Year One in Review: Charting the Future with AEO CEO Natalie Maderia Cofield

March 18, 2025

As I celebrate my first anniversary as President & CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), I am deeply grateful and proud of the progress we’ve made together to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the small business ecosystem. This past year, our collective efforts have led to meaningful achievements that showcase our unwavering commitment to economic inclusion and innovation.

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Knowledge and Visibility

One of the most powerful tools we can provide small businesses is information. This year, we strengthened AEO’s role as a convener and thought leader, ensuring that the voices of small business owners and the organizations that serve them are heard at the highest levels. Through new research initiatives like the Black Retail Study, our Self-Employment Report, and the release of our Women’s Business Ownership Fact Sheet, we have brought critical data to the forefront, informing policymakers, funders, and ecosystem builders on the realities that entrepreneurs face.

But data alone is not enough—it must be activated. That’s why we launched AEO’s Data to Dialogue Series, turning insights into conversations that drive meaningful change. From highlighting the opportunities in independent contracting to exploring how small businesses can lead in sustainability and inclusion, we have positioned AEO as a national voice shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Strengthening Regional Ecosystems to Drive Local Economic Growth

Entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in local economies, and our work must reflect that reality. This year, we made a deliberate effort to expand AEO’s impact regionally, launching the first-ever AEO Regional Council Initiative. We began in the South, convening local leaders, financial institutions, and ecosystem builders to explore how place-based solutions can fuel economic opportunity. This work continued in the Midwest, where we brought together stakeholders to share best practices and identify opportunities for collective action.

By investing in regional engagement, we are ensuring that small businesses—whether in urban centers, rural communities, or anywhere in between—have access to the resources and networks they need to succeed.

Deepening Partnerships to Expand Access to Capital and Contracting Opportunities

We know that for many small businesses, access to capital remains the biggest barrier to growth. That’s why we focused on strengthening partnerships that expand financial access and procurement opportunities. In February, we announced a landmark agreement with Small Business Majority, designed to strengthen the national small business ecosystem by pooling resources and expertise. We also formalized a partnership with the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) to support economic advancement for Puerto Rican business owners, and we joined forces with Partners for Rural Transformation (PRT) to ensure rural entrepreneurs receive the tailored support they need.

One of our proudest moments came with the signing of an MOU with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), an agreement that will equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the training necessary to compete for corporate and government contracts. Through partnerships like these, we are breaking down barriers and creating tangible pathways for small businesses to grow and scale.

Advancing Policy and Advocacy to Support Small Business

Policy plays a crucial role in shaping the small business landscape, and AEO has remained a steadfast advocate at both the national and local levels. In January 2025, we released our Policy Priorities, outlining key areas where action is needed to support entrepreneurs. From championing greater access to federal contracting opportunities to ensuring that small business support organizations receive the resources they need, we are working to make sure that policy decisions reflect the realities on the ground.

We have also taken our message directly to decision-makers. From the White House to Capitol Hill, we have engaged with policymakers, advocating for the funding, policies, and programs that will empower small businesses. This work is essential, and we will continue to push for policies that recognize small business as a cornerstone of economic opportunity.

Celebrating the Diversity of Small Business and Fostering Inclusive Growth

Throughout the year, we have honored and uplifted the diverse communities that make up our nation’s small business ecosystem. From Black Small Business Month to Hispanic Heritage Month, from our Native American Entrepreneurs Webinar to our upcoming EmpowerHer: Women Shaping the Future of Business event, we have created spaces for recognition, connection, and opportunity.

We also recognize that inclusion must go beyond celebration—it must be woven into the fabric of how we support small business owners. That’s why our programming has focused on economic mobility for those who have been historically excluded, including our upcoming Bridges to Business initiative, which will provide resources and mentorship to entrepreneurs re-entering society after incarceration.

Charting the Path Forward

As we look ahead, we remain committed to innovation, advocacy, and action. In the coming year, AEO will focus on:

Scaling Regional Engagement – Expanding our Regional Council Initiative to additional areas, ensuring that local communities have the tools and networks they need to build resilient small business ecosystems.
Driving Forward Policy Priorities – Continuing to push for policies that create meaningful access to capital, government contracting, and entrepreneurial training.
Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact – Deepening our collaborations with corporations, financial institutions, and community-based organizations to scale support for small businesses.
Enhancing Research and Data-Driven Insights – Expanding our research efforts to uncover new challenges and solutions, equipping small business leaders with the information they need to succeed.
Elevating the Voice of Small Business in National Conversations – Ensuring that AEO remains a leading advocate in shaping the policies and investments that impact small businesses across the country.

This year has been one of progress, learning, and momentum—and none of it would be possible without the support of our incredible team, our engaged board, our dedicated members, and the partners who believe in our mission.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The work continues, and the best is yet to come.

With gratitude,