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/

Jennifer Tamborski has a story that’s as heartwarming as it is inspiring.

Based in St. Louis, MO, she’s a wife, mother (who married the neighbor she grew up with across the street) and a savvy digital marketing strategist passionate about helping solopreneurs succeed.

In this episode, Jennifer opens up about how she built a six-figure agency, only to walk away when burnout hit. But it wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a new chapter.

After a life-changing conversation with her coach, Jennifer rediscovered her true passion: helping smaller entrepreneurs master digital marketing and take their businesses to the next level!

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

Danielle Delaney Wallace has breaking news: Every entrepreneur should think like a journalist!

And she knows what she’s talking about as a former TV news reporter turned storytelling-obsessed copywriter and video marketer in Montgomery, AL. Her advice? Stay curious. Question everything. Dig deeper.

The secret to real business growth isn’t a wizard’s wand (if only!), but asking the right questions—the tough ones that uncover your customers’ true struggles and needs, industry trends and unexpected opportunities.

Want to sharpen your competitive edge? Then it’s time to think like a journalist. Tune in!

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

It’s a milestone moment: Our 50th episode in NAWBO’s 50th anniversary year.

To celebrate, we’re joined by Megan Patton, NAWBO National Board Chair, and Deanna Novak, NAWBO Institute Board Chair, for a conversation about NAWBO’s past, present and future. Deanna shares her pride in carrying forward the legacy, while Megan reflects on the power of community.

Together, they revisit defining moments like the passage of H.R. 5050 and look ahead to innovations on the horizon, from the Institute’s new Journeys program and AI bot to NAWBO’s ever-present voice on Capitol Hill.

The NAWBO Institute’s 50th anniversary fundraising rally is underway! In honor of our 50th episode during our 50th year, help us keep the momentum strong. Donate Here

From one of the few women in oil and gas to a leader driving climate progress, Susan Waller’s career is nothing short of remarkable.

The Houston-based executive director of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future has worked on everything from natural gas pipelines to solar facilities to offshore wind projects.

In this episode, Susan shares how hard work, collaboration and respect helped her break barriers, why she believes natural gas is the foundation for renewables and how listening first can bridge divides in a complex, often misunderstood industry. Oh, and she’s also a proud grandmother of six.

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

True crime fan. Former Army military police officer. Married to an Army veteran.

Trisha Mentzer has a fascinating background—but by day, she’s helping people navigate Social Security. With 87 million people already signed up for my Social Security accounts, those who haven’t yet are leaving money and crucial planning tools on the table.

Trisha explains how to use it to track and file for benefits, how payouts are calculated and what it really means to claim at 62, 67 or 70. Whether retirement is around the corner or decades away, don’t miss this essential breakdown of your financial future!

More helpful resources from the SSA:

If You Are Self-Employed

5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security

What Every Woman Should Know