You might wonder if Main Street still stands a chance. This thought might occur if you’ve walked past a local bakery, hardware store, or repair shop lately. The answer from Capitol Hill is a loud yes.
The era of big-box dominance might just be ending. This is according to Congressman Roger Williams, Chair of the House Committee on Small Business. This could pave the way for a small business renaissance. At a recent stop on the SBA Made in America Roadshow, Williams unveiled his optimism. He promoted a bipartisan bill that’s catching attention in Washington. It is the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act.
The Mission: Unleashing American Industry
The bill, introduced last month, aims to revive American manufacturing by giving small businesses a fair shot at success. We’re talking:
- Tax cuts
- Regulatory rollbacks
- 100% expensing for investments
Williams puts it simply:
“America is built on risk and reward. We’re back to a place where you can take a risk — and see a reward.”
Some stats to back him up:
- 99% of U.S. businesses are small businesses
- They generate 75% of the nation’s payroll and employment
That’s not just rhetoric — it’s infrastructure.
Real Stories from the Road
Take Ben’s Metalworks in Fort Worth, Texas — a small fabrication shop that nearly shut down in 2020. Ben expanded his product line last year. He had support from SBA loan guarantees and tax credits. He also hired four new employees.
Or Mira’s Craft Roasters, a woman-owned coffee business in Denton. This business scaled up operations thanks to expensing deductions. These deductions let her purchase new roasting equipment without going into debt.
“The new policies made the difference between closing shop or growing,” Mira says.
What About Tariffs?
Not everyone’s convinced. Critics argue that the Trump-era tariffs on steel, aluminum, and components have raised input costs for small manufacturers.
Articles like:
- “Trump’s Tariffs Decimate Small Businesses” (Chicago Tribune)
- “Unpredictable Trade Policies Hurt Main Street” (Washington Post)
…have painted a picture of rising costs and shrinking margins.
But Williams disagrees — and he speaks from experience as a 37-year car dealer.
“I’ve traveled the country. What business owners want isn’t tariff relief — it’s tax cuts, cash flow, and fewer obstacles to reinvest in their businesses.”
He argues that tariffs are a strategic tool — a wedge, not a wall — in renegotiating fairer trade.
Still, it’s a debate worth watching.
The Bigger Picture
Williams insists that this moment represents a turning point:
“This is the golden age of small business. Community banks are back. Regulation is being rethought. And the entrepreneurial spirit is rising.”
He’s not alone in that view. The Made in America Roadshow has drawn bipartisan support and enthusiastic crowds — from Iowa to Texas.
What Can You Do?
Here’s how you can be part of this shift:
- Shop small: Support local businesses instead of big-box chains.
- Engage locally: Ask your city council or chamber of commerce how they’re supporting small business.
- Voice your view: Contact your representative about the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act. Whether you support it or question it, civic engagement matters.
- Stay informed: Follow the SBA Roadshow or the House Small Business Committee’s updates online.
Final Thoughts
Policies alone don’t build economies — people do. But when the tools are right, entrepreneurs can rise again. These tools include tax breaks, access to capital, and smart deregulation.
The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act may not be a magic bullet. But for now, it’s a rallying cry: risk is back, and reward is on the table.