Group 1 - Small businesses are experiencing the highest level of optimism in seven years, with confidence above the 52-year average despite a recent government shutdown [1][2] - The economic environment is bolstered by President Trump's agenda, which includes tax cuts, deregulation, and fair trade, contributing to strong GDP growth and a decrease in inflation [2][3] - The upcoming holiday shopping season is projected to exceed $1 trillion, reflecting the positive impact of the current economic policies on small businesses [3] Group 2 - Small businesses express a desire for deregulation but face challenges with tariffs, which are harder to navigate compared to larger companies [4] - The majority of US manufacturers are small businesses, and they have historically been disadvantaged by unfair trade practices, which the current administration aims to rectify [5][6] - The primary concern for small businesses has shifted to finding a skilled workforce, as opposed to tariffs, indicating a focus on domestic production capabilities [6][7]

There's been a really big focus in D. C. of the macro level, large scale infrastructure, the world's biggest companies.Critically, the leaders in the American technology stack and then how the economy will follow suit. But actually other parts of the conversation about how the broader American economy from small and medium businesses to mom and pop shops are going to be impacted by the action plan. Therefore, I'm delighted, speaks Kelly Lefler, his director of the SBA.I mean, that's how you framed it on sta ...