Committee Will Examine Entrepreneurs, Thriving Communities

Why it Matters

Small businesses employ 43.5 Percent of the U.S. workforce, while also generating local tax revenue, attracting tourists and supporting communities through charitable giving. Multiple 2026 surveys show the share of Americans who say they shop mostly at small businesses has tripled to 27% since 2021, while the share favoring large businesses fell from 47% to 33%. But rising prices have spurred a real gap between sentiment and actual spending. One analysis calls this an "intention-behavior gap," where people want to support local businesses but price and convenience often win out in practice.

The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee has scheduled “Hearings To Examine Small Business, Big Impact, Focusing On Entrepreneurs At The Heart Of Thriving Communities For 250 Years” for September 23, 2026, with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) as chair and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) as ranking member.

Broader Context

The Small Business Administration’s Freedom 250 initiative concerns entrepreneurs, manufacturers, Main Street businesses, family-owned companies and innovators. The SBA says the initiative is intended to recognize businesses that contribute to the American economy and strengthen communities nationwide, while honoring the legacy of Main Street businesses and investing in future builders, makers and job creators. The SBA plans to launch a series of national initiatives through Freedom 250 during 2026, and describes those initiatives as recognizing American ingenuity and elevating small businesses. Separately, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO— recognized 100 small businesses through the 2026 CO—100, describing the selected businesses as driving innovation, growth and community impact.