Unlike most agencies in Washington, D.C., the Office of Advocacy is a compact yet highly effective strike force working on behalf of all small businesses in the U.S.
What Is Advocacy?
The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) supports small businesses struggling with burdensome federal regulations in their daily operations. It is comprised of three cohesive units: the legal team, the economic research team, and the regional outreach team. Together, these groups work tirelessly to promote deregulation and support small businesses. Though small, our team has a significant positive impact on the small business economy.
Advocacy’s Interagency Affairs: Representing Small Business Interests
I am proud to work alongside our dedicated team of attorneys in Interagency Affairs, who focus on regulations affecting small businesses by engaging directly with federal agencies. They communicate the concerns of small businesses and the organizations representing them nationwide. By thoroughly reviewing agency policies, the legal team identifies potential challenges and proposes solutions to minimize adverse effects. To gain deeper insights, they host roundtables where small business owners discuss proposed rules and the potential impacts of those rules. Additionally, the team issues Regulatory Alerts to keep small businesses informed about changes that could impact their operations, ensuring their voices are heard in the regulatory process.
Advocacy’s Economic Research: Understanding the Impact of Regulations
I collaborate with an exceptional team of economists, who provide critical insights into the effects of federal regulations on small businesses. Beyond identifying regulatory impacts, they analyze how these rules may hinder growth and innovation. Through comprehensive research, the team compiles state profiles, offering valuable data to support economic development in both urban and rural communities across the country. This work equips policymakers and stakeholders with the information needed to craft regulations that foster, rather than stifle, small business success.
Advocacy’s Regional Outreach: Connecting with Small Business Owners
The Office of Advocacy’s Regional Affairs team operates across 10 regions, covering the entire United States. Each region is served by a Regional Advocate who acts as a bridge between small business owners and our headquarters office in Washington, D.C. These advocates conduct listening sessions and visit small businesses to hear directly from owners about their challenges and needs. Additionally, two National Advocates—one for Rural Affairs and one for Manufacturing, Technology, and Energy—address sector-specific issues. This outreach ensures that our office remains attuned to the diverse needs of small businesses nationwide.
Our Commitment to Small Businesses
Burdensome regulations hinder innovation and reduce employment. The Office of Advocacy is dedicated to reducing regulatory barriers and supporting the growth of small businesses. As an independent entity within the U.S. Small Business Administration, we amplify the concerns of small business owners, but our effectiveness depends on your engagement. We encourage small businesses to connect with us, share their challenges, and help shape policies that foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Speak Up!
Let the Office of Advocacy be your voice in the federal government. Cut through the Red Tape by calling our Red Tape Hotline at 800-827-5722 (Option 3) or email your concerns to RedTape@sba.gov.
For more information or to get involved, please visit our website or contact me, Joe Knilans, National Rural Affairs Advocate, at joseph.knilans@sba.gov. You also have the option to reach out to the Regional Advocates representing your region.
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Joseph Knilans, National Rural Affairs Advocate
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