My first job was in my Mom’s small business. A critical part of our economy, small businesses create jobs and foster innovation. The pandemic has caused many business owners to shutter their doors, and others are close to the breaking point.
I have spoken with many small business owners who are struggling right now. The relief packages passed by Congress have been crucial lifelines for businesses, but there is more that we must do to stabilize the economy and support small businesses and their employees. I have worked on bipartisan solutions to improve the Paycheck Protection Program, forgive emergency loans, and remove unnecessary restrictions that were preventing community banks and credit unions from serving their customers. I have also been advocating for more comprehensive relief programs and for expansion of eligibility to all types of businesses and nonprofits.
We must use every tool we have to assist business owners as they recover, and then help them continue to grow. Throughout my career, I have been a champion of improving access to capital for small businesses and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs who are too often left behind - women and veteran business owners, rural businesses, and entrepreneurs of color. I have led legislation to expand access to federal contracting opportunities for traditionally underserved business owners. We must also bridge the funding gap for businesses owned by members of Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
Whenever I have visited or spoken with the workers and owners of family farms, artisan shops, manufacturers, theaters, wineries, craft breweries, and other diverse types of small businesses in NW Oregon, I am inspired by their creativity and resilience. I will always stand up for our small businesses.
Original source can be found here.
