Small Business: The Backbone of Our Economy

When I traveled to Washington, I brought with me the voices of entrepreneurs, business owners, startups, and family-run operations that drive the Coastal Bend economy. My goal was simple: to make sure lawmakers understand that small businesses are anything but small when it comes to their impact.

I called for immigration reform because our region depends on these workers to keep key industries running. From construction and hospitality to healthcare and agriculture, the Coastal Bend relies on immigrant labor to meet workforce demands.

Without it, many local businesses would struggle to grow or even operate at full strength. I also urged an increase in the H-2B visa cap, recognizing how critical that workforce is for seasonal industries.

Access to capital was another priority. I called for stronger SBA loan programs and expanded innovation funding so that local entrepreneurs can grow their ideas into lasting enterprises. I also pressed for streamlined federal procurement processes, ensuring that businesses in our community can fairly compete for federal contracts.

We discussed the need for tariff clarification and relief, so that small businesses aren’t caught in the middle of shifting trade policies.
At every turn, I emphasized this: supporting small businesses isn’t just about economics, it’s about preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the Coastal Bend.

For more information on our issue teams and priorities, visit unitedcorpuschristi.org/cb2dc.