing with USTDA Acting Director Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally (ret.) .

Learn how USTDA develops sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets while supporting U.S. jobs through exports. As we celebrate Black History Month, learn how Black small business can work with USTDA.

Note, this conversation was originally recorded on February, 17, 2022, at 3:00 pm ET.

Small Business and the impact of COVID-19 Discussion with Ranking Member Luetkemeyer

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:36:27 GMT

Listen in to this recorded virtual business leader briefing with Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer .

Congressman Luetkemeyer will brief our local business leader network about what Congress is doing to help small business owners recover from the pandemic.

Note, this conversation was originally recorded on September, 30, 2021, at 3:00 pm ET.

Small Business and the impact of COVID-19 Discussion with Congressman Chabot

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:21:03 GMT

Listen in to this recorded virtual business leader briefing with former Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, Congressman Steve Chabot of Ohio .

Congressman Chabot will brief our local business leader network about what Congress is doing to help small business owners recover from the pandemic.

Note, this conversation was originally recorded on September, 2, 2021, at 3:30 pm ET.

Getting Back on Track: Help is Here with Administrator Guzman and Senator Cardin

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 20:21:56 GMT

In 2021, The US Small Business Administration (SBA), in partnership with Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI), provided several educational opportunities for you to learn more about programs that will help your business get back on track. This was part of an effort to ensure that American small businesses know about the many resources to help their business grow and thrive!

During this session, SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman and Senator Ben Cardin the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide an educational opportunity for you to:

* Hear about what steps you can take now to learn and take advantage of new and existing programs that are available at the SBA

* Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration

* Have your questions answered by SBA Leadership & small business experts

* Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community

* Discover tools and resources you can use to take your business digital

Note, this conversation was recorded on 8/5/21.

Getting Back On Track Webinar Series with Vice President Harris and SBA Administrator Guzman

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 20:21:58 GMT

During this session, Vice President Kamala Harris joined U.S. SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman and the Small Business Administration to provide an educational opportunity for you to:

* Hear about what steps you can take now to learn and take advantage of new and existing programs that are available at the SBA

* Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration

* Have your questions answered by SBA Leadership & small business experts

* Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community

* Discover tools and resources you can use to take your business digital

Note, this conversation was recorded on 7/29/21.

Discussion on the Infrastructure and the American Jobs Plan

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 13:43:05 GMT

Listen in to this recorded virtual business leader briefing with Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves , on Infrastructure and the American Jobs Plan .

The Deputy Secretary will provide:

An update on bipartisan infrastructure conversations, plus the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan
Take some question and answer

Note, this conversation was originally recorded on July, 27, 2021, at 3 pm ET.

Getting Back on Track: Help is Here: Atlantic & Southeast Regions

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 20:21:51 GMT

During this session, the Small Business Administration held a webinar as part of our "Getting Back on Track: Help is Here" Tour for folks in the Atlantic & Southeast Regions

Note, this conversation was recorded on 7/22/21.

Getting Back on Track: Help is Here: IA, KS, MO, NE, AK, ID, OR, WA

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 20:21:38 GMT

During this session, the Small Business Administration held a webinar as part of our "Getting Back on Track: Help is Here" Tour for folks in IA, KS, MO, NE, AK, ID, OR, WA

Note, this conversation was recorded on 7/15/21.

Getting Back on Track: Help is Here: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 20:21:53 GMT

During this session, the Small Business Administration held a webinar as part of our "Getting Back on Track: Help is Here" Tour for folks in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

Note, this conversation was recorded on 7/8/21.

Getting Back on Track: Help is Here: West Region

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:21:33 GMT

During this session, the Small Business Administration held a webinar as part of the "Getting Back on Track: Help is Here" Tour for folks in the West Region.

Note, this conversation was recorded on 6/24/21.

Getting Back on Track: Help is Here: South Central Region

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 20:21:29 GMT

During this session, the Small Business Administration held a webinar as part of the "Getting Back on Track: Help is Here" Tour for folks in the South Central Region.

Note, this conversation was recorded on 6/17/21.

Getting Back On Track: COVID EIDL

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 20:21:31 GMT

During this session, the SBA hosted Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and Dr. Bechara Choucair, White House COVID-19 Vaccinations Coordinator to discuss the importance of vaccinations, provide updates on COVID-19 economic aid programs, such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Note, this conversation was recorded on 6/10/21.

Getting Back on Track: Help is Here: Great Lakes Region.

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 20:21:37 GMT

During this session, the Small Business Administration held a webinar as part of the "Getting Back on Track: Help is Here" Tour for folks in the Great Lakes Region.

Note, this conversation was recorded on 6/3/21.