Small Businesses, Big Impact: Why Protecting Main Street Matters
Small businesses are the heart of communities like Greenfield. They're the familiar faces behind the counter, the locally owned shops that give our downtown its personality, and the entrepreneurs who invest their time, money, and passion into making our community a better place.
But when it comes to federal policies and resources, not all small businesses are treated equally.
In a recent article published by Main Street America, President and CEO Erin Barnes raises an important concern: Are America's smallest businesses receiving the support they truly need?
What Does "Small Business" Really Mean?
When most of us think of a small business, we picture a family-owned restaurant, a local boutique, or a shop operated by just a handful of employees.
However, under federal Small Business Administration (SBA) guidelines, some businesses with hundreds or even thousands of employees can still qualify as small businesses.
The SBA is currently considering changes that could expand those definitions even further.
Why does this matter? Because these classifications help determine which businesses qualify for federal funding, loans, technical assistance, and other valuable resources.
For a small-town entrepreneur, competing for those opportunities against a company with hundreds of employees can create significant challenges.
The Numbers Tell a Story
According to Main Street America:
96% of businesses in its network have fewer than 25 employees.
Most report annual revenues below $500,000.
In a 2024 survey, only 25% of responding business owners reported ever accessing an SBA-backed loan.
These statistics reflect the reality of many businesses in small communities across America. They operate with limited staff, tight budgets, and owners who often wear several hats just to keep their doors open.
Why This Matters to Greenfield
Our downtown businesses do more than sell products and provide services. They create jobs, support community events, contribute to local organizations, and help preserve the character that makes Greenfield special.
When a local business succeeds, the benefits extend throughout our community.
At Main Street Downtown Greenfield, we recognize the importance of creating an environment where existing businesses can thrive and new entrepreneurs feel encouraged to invest.
Supporting small businesses means more than shopping locally. It also means recognizing their unique challenges, connecting them with available resources, and helping ensure their voices are heard.
Advocating for America's Smallest Businesses
Main Street America is encouraging the SBA to establish a dedicated category of support for businesses with fewer than 25 employees or less than $1 million in annual gross receipts.
The goal is to ensure these businesses have meaningful access to funding, financing, technical assistance, and other resources without being overshadowed by significantly larger companies.
The SBA is accepting public comments on its proposed changes through November 20, 2026.
Business owners and community members interested in learning more are encouraged to review the proposal and consider sharing their perspectives.
Strong Small Businesses Build Strong Communities
Every locally owned business represents someone's hard work, investment, and belief in their community.
As we continue working toward a vibrant and economically healthy downtown Greenfield, it's important to remember that supporting our small businesses happens both locally and beyond.
Because when our small businesses succeed, Greenfield succeeds.
Learn More & Get Involved
Read the original article, We Need to Do More to Protect Small Businesses, by Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America:
https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-we-need-to-do-more-to-protect-small-businesses
Submit comments on the SBA's proposed changes by November 20, 2026:
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