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The U.S. Chamber gathered policymakers and entrepreneurs for Small Business Day—a summit built to give small business owners the information they need on policy shifts and growth strategies shaping their future.

Why it matters: Small businesses employ nearly half the entire American workforce, represent 43.5% of America’s GDP, and anchor the communities they serve. When they thrive, America thrives.

Big picture: U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley laid out how the 2025 tax law and a deregulation push are lifting Main Street.

• AI as an accelerator. Small businesses are leading adoption, he said, because "there's virtually no barriers to use in some form or another, so small businesses are early adopters."
• Permitting reform: “It should never be the case that you spend more time doing paperwork than you actually build the project,” Bradley said

What they said: Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs emphasized the Trump administration's deregulatory focus and made a direct ask: "If you have a federal regulation in any department or agency that you are concerned about—let us know—you will get a real, live response."

A founder’s take: Josh Cellars founder Joseph Carr traced his journey from a blue-collar town to building America’s No.1 premium wine brand. “That is an American dream,” he said.

• His advice to small businesses: “You have to learn how to pivot…Surround yourself with really good people. Respect them, respect yourself. You can’t know everything and surround yourself with people who share your vision.”

What we’re doing: The U.S. Chamber serves and supports more than 5 million small businesses through membership, our nationwide federation, and digital platforms.