July 23, 2025
Blog
Why Small Business Advocacy Matters, Especially in Rural Communities Like Holdrege
Supporting small businesses often begins with local action. Whether it’s shopping downtown, attending a ribbon cutting, or simply sharing a local business’s social media post, these choices add up. However, there’s another layer of support that is equally important: advocacy.
Small businesses are the foundation of local economies across the country. In fact, 99.9% of businesses in the U.S. are classified as small businesses. These businesses create jobs, fuel innovation, and shape the identity of communities. Yet, when policies are made, the voices of small business owners are not always at the forefront.
This is where advocacy plays a critical role.
What National Conversations Mean for Local Business Owners
Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing focused on the Small Business Administration (SBA). The hearing examined how well the SBA is serving entrepreneurs and whether federal resources are accessible and effective. While the hearing included a range of perspectives, one key takeaway was clear: small businesses need advocates at every level.
From disaster support and funding access to workforce programs and policy reform, national decisions have local consequences. Even in communities like Holdrege, these conversations matter. They shape the future of small business growth, and they influence what tools are available to business owners.
How the Holdrege Chamber Supports Local Business Advocacy
At the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, our mission includes helping small and locally owned businesses succeed and grow. We provide tools, marketing opportunities, networking, and support that help our members stay competitive. Advocacy is part of that mission.
The Chamber keeps track of state and federal developments that affect small businesses. We share resources, highlight grants, and provide access to training and local partnerships. Most importantly, we create space for business owners to share their needs and goals. Advocacy does not always happen at a podium. Often, it happens when business owners are given the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why Your Voice Matters
Small business advocacy is not just about policy. It is about ensuring that entrepreneurs in communities like Holdrege are seen, supported, and heard. This includes conversations about funding, marketing, infrastructure, and workforce development.
If you are a business owner, your experience matters. Your questions, challenges, and goals help shape the future of our local economy. The Chamber is here to support that journey, whether it’s connecting you to resources or helping you share your story.
Strong local economies start with strong small businesses. Advocacy helps ensure those businesses have the foundation to grow, the visibility to thrive, and the voice to lead.