Small Business Majority Calls on our Nation’s Leaders to Confront Systemic Racism to Advance a More Inclusive Economy

Yesterday we saw accountability for the murder of George Floyd, but this one small step forward does not change the fact that there are recurring acts of racial violence and injustices in our country. There is much more work to be done to move towards an equitable society and economy.

We see on a daily basis the disadvantages faced by hard-working business owners and their employees in communities of color, barriers that are rooted in systemic racism. These issues have been exacerbated over the past year as businesses owned by people of color have experienced disproportionate setbacks from the pandemic and have faced greater challenges accessing relief than their white counterparts. Our mission to support diverse entrepreneurs and those in underrepresented communities is predicated on the belief that these inequities can and must be overcome.

As President Biden said last night, “This can be a moment of significant change.” We call on our nation’s leaders from state capitols to the halls of Congress to act on this message and swiftly enact meaningful reform. We will continue working with our partner organizations and small business network to advocate for policies to address the systemic discrimination that is harming the small business community, such as equitable access to loans, resources, and healthcare and other critical benefits.

We cannot successfully build an inclusive economy and society until we ensure that justice and opportunity is available to all.