Compelling data out today from the Kaufman Foundation on state-by-state outcomes metrics of small businesses in America and the importance of the deep roots that these small businesses have in their communities.
Main Street entrepreneurs not only provide avenues to economic independence for individuals, but also inject competition and innovation into markets dominated by incumbent firms.
Among the key takeaways:
- The necessity of bringing small business owners and entrepreneurs together with tools and nurturing environments that enhance learning and relationship building;
- Concerns about complex policies and procurement processes that make it hard for diverse small business to gain access to opportunities.
- The surging demand for state and local government to compound the positive impact of progressive policies with renewed emphasis upon implementation and results.
We’re living in a defining moment where inequality is systemic and substantive changes are necessary to build bridges and dialogues of collaboration. Let’s hope that public, private, non-profit leaders & institutions can and will continue to leverage this kind of compelling data to learn from one another, embrace change, and rapidly advance the implementation of progressive policies to fuel the economic independence of diverse populations across the United States into 2017 and beyond.