Executive order rolling back economic protections threatens small business growth and economic vitality
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Janel Knight Trulear
617-875-6581
Executive order rolling back economic protections threatens small business growth and economic vitality
SBAF Co-Chair Shaundell Newsome on Executive Order dismantling decades-old anti-discrimination protections will reduce competition in federal contracting and harm small business opportunities across the economy.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2025 — “President Trump’s executive order rolling back provisions that for decades have provided underrepresented communities with opportunity to participate in the economy is a threat to the vitality of American small businesses and our country’s economic potential. This sweeping action goes far beyond addressing recent government and corporate initiatives — it dismantles fundamental protections dating back to the 1960s that have helped ensure fair competition in federal contracting. By eliminating these basic protections and terminating equity-focused grant programs, this order makes it substantially harder for many small businesses to compete for government contracts and access critical funding opportunities.
“When we prevent communities from competing fairly in the marketplace, we harm our entire economy. The order’s elimination of longstanding equal opportunity requirements in federal contracting sends us back to a time when discrimination in government contracting was commonplace. This doesn’t just affect minority-owned businesses — it reduces competition and innovation across our entire small business ecosystem at a time when we should be fostering our historic wave of entrepreneurship. With over 20 million new small business applications filed during the previous administration, this is precisely the time to ensure all entrepreneurs have fair access to federal contracts and business opportunities. This order will have a chilling effect on anyone trying to make it as an entrepreneur.
“Small business owners must make their voices heard on this critical issue. Entrepreneurs should contact their representatives, share how this order impacts their businesses, and join efforts to preserve fair competition. While this executive order is a significant setback, Small Business for America’s Future will continue working to ensure all entrepreneurs have a fair chance to compete and succeed in the American economy.”
To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Shaundell Newsome, contact Janel Knight Trulear at janel@emccommunications.com or 617-875-6581.
About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future (SBAF) is a national coalition of business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing a just and equitable economic framework that works for small business owners, their employees and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF
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