Meet our Outreach Team - Suli Kenyatta
Suli Kenyatta is the newest member of Small Business Majority’s Outreach Team, supporting entrepreneurship and the small business ecosystem in Northern California. Our outreach team helps entrepreneurs on two fronts: It advocates for policies that benefit small businesses and it offers webinars and in-person events that offer entrepreneurs tips on how to grow their businesses. This work is more important than ever as the United States has seen record small business growth in recent years, yet we still struggle nationwide to help small businesses access capital, afford healthcare and childcare, and compete on a level playing field with large corporations.
We’re pleased to spotlight Suli so our network can get to know him and learn more about the work he’ll be doing to support small business owners in Northern California
What is your position at Small Business Majority?
As Small Business Majority’s Northern California Outreach Manager, I’m working to deepen relationships with small business owners, community partners and policymakers across the region. I’ll be leading efforts to expand access to critical resources and technical assistance, supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate policy issues and helping ensure that small business voices are centered in statewide conversations about economic opportunity and resilience.
What were you doing before you came to Small Business Majority? What brought you here?
Before joining Small Business Majority, I worked in a range of external affairs and economic development roles that really shaped my perspective on the challenges and possibilities within the small business landscape. I served as Manager of Strategic Relations and Policy at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, where I led stakeholder engagement, developed advocacy campaigns and coordinated cross-sector initiatives to support regional economic development growth across the region. More recently, I ran my own consultancy that focused on expanding access to innovation ecosystems and developing partnerships across Northern California.
I was drawn to Small Business Majority because of its dual focus on advocacy and on-the-ground support. Having worked at the intersection of policy and community engagement, I believe this is exactly where impact happens—by listening to what small businesses need and working to deliver it in tangible, sustainable ways.
How will you support small businesses in your local community?
My stakeholder engagement approach is grounded in building relationships and closing gaps. I plan to listen actively to the needs of local entrepreneurs, share timely resources and help them connect with the people and programs that can move their businesses forward. That includes everything from workshops on capital access to convenings that elevate small business voices in regional economic planning. I also see this role as a way to amplify partnerships that are already doing great work and help align efforts across the ecosystem.
Why is your work with small business owners important to you?
Small businesses are the engine of economic development, especially here in California, where they play a vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs and anchoring local communities. I’m excited to support this work because even playing a small part in helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers and pursue their dreams feels incredibly meaningful. It’s inspiring to be in a position where I can help connect entrepreneurs to resources and opportunities that move their vision forward.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year at Small Business Majority?
I hope to build strong, lasting connections with the small business ecosystem across the region by showing up in person, learning about what’s working and what’s not, and co-creating solutions with partners on the ground. I’m also hoping to support policy conversations that reflect the needs of the region—and make sure small businesses are not just included but prioritized!
