FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Janel Knight Trulear
janel@emccommunications.com
(617) 875-6581

STATEMENT: Small Business Owners Call on Congress to Avert Government Shutdown



Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Shaundell Newsome Founder of Sumnu Marketing and small business owners across the country urge swift action on federal budget; say a government shutdown is bad for small business and the economy

Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2023—“Once again, small business owners find themselves caught in the crossfire as lawmakers debate the federal budget, facing another cycle of stress and uncertainty they cannot afford. We urgently call on lawmakers to act swiftly and meet the deadline to avert a government shutdown, mitigating further distress and adverse impacts on the pillars of our economy – small businesses.

“Small Business for America’s Future's latest survey highlights the urgency for Congress to craft responsible legislation. A resounding 78% of small business owners believe a government shutdown would negatively impact the economy and small businesses.  This concern is notable amid positive economic signs, like record low unemployment and stable inflation rates. We shouldn't let inaction derail our economic growth.

“It’s part of the reason why more than 150 business owners and organizations sent a letter to political leaders urging action on the budget now. Main Street needs Congress to safeguard the interests of small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs and economic activity in our communities.  Their prosperity is inseparable from the nation's overall well-being. We should not jeopardize it.

Now more than ever, it is imperative for Congress to come together in a spirit of unity and consensus. We implore our elected representatives to set aside agendas and forge a path forward that reflects responsible governance and avoids a government shutdown.”

Here’s what SBAF’s Co-chairs are Saying About the Shutdown 

“Our nation thrives on its small businesses. A shutdown doesn't just threaten political agendas; it jeopardizes jobs, growth, and Main Street. With halted federal programs like SNAP and Medicare, small business customers, especially federal employees, would tighten their spending. The downstream effects on small businesses and their employees are very real.”
Anne Zimmerman
Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc.
Cincinnati, Ohio

“We’ve faced many economic shocks over the last few years, but the looming shutdown would be a self-inflicted wound. Federal contracts, licenses, and permits all come to a halt. With so many relying on these, our local businesses face enormous uncertainty. This self-created turbulence could be catastrophic for businesses already stretched thin.”
Dr. Erika Gonzalez
South Texas Allergy and Asthma Medical Professionals (STAAMP) and STAAMP Clinical Research
San Antonio, Texas

“A government shutdown isn't just a headline; it's a hit to the small business bottom line. Halting federal contracts disrupts existing agreements and stops new opportunities in their tracks. Additionally, with the SBA frozen, we would be cut off from crucial small business loans and resources. Every day of a shutdown would be a day where our economic recovery is at risk.”
Walt Rowen
President of Susquehanna Glass Co.
Columbia, Pennsylvania

Here’s What Small Business Owners are Saying:

“Entrepreneurs crave stability. A shutdown upends this, causing halted operations and a decreased flow of money due to financially insecure federal employees. With licensing, permits, and SBA assistance on hold, it’s a staggering blow to our growth aspirations.”
Adrianne Mickens
The Fitting Room
Washington, DC

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities and a shutdown isn't just political—it's economic. Without the SBA, we lose access to vital programs and without federal contracts, we lose revenue. Our foundations are fragile, and this threatens to break them.”
Conchie Fernandez
CF Creative
Pompano Beach, Florida

“Our businesses have stood firm through trials. But a shutdown? It's more than an inconvenience. It means lost access to capital programs, training, and more. With such uncertainty, the backbone of our economy—small businesses—cannot thrive.”
Daniel Guerra, Jr.
AltusCampus
Madison, Wisconsin

“Every day the government stays shut, our local economy feels the squeeze. Federal employees are small business customers and they will have to tighten their belts. The ripple effect hits our revenue, our employees, our plans. It's a domino effect with Main Street bearing the brunt.”
Donald Marette
Occum Health, LLC
Cape Charles, Virginia

“Our resilience is unmatched, but businesses shouldn’t have to weather an economic freeze from a shutdown. With the credit market already strained, a halt in federal procurement and the unavailability of SBA programs is a double whammy. Bottom line: this would be a major setback for small businesses.”

Patricia McKinley
KHAVL Transport LLC
Phoenix, Arizona

“Businesses have weathered challenges, but a shutdown cuts off vital cash flow, especially for small business contractors. Beyond missed contracts, small businesses are denied access to resources available through the SBA. How can we plan, invest, or grow amidst such instability?”

Suzanne Stantley
BE Group, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois

To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Future Shaundell Newsome or other small business owners, contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccomunications.com. 

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.