Sean Dengler. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

What America needs are small businesses. Whatever part of the economy, small businesses should have a stake in the game. No matter the amount of small business Saturdays, small businesses matter. Be it a boutique, grocery store, pharmacy, farm, or what have you, supporting local entrepreneurs is vital.

The wealth will stay in the community. These people invest their capital, time, mental and physical well-being into the community. They are not extracting resources. Local businesses help local economies stay resilient. These entrepreneurs are reaping the success of what they sow. Being a local business owner is not easy, nor will it go to plan. Trying at all is better than not trying. Entrepreneurs bring hope, passion, and innovative ideas. This will help their local, small world.

This boils down to looking out for one another. A local business, owned by members of the community, is in a better position to support the community. They show up for their community and help it thrive. At the end of the day, these local businesses rely on their community. Large, national businesses can also help, but having the actual business owner involved is worth more to long term, sustainable development.

None of this is surprising, but protecting small businesses is important. Advocating for laws and policies for an equal playing field with large businesses is what small businesses need. Americans do not accept sociological discrimination. There is no reason Americans should allow economic discrimination towards our local businesses.

Americans want a fair shot. As made evident from the last few elections, the populace is closely divided. People are trying to figure out which leaders have the best policies to support their local communities. There are many reasons why people vote in unusual ways. It is obvious the electorate has not been happy with the status quo.

People know it is harder than ever for small businesses to succeed and their local economies to succeed in this unequal playing field. Putting small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them in position to succeed is what can best help the United States. Every business matters, including the small ones.

Sean Dengler is a writer, comedian, farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.