Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy. In Massachusetts, they employ 1.5 million people– nearly half of the private sector workforce.

Recently, I went on a LatinX small business tour in downtown Haverhill. We were able to enjoy the sights and sounds that define our community, while also hearing about all of the hard work and dedication that went into starting these businesses. This tour was about highlighting the success of LatinX businesses in our community and learning more about how we can best support our local entreprenuers. We stopped at Haverhill’s the T barber shop, Salon Mii No.2, Go Tax Accounting, and Jacqueline Bodega #2.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan speaks with Marysol Cueto, owner of Salon Mii No.2 about the challenges of opening a small business and current legislaiton to ease that burden.

For example, Marysol Cueto, owner of Salon Mii No.2 earned her degree at Lawrence Vocational School and is operating two successful businesses. She is an outstanding example of the importance of public education, especially the strength of our vocational schools.

Congress has a role to play in supporting local businesses. I am an advocate for increased Small Business Administration grants and loans. I also strongly support additional federal resources being allocated to local businesses looking to fill open positions by reducing the skills gap.

I am proud to have introduced the Incentivize Retirement Fund Enrollment for Small Business Employees Act. This bill incentivizes more small businesses to offer their employees a retirement plan AND would simplify rules for small businesses looking to offer employees such benefits.

The House also recently passed the SECURE Act, a bill which would help make retirement security a reality for more Americans. This bill, which helps guarantee that American workers can reitre with their dignity and their pensions in tact, contained important provisions that I advocated for . This revised plan encourages small-business owners to adopt automatic enrollment, simplify rules and notice requirements - making retirement plans more affordable for small businesses.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan, State Representative Vargas, and Mayor Fiorentini discuss with local shop owners what all levels of government can be doing to support local businesses.

I am greatful to State Representative Andy Vargas and the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce for organizing this tour. It was wonderful to spend time with our state and local leaders who are always going to bat for small businesses.

Along with Mayor Jim Fiorentini, State Senator Diana Dizoglio, the Latino Coalition of Haverhill, and Haverhill City Councilors Melinda Barret and Colin LePage-- we thank all the local business owners who hosted us.

But most of all- thank you to the hardworking entrepreneurs who uplift our communities as small businesses owners.

I’d love to hear some of your small business stories. Will you consider sharing your thoughts on what issues small businesses in your local community face?

Sincerely,