Entrepreneurship

For many justice-impacted individuals, small business ownership isn’t just a dream—it’s often the only path forward. Entrepreneurs like Ruben Mauricio are proving that with determination and the right support, second chances can lead to thriving businesses and stronger communities. Learn how they’re overcoming systemic barriers to build better futures.

The pandemic pushed small businesses into the digital age faster than anyone expected. Some were able to pivot quickly—launching online stores, expanding their social media presence, or streamlining operations with new tools—but others struggled to keep up. To help better understand the evolving playing field, in 2023 Small Business Majority launched a comprehensive digital transformation research project to uncover what small businesses need to thrive in this new era and ensure they aren’t excluded from the opportunities found in a changing economy. Read more to see how small businesses are adapting, where gaps remain, and what steps can help every business succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Tax policy can be confusing, and too often reforms benefit large corporations rather than small business owners. Since 2017, Small Business Majority has fought to ensure meaningful relief reaches Main Street entrepreneurs, sharing stories from real business owners who have been impacted by the tax code. Read more about these stories and our ongoing fight for fair tax reform for small businesses.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving nearly half of GDP and employing 59 million Americans. Yet rising costs—from healthcare to rent to tariffs—are putting enormous pressure on entrepreneurs and their employees. Entrepreneurs like Margo Clayson in Idaho and Megan Wyatt in California are feeling the pinch as tariffs drive up costs, forcing them to make tough choices about prices, jobs, and survival. Our latest blog explores how these policies ripple through Main Street and why Small Business Majority is fighting to ensure small businesses remain the true engine of our economy.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020, small businesses faced enormous challenges—but they also showed remarkable resilience. Small Business Majority quickly mobilized with daily webinars, timely research, and strong advocacy to ensure entrepreneurs had the resources and support they needed. From amplifying small business voices in the media to pushing for fairer relief programs, our work during this period continues to shape policies today. Read how small businesses navigated the pandemic.

Ruben Mauricio built RPM Diesel Services in Texas without advertising, a website or business cards—just character, grit, and word of mouth. After serving time in prison, he turned lessons from the Prison Entrepreneurship Program into a successful oilfield service business, overcoming barriers to financing, hiring and growth along the way.

Inspired by his dream to change the world for the better, Daniel Ryave joined the Peace Corps at 22 years old as a volunteer teacher. While in Togo, West Africa, teaching high school  English as a second language, he fell in love with empowering the next generation and building connections through education. 

“[It] really gave me the desire to keep working one-on-one and making those meaningful connections with people,” Daniel said.