By Congresswoman Stephanie Bice
This week is National Small Business Week, a time to recognize how important entrepreneurs are to our communities. In Oklahoma and across the nation, small businesses are the backbone of our economy by driving economic growth and creating jobs.
From family-owned hardware stores to local restaurants, boutiques, and small startups, these businesses are part of our everyday lives. They are run by hardworking people who take risks, support their employees, and invest in their communities.
In Oklahoma, almost 400,000 small businesses drive job creation, innovation, and opportunity across the state. Over the last 18 months, I have been focused on delivering relief and results for main streets across the Fifth Congressional District. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, we passed meaningful tax relief for small businesses. This included making the business deductions permanent, restoring full expensing for equipment and expansion, and expanding Opportunity Zones to drive investment into underserved communities. Included in the bill was no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Oklahomans. That matters, main street especially in industries like restaurants and service where tips and overtime play a big part in how people earn a living.
We have also seen record support for main street businesses through the Small Business Administration. In FY25 alone, the SBA guaranteed $45 billion in loans to more than 85,000 small businesses, the highest in the agency’s history. This level of access to capital is helping businesses start, expand, and succeed.
Owning a small business is part of the American Dream, and we should be doing everything we can to support that. House Republicans are focused on cutting unnecessary barriers and making it easier for small businesses to grow and succeed. As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded of the role small businesses have always played in our country. For generations, entrepreneurs have opened their doors, hired locally, and supported their communities. That same spirit continues today in towns and cities across the country.
This week is a great reminder to support local businesses. When you choose to shop locally, you are investing in your community and helping it grow. It is a simple way to make a meaningful impact and support the people behind these businesses.
