Small Businesses

Small businesses are the heart of the American economy.  Our country’s small businesses employ half of the nation’s private sector workforce and create a large portion of America’s new jobs. It is critical that small businesses play a significant role in our efforts to restore America’s economic strength and the growth of Memphis.

Growing small businesses – specifically businesses owned by minorities and women entrepreneurs - has been a recent topic in Memphis. Opening new doors for small businesses here in the United States and internationally is essential. For Memphis businesses to grow, we must ensure they are represented in the federal government’s procurement process. One of the largest customers of goods and services is the federal government, and last year small businesses in the U.S. received nearly 1.8 million contracts totaling almost $90 million.

In an effort to ensure that small businesses in Memphis have the information that they need, I have for several years hosted a Federal Procurement Fair to help small business owners who want to do business with the U.S. government. The Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, Minority Business Development Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Small Business Administration and other federal agencies attend to help explain the federal contracting process and the basic requirements of engaging in business with the federal government.

Expanding the American workforce and supporting small businesses is an economic imperative. As we continue with that work, it is important for the public and private sectors to work together. I am committed to playing my part to support and empower hardworking American families, protect jobs and support small business growth in the Memphis area.