Small Business
When I travel across the Fourth District of Oklahoma, I am always inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude of our own small businesses. Whether as an employee or owner, Americans depend greatly on small business success. Currently, there are more than 30 million small businesses in the United States, and an estimated two out of three new jobs in the economy are created by small businesses. In fact, more than half of Oklahoma’s workforce either owns or works for a small business.
According to recent state findings from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Oklahoma has approximately 350,718 small businesses employing an estimated 712,582 people. These businesses drive our economy and provide the opportunity for thousands of Oklahomans to achieve the American dream.
Small businesses are truly the backbone of our economy, and our future success depends on their continued success. As the economy continues to thrive and consumer spending keeps rising, we should continue to champion America’s entrepreneurs. In order for small businesses to be established, create jobs and remain open, the environment must encourage and allow them to thrive. I remain committed to clearing red tape to help them succeed.
As a founding partner and partial owner of a small business, I will guard the right of every American to found and manage their own business. Entrepreneurs create opportunities not only for themselves but for other Americans as well. Their vision and hard work give other Americans the jobs and opportunities they need to succeed.
More on Small Business
Due to its massive scale and severity, the COVID-19 pandemic is a natural disaster unlike any other our nation has encountered in modern history. While the unprecedented disruptions have been felt across the whole of society, small businesses have undoubtedly taken some of the hardest, fastest and most damaging economic hits. In doing their part to heed social distancing guidance and help slow the spread of this coronavirus, many businesses on Main Street have been forced to rethink their daily operations or close their doors completely, jeopardizing millions of American jobs.
For many Americans, the days following Thanksgiving are filled with starting or finishing up Christmas gift and holiday shopping. Whether purchasing at brick and mortar stores or online, the holiday rush highlights the numerous places we can look for the perfect gifts and holiday items. Over the weekend, we were rightly reminded to shop small and shop local during this holiday season. But while Small Business Saturday prompts us to support our friends and neighbors who operate mom-and-pop retailers and restaurants, it should encourage us to regularly stop by as patrons.