Advocacy
AEO is leading the charge of championing the interests of entrepreneurship and small businesses in the halls of government.
AEO’s policy agenda focuses on the development of strong and effective small business initiatives to assist underserved entrepreneurs in starting, stabilizing, and expanding their businesses.
On behalf of the eco-system, we work closely with policymakers at the national level on Capitol Hill and in the Administration to ensure the availability of capital and technical assistance to entrepreneurs around the country. We also collaborate with state and local nonprofit, government agencies and other industry stakeholders on our advocacy efforts.
Click below to learn more about the tenets of our advocacy agenda. For an overview of AEO’s more than years of advocacy achievements, click here.
Why It’s Important
Staying informed about topics that impact entrepreneurs and small business owners – directly and indirectly – is an essential part of contributing to their success. As the voice of innovation for entrepreneurship and small business, it is our responsibility to ensure your voice is heard.
See below for the latest Policy News and join our email list to receive our weekly newsletter as well as special Action Alerts.
Policy News
AEO Releases 2024 Presidential Candidate Comparative Economic Policy Brief
Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) Releases 2024 Presidential Candidate Comparative Economic Policy Brief Washington, D.C. (September 11, 2024) – Today, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) released a comprehensive economic policy brief...
AEO Celebrates Senate Appropriations Funding for CDFI Fund And SBA, Increases Support Economic Equity and Small Business Growth
The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is encouraged by the robust funding allocated to both the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
SBA’s New Working Capital Line of Credit: A Game-Changer for Small Businesses
At the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), we're committed to keeping our members and the broader small business ecosystem informed about critical updates that can help your businesses thrive. We are excited to share some innovative news from the Small...
AEO Continues to Monitor Crucial SBA Policies and Programs
By AEO Staff The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is diligently monitoring the implementation of key policies and programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These initiatives are integral to AEO's nationwide efforts to empower...
AEO’s president and CEO provides testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship May 6, 2024 ** Testimony by Natalie Madeira Cofield, President and CEO** Chairman Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Ivey, and esteemed Members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and...
Written Testimony: Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship by Gary L. Cunningham
May 2, 2024 | By Gary L. Cunningham, Senior Advisor, Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School Introduction Chairman and honorable Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to present strategies to combat the racial wealth divide...