🟨 Small Business & Entrepreneurship
A ranked guide to advocacy groups empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs
These advocacy organizations support small business development through advocacy, public education, and policy reform. Many focus on equity and access for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Activist opportunities may include action alerts, public comment campaigns, coalition-building, or collaboration with local and national allies.
Looking for more ways to make a difference?
This resource is part of my continuing series of issue advocacy guides at Plainly, Garbl. You’ll find 60 more—including voting rights, executive overreach, environmental protection, worker rights, peace and diplomacy, education, and disaster relief—at Advocacy Groups by Issue. Check back occasionally for new issues and updated guides.
💡 Government Agencies
Programs of these two key agencies face uncertainty due to budget threats and policy shifts under the Trump administration.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Provides funding, training, and support services for small businesses. Advocates for small business interests at the federal level.
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the EDA funds projects that stimulate job creation and economic growth, especially in distressed communities.
💡 Top Advocacy Organizations
A national network of small business owners advocating for progressive policies like health care access, paid leave, fair taxation, and economic justice.
Empowers diverse entrepreneurs through policy advocacy, research, and grassroots outreach. Focus areas include health care, lending equity, workforce development, and access to capital.
Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)
Promotes microenterprise development and equitable access to capital and training for low-income communities and underserved entrepreneurs.
Small Business for America’s Future (SBAF)
A network advocating for a fairer economy and small business-friendly policies, including tax fairness, antitrust enforcement, and affordable health care.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Supports small businesses through grants, loans, and advocacy, especially in underserved urban and rural areas. Focuses on inclusive development and economic justice.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
Represents microbusinesses and self-employed individuals in advocating for fair tax treatment, health care access, and regulatory relief.
Promotes benefit corporations and sustainable business practices through advocacy and certification of B Corps, which meet rigorous standards for ethics and impact.
American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN)
A coalition of values-driven companies advocating for sustainable economic policies, inclusive capitalism, and long-term investment in small business communities.
Rural Advancement Foundation International – USA (RAFI-USA)
Advocates for rural entrepreneurs and farmers with a focus on economic justice, land access, and local food systems.
National Urban League – Entrepreneurship Center Program
Supports Black and minority-owned businesses through technical assistance and policy advocacy aimed at closing the racial wealth gap.
📌 Top Issues for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Access to Capital and Fair Financing: Expand equitable access to loans, grants, and credit, especially for BIPOC, women, and rural entrepreneurs.
Federal Funding: Protect SBA, EDA, and related agencies from budget cuts and ensure their programs are inclusive and effective.
Support for Underserved and Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses: Close opportunity gaps through policy, grants, and contracting programs.
Affordable Health Care: Support reforms that reduce costs and expand coverage options for small business owners and employees.
Workforce Development and Training: Align training and apprenticeship programs with small business needs.
Fair Federal Contracting Opportunities: Level the playing field for small businesses seeking federal contracts.
Smart Regulatory Reform: Streamline regulations while protecting workers, communities, and the environment.
Digital Equity and Innovation: Ensure access to broadband, digital tools, and tech grants to support small business innovation.
Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Promote sustainable practices and clean energy adoption among small businesses.
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