Elle Patout, NAWBO HQ’s Director of Advocacy, takes listeners behind the scenes in DC, where she hosted CEO Jen Earle and National Board Chair Megan Patton for a week of meetings with lawmakers.

Together, they shared insights from NAWBO’s snap poll, highlighting the challenges members are facing nationwide: over 40% have experienced revenue declines, 60% of whom saw drops of 25% or more, and nearly half identified affordable healthcare as a top priority.

Elle also breaks down key takeaways from meetings with Republican Senators on the Committee of Finance, covering tariffs, Medicare and more, as well as conversations with Casey Mulligan, Chief Counsel of the SBA Office of Advocacy. She explains how the Red Tape Hotline helps the SBA to hear the voice of today’s small businesses.

Share business concerns and regulatory impediments by emailing the SBA’s Red Tape Hotline here.

Share business challenges and triumphs with NAWBO here (scroll to the form at the bottom of the page).

Tiffany Meyer of The Heights Insurance Agency in Columbus, OH, calls herself an “annoying optimist” who believes the universe bends to those who dream big. But when it comes to health insurance, she knows firsthand how complex and costly it can be for small business owners.

In this episode, Tiffany breaks down the Affordable Care Act and what it really meant for women, children, young adults and people with pre-existing conditions. She also explains what’s been impacted by the Marketplace Affordability and Integrity Rule being finalized with some provisions temporarily blocked or delayed, including automatic re-enrollment rules and income checks.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by health insurance (and who hasn’t?), Tiffany offers the clarity and optimism you need to navigate what’s next. For more details, visit https://www.healthcare.gov.

To learn more about NAWBO, visit: https://nawbo.org

From standing on a milk crate taking drive-through orders at age 10 to owning 10 McDonald’s franchises of her own, Jamie Straza’s journey is one of grit, growth and family legacy.

This Austin, TX-based entrepreneur shares how her father opened his first restaurant in 1981, how she and her brother helped grow the family business to 34 locations and what it took to strike out on her own.

Along the way, Jamie reflects on the challenges of being a woman in the business and the art of separating business from personal—a skill that’s been critical to her success as a second-generation McDonald’s franchise owner.

Ready to turn your ambitions into opportunities? Learn how McDonald's franchise ownership can empower you to lead, grow, and aim for success on your own terms.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE TODAY

To learn more about NAWBO, visit: https://nawbo.org/