The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is taking its case for free enterprise directly to communities across the country through its six-week Opportunity Tour, visiting 20 states to hear from business owners and discuss the challenges facing entrepreneurs.
Tom Sullivan, Senior VP of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, joins us on the latest Business Trends Today episode to discuss the tour and what the organization is hearing from small businesses along the way. Sullivan said the initiative is focused on having conversations with business owners and communities while making the case for free enterprise and its role in supporting employers, employees and local economies.
Small businesses offer a different perspective
One of the central themes of the tour is the value of listening to business owners when addressing economic challenges. Sullivan said entrepreneurs bring a practical perspective because they are directly responsible for meeting customer needs, managing employees and keeping their businesses operating.
“The question isn’t a political party or a philosophy. It’s where do our elected leaders go for advice?” Sullivan said. “And we believe that that best advice comes from business owners, people who employ the local talent, people who invest in the community.”
He pointed to the tour’s stops in Ohio, where the Chamber met with manufacturers and other small business owners to discuss issues including finding talent, managing rising supply costs and maintaining prices that customers can afford.
Affordability remains a challenge
Despite strong business formation, Sullivan acknowledged that affordability still weighs on small businesses. He said the Chamber has seen more new business starts during the past three years than at any point since the data has been measured, but business owners across the country continue to raise concerns about rising costs and shrinking margins.
“We see uncertainty caused by high prices, which is presenting some challenges that are new to a bunch of people,” Sullivan said. “That actually does create some opportunity for entrepreneurs.”
Sullivan said the Chamber believes the economy needs stronger growth and that connecting business owners with policymakers can help identify practical solutions. He also highlighted efforts to reduce regulatory burdens that can consume time and money for entrepreneurs.
AI creates new opportunities
Sullivan ultimately sees opportunity alongside the challenges. When asked whether it is still a good time to start a small business, he pointed to uncertainty itself as a potential opening for entrepreneurs.
He also described artificial intelligence as a potential equalizer for small businesses, giving entrepreneurs access to capabilities that previously required significantly more resources.
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