Published
March 09, 2026
Small businesses are driving significant investment and supporting job creation after pro-growth tax provisions passed last year through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
On March 5, members of the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Council met with members of the House Small Business Committee on Capitol Hill to share their stories on how provisions in the new tax law have allowed them to invest in people, equipment, training, and new products and services.
For more than a year the U.S. Chamber and state and local chambers have gathered small businesses and members of Congress in communities across the country to discuss the pro-growth tax provisions passed through the OBBBA. These tax roundtables give small business owners and entrepreneurs a chance to tell their lawmakers how pro-growth tax policies will help local businesses and workers thrive.
On the Hill, the small business owners highlighted their ability to invest in new equipment for manufacturing, hire new workers, and pay their employees more. Consistently, the small business owners referenced the importance of certainty and they thanked the Members of Congress for making several helpful provisions permanent. They said the predictability in OBBBA is giving them confidence to make meaningful investments and take on new business.
In their words:
- “One of the things that really mattered to our business was capital expensing. I am in manufacturing and need to invest in new equipment. Making the decision to buy new equipment and deduct it gives us certainty. When [the tax bill] passed, I bought a specialty machine to do complicated welding, which allowed me to take on new businesses I otherwise would not have been able to do all while providing new training opportunities for my employees. My employees and customers are thankful for your work to pass the tax law.” - Traci Tapani, Co-President, Wyoming Machine, Inc. in Stacy, MN
- “I am a beverage wholesaler in Montana, the fourth generation of a family-owned business. The new tax law has been a huge help for investing in people. My top three managers retired and it was tough to find replacements. The new tax law prompted me to promote an existing manager into one of the roles. Not only is she excelling in her new role, she tearily shared with me that her pay raise will make college an option for her daughter.” - Karen Olson-Beenken, President and CEO of Blue Rock Companies in Sidney, MT
Learn More
The U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Council is comprised of small business owners from across the country representing all regions and industries. They are the Chamber’s policy committee and action group dedicated to representing the interests of small businesses.
Other participants were Joe Shamess, Chair of the Small Business Council and Founding General Partner, Flintlock Capital in McLean, VA; Jim Mendenhall, former President, PAECO, Inc. in Anchorage, AK; Larry Kidd, CEO, :hire in Jackson, OH; Allen Brooks, Founder & CEO, Continues Arcade in Alexandria, VA; and Brendan McCluskey, Founder, Trident Builders in Baltimore, MD.
House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (Left) speaks with Chamber Small Business Council member Larry Kidd (Right). (Photo courtesy of the House Small Business Committee)
Chairman Roger Williams (Center) speaks during a tax roundtable with small businesses. (Photo courtesy of the House Small Business Committee)
Joe Shamess, Chair of the Chamber's Small Business Council, speaks during a tax roundtable with the House Small Business Committee. (Photo courtesy of the House Small Business Committee)
Chairman Williams (Left) and Chamber Small Business Council member Brendan McCluskey (Right). (Photo courtesy of the House Small Business Committee)
Allen Brooks, Founder & CEO, Continues Arcade speaks speaks on the importance of the pro-growth tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act during a tax roundtable with the House Small Business Committee. (Photo courtesy of the House Small Business Committee)
“The Working Families Tax Cuts have provided real relief to Main Street America. From fewer regulations to lower taxes, President Trump has delivered on his promises, welcoming opportunity and growth for the economy,” said House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) following the event. “The conversation today proves that Republican policies work, and entrepreneurs are already reaping the benefits. This Committee will continue to work hard to pass pro-growth, pro-American, and pro-small business legislation—building upon the strong foundation that has made Main Street Great Again.”
Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber thanked Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT), and Rep. Tony Wied (R-WI) for hosting the roundtable to hear from small businesses and the positive impact of OBBBA.
“As a result of Congress passing this legislation, small businesses around the country are hiring more people, paying their employees more, investing in new equipment, and expanding their operations,” said Davis. “We are grateful to the committee for focusing on policies that help Main Street thrive and drive economic growth nationwide.”
Learn More About Our Tax Roundtables:
About the author
Rachel Ledbetter
Rachel Ledbetter is a director of policy and political communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
