In 2025, Forbes ranked The Natural State as the third-best state in the nation to start a business. This prized positioning comes after years of hard work to foster an environment that prioritizes, supports and strengthens homegrown businesses and industries.

Small businesses underpin America’s economy. In Arkansas, nearly 300,000 small businesses employ our families, friends and neighbors while an estimated 30 million businesses do the same nationwide. It has long been a source of pride to support our local retailers — from stopping by Main Street on Small Business Saturday in search of the perfect holiday gifts to enjoying local restaurants and cafes in the summer months. 

Arkansans are proud to celebrate the impact these enterprises have and the contributions they make, both economic and beyond. During the most recent State Work Period, I had the opportunity to visit Kopper Kettle Candies, a historic small business the Greer family has proudly sustained through four generations over the course of nearly 100 years. Visiting the acclaimed Van Buren “candy kitchen” and hearing about the hard work and diligence it takes to earn recognition as the best candy store in Arkansas and the fifth-best in the nation by the popular website Lovefood.com was a perfect way to mark National Small Business Week.

The Greer family is just one excellent example of transforming a family tradition or venture into a thriving business that contributes to the character and enjoyment of an entire community. At Kopper Kettle, the team they have cultivated understands that intimately and it was on full display as I watched them prepare delicious sweets to celebrate Mother’s Day. 

I have been blessed to share a familiar dynamic as a former small business owner. Before coming to Congress, I ran an eye clinic with my brother in Rogers and cherished being a valued and respected part of the fabric of Northwest Arkansas, long before its incredible growth began to take shape. I reflect on that experience and perspective often when working with my colleagues to support initiatives that can bolster economic opportunity.

Fortunately, small businesses have champions in Washington. Earlier this year, I was pleased to support bipartisan legislation, the AFFORD Act, that would strengthen and improve the operations of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). By increasing access to capital and encouraging upward mobility through specialized tools and resources, we can encourage more entrepreneurial endeavors in underserved and rural areas. 

This past summer, Republicans also passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, landmark legislation that included long-overdue support for our farmers, critical funding to secure our borders and promote the national defense, and pro-family initiatives such as bonus deductions for senior citizens and no tax on tips or overtime.

The Working Families Tax Cuts also notably boost small and medium-size job creators by permanently extending the small business deduction and allowing full expensing for investments in machinery and equipment. The Small Business Deduction has significantly reduced the tax burden for local entrepreneurs, allowing them to keep more of their earnings or reinvest in their businesses. 

Positive initiatives like these are common sense and I look forward to the continued benefits secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts. I am encouraged by the positive impact thus far and look forward to hearing about the exciting growth and economic opportunities the future holds.