National Small Business Week serves as an annual recognition of the role small businesses play in driving the U.S. economy, creating jobs, and strengthening local communities.
Joining us on today’s episode of Business Trends Today is Tom Sullivan, Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Sullivan contends that the week brings together policymakers and advocates to recognize the contributions of small business owners nationwide.
“This is a week every year where folks in Washington, D.C., from the president... the SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, to small business advocates like myself, we get to really celebrate the economic and personal contributions of America's small business owners.”
He adds that the Chamber aims to extend that recognition beyond the week itself and into year-round support for small business growth.
Resilience amid uncertainty
According to Sullivan, many established small businesses continue to perform well despite economic pressures such as inflation, high gas prices, and global uncertainty. He cites examples of award-winning operators, like manufacturers and multi-location service businesses, as evidence of the sector’s continued strength.
Successful small businesses, says Sullivan, are often deeply focused on workforce development and internal talent pipelines, such as partnerships with high schools and trade programs. He notes that these companies demonstrate sustained growth even in challenging environments, which underlines what he describes as the resilience of experienced operators.
Policy, tax incentives, & regulatory pressure
Sullivan said tax policy has contributed to greater reinvestment by small business owners, noting that many are using their returns to expand operations. He also alludes to ongoing efforts to reduce regulatory barriers, referencing initiatives led by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
"The American dream is still possible."
Sullivan said removing administrative burdens remains a key focus for improving small business performance in the coming years.
Additionally, Sullivan believes that small businesses remain the primary drivers of job creation and innovation in the U.S. economy.
He notes that businesses with fewer than 500 employees account for a significant share of net new job growth and innovate at a higher rate than larger firms. However, the Chamber, he says, is working to highlight these contributions and elevate small business visibility through national programs and awards.
CO-100 program
Moreover, Sullivan discussed the Chamber’s CO-100 program, which recognizes the top 100 small businesses in the country. He said the program includes an application process, selection of finalists, and a national recognition event held in Washington, D.C.
The initiative also includes a grand prize competition and showcases stories of business growth across industries, including manufacturing, automotive services, and consumer goods. The program is designed to spotlight high-performing businesses and share their success stories more broadly.
Nevertheless, Sullivan said artificial intelligence (AI) continues to emerge as a key area of opportunity for small businesses.
The U.S. Chamber, in partnership with Google, has launched a training program designed to help small business owners understand and adopt AI tools in their operations. Sullivan attributes the goal to help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
He adds that AI applications are already being used across industries, including small retail and hospitality businesses, to improve marketing and operations.
Outlook
Sullivan said the long-term outlook for small businesses remains strong, particularly as technology adoption accelerates and policy initiatives aim to reduce barriers to growth.
He emphasized that continued innovation, workforce development, and access to tools like AI will play a central role in shaping the next phase of small business expansion.
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