WASHINGTON (Gray DC) — Over 2,300 small business owners convened in the nation’s capital through a Goldman Sachs initiative to engage directly with members of Congress on economic hurdles affecting their operations. The gathering provided a platform for entrepreneurs from diverse sectors and regions to voice concerns about sustainability, workforce development, and access to capital. n nDan Cahoy, who operates “Cahoy’s General Stores” across rural communities in Nebraska and South Dakota, emphasized the critical role his stores play in areas with populations as small as 300. In some counties, his outlets are the sole grocery providers. He noted that 35 percent of sales at one location come from federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. With ongoing government shutdowns threatening funding for these initiatives, Cahoy warned that both food security for families and employment for his 120 workers could be at risk. n nElin Barton, a small business owner from Binghamton, New York, highlighted the financial strain of covering 100 percent of her employees’ health insurance premiums. While committed to offering quality care, she described the cost as unsustainable and urged policymakers to explore relief mechanisms for small employers. n nSenator Joni Ernst of Iowa, chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, welcomed participants and reaffirmed her commitment to reducing regulatory burdens. In a statement, she noted that Republican-led policies have eliminated nearly $1 trillion in regulations, enacted historic tax reductions, and revitalized domestic manufacturing. “Small businesses are the backbone of the Hawkeye State,” she said, emphasizing her focus on removing obstacles to growth. n nCalvin Briggs, founder of Southern Stem Center in Birmingham, Alabama, shared that shifts in federal funding under the new administration disrupted his business, which previously relied on government grants. He is now seeking alternative funding sources and support to scale operations. “Capital is always a major concern,” Briggs said, underscoring the need for accessible financing to expand services. n nDr. LaTeasha Gaither-Davis, who runs Therapeutic Focus in West Memphis, Arkansas, called for improved workforce training and support systems, including childcare, to strengthen service delivery in underserved areas. She stressed the importance of equipping local residents with skills to meet community needs. n nParticipants expressed hope that the dialogue marks the beginning of sustained engagement between small business owners and federal policymakers, fostering policies that enable long-term growth and resilience. n
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Small business leaders discuss economic issues with Congress
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Goldman Sachs gathered 2,300 small business leaders in Washington to discuss ways to grow their companies. Several of those discussions happened with congress members. n nSmall businesses like Dan Cahoy’s “Cahoy’s General Stores” in Nebraska and South Dakota, make up more than 45 percent of the entire private workforce. n n“So we’re in really rural areas,” Cahoy said. “Populations range from like 300, 2,000. And we’re the only grocery store in those communities. One of them, we’re the only grocer in the whole county.” n nHe says 35 percent of sales at one location comes from SNAP and WIC. Without these benefits not only would these families go hungry, it could impact his 120 employees. n nThe funds for those programs are drying up because of the on-going government shutdown. At the heart of the conflict on Capitol Hill – healthcare. n nIt’s an issue Elin Barton of Binghamton, New York wants to discuss with lawmakers. n n“I’m a small business, and I pay 100 percent of my employee’s premiums every month,” Barton said. “They have good health care. And it is very expensive. So I want to talk about that too. How to maybe take some of that burden off of small businesses.” n nIowa Senator Joni Ernst chairs the Senate’s committee on Small Business. She released this statement: n n“As chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am thrilled to welcome dozens of Iowa small businesses to Washington this week and bring their voices to the highest levels. Under Republican leadership, we have already slashed nearly $1 trillion worth of red tape, delivered the largest tax cut in history, and seen a resurgence in domestic manufacturing. Small businesses are the backbone of the Hawkeye State, and it’s always my priority to get burdensome government regulations out of the way and work with our job creators as we unleash the Golden Age of America.” n nCalvin Briggs owns Southern Stem Center based out of Birmingham, Alabama. He says when the new administration took over – he lost a lot of business. Many of his clients relied on government subsidies and grants. Now – he’s pivoting and looking for more profitable avenues with the governments help. n n“Capital is always a major concern,” Briggs said. “Scaling the business and getting it to grow. Right now, I think that’s where we’re kind of stuck is to leverage some capital so we can constantly expand what the work that we’re doing.” n nIts not just money issues small business leaders want to discuss. Dr. LaTeasha Gaither-Davis who runs Therapeutic Focus in West Memphis, Arkansas says she needs a stronger workforce to better provide therapy services for her underserved community. n n“(Help) training the workforce, workforce issues, that are greatly needed in my community,” Dr. LaTeasha Gaither-Davis said. “Being able to train people, having access to training. I should say, childcare services, things of that nature.” n nThese leaders hope this is the start of a direct link to lawmakers who can help small businesses thrive.