SBA’s McMahon: Let’s Ignite Small Business Growth Across America

Small businesses are critical to the growth of our nation’s economy, and recent studies show that they are eager to expand their operations and create more jobs for American workers.

Like the Chamber, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Linda McMahon is committed to making sure they get the support they need from Washington to do exactly that.

McMahon recently joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (C100) meeting in Farmington, Pennsylvania to discuss the SBA’s priorities and is working across the country to help small businesses in America succeed. The attendees who hosted Linda McMahon include the leaders of top trade associations from some of our country’s leading industries, and most of the companies they represent are small businesses. 

McMahon delivered a speech titled “Revitalizing a Spirit of Entrepreneurship in America,” which addressed how the U.S. Chamber and local chambers of commerce throughout the nation are making sure the businesses we represent and fight for have the resources they need to start, grow, and succeed. She noted:

You know as well as I do how critical small businesses are to our nation’s economy – they create two out of every three net new jobs, and more than half of all Americans either work for or own a small business. I believe it’s critical to invest in their success and be their voice in Washington.

A successful entrepreneur and business executive herself, McMahon has been hitting the road listening to small business owners through SBA’s Ignite Tour – planning to visit more than 60 districts over the next two years. Her goal: 

I want to hear from entrepreneurs – both visiting their shops and restaurants and factories and offices, as well as hosting roundtables where we can really explore the challenges they face. I believe listening to small business owners is the first step toward being an effective leader. I’ve already been to a few places, and I hear a lot of the same challenges about taxes and regulations. 

Following the C100 meeting, McMahon spoke with several local business owners during a roundtable session hosted by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. The SBA Administrator then visited a Dairy Queen owned by roundtable participant and entrepreneur, Judy Lynn-Craig.

Over ice cream, Lynn-Craig shared her experiences as a small business owner and expressed her appreciation for the president’s pro-small-business attitude. In particular, she expressed optimism regarding the current administration’s promises to reduce regulatory burdens on Main Street small businesses. 

The day was a dynamic opportunity for the administrator to learn first-hand from local businesses in southwest Pennsylvania on what they need to succeed. A good thing, since she had noted earlier during her C100 remarks:

As an entrepreneur, I have truly lived the American Dream. Now, as SBA Administrator, I want to help more entrepreneurs have that same opportunity for success.

Small businesses are an important sector of the economy, and through the U.S. Chamber’s work with our local chambers, our association members, and outstanding partners like the U.S. Small Business Administration, we will continue to shed light on the issues small business owners face and break down the barriers that are holding them back from growing their companies and growing the American economy.