A Conversation With Jill Houghton, President And CEO Of Disability:IN
Rhett Buttle • September 24, 2020
Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN Courtesy: DISABILITY:IN
People with disabilities comprise more of the workforce than many realize. Today, an average of 5.5% of U.S. employees self-identify as having a disability compared to 3.7% just a year ago. This data helps companies build a culture of inclusion where people of all identities can belong. In addition, there is a business incentive. The recent Accenture report “Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage” found that companies that offered inclusive environments for workers with disabilities had, on average, 28% greater revenue and 30% higher profit margins than companies that did not.
The Americans with Disabilities Act advanced disability inclusion in the workforce, but corporate America must and should do more. Considering the unprecedented time of Covid-19 and its effect on the economy, early data reveals one in five workers with disabilities have lost their employment, compared with one in seven for their peers without disabilities. In all, nearly one million jobs have been lost in the disabled community.
As President and CEO of Disability:IN, formerly the US Business Leadership Network, Jill Houghton oversees the leading nonprofit empowering businesses to achieve disability inclusion and equality worldwide. Jill leverages her more than 25 years of leadership experience at the federal, state, and local levels to advocate for people with disabilities. She also happens to have a learning disability herself.
I recently sat down with Jill to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on employees and business owners with disabilities, ways that lawmakers can support them, and resources available at this time. I appreciate Jill taking the time to speak with me; below is a summary of our conversation.
Rhett Buttle: How are people with disabilities—whether employees or owners of small businesses—being impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic?
Jill Houghton: People with existing disabilities face a myriad of challenges during this difficult time, as well as those who are facing new challenges with mental health, accessibility, and mobility.
The pandemic has disrupted our society, economy and the “working world.” Prior to the pandemic, people with disabilities faced bias, inaccessibility, and other challenges, and now the pandemic only further exacerbates these concerns. People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable, whether they are elderly, veterans, have mobility challenges, or have underlying health conditions.
However, it does not necessarily take a pandemic to disrupt the daily life of a person with a disability. People with disabilities constantly face disruption and obstacles as they navigate a world that is not always accessible and designed to meet their needs. Nonetheless, people with disabilities develop the creative skills and persistent strategies - skills that translate well to becoming successful and valued business partners and employees.
Buttle: What's your policy wishlist when it comes to supporting those in the disability community who want to start or grow their small businesses? Is different support needed during this time?
Houghton: Although the Covid-19 pandemic has presented extreme challenges, it has also presented new opportunities to re-examine, revamp, and re-start in a more inclusive, sustainable way.
At the top of our wish list, is for corporations and organizations to align their support to the disability community with their overall organizational goals and objectives. For example, if your customers include people with disabilities, then optimizing a supplier diversity program to include certified disability-owned businesses would further lend support and strengthen business strategies. With an integrated approach, inclusion efforts are more likely to be sustainable and authentic.
Next, understand that disability has many dimensions. Disability can be a permanent or temporary part of anyone’s life. Disability comes in many shapes and forms and knows no race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. The CDC estimates that one in four Americans have a disability. As you look to advance inclusion of disability-owned businesses, engage your existing stakeholders who are likely to have a disability. People with disabilities are experts in their own inclusion and actively involving them in those business decisions will ensure positive outcomes.
Third, officially recognize certified disability-owned businesses in your supplier diversity program. A disability-owned business enterprise (DOBE®) is a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a person with a disability. The Billion Dollar Roundtable and hundreds of corporations already recognize the three DOBE certifications (listed below).
It is important for the disability community to be recognized and included alongside other minority communities at organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and major corporations. Often, disability-owned businesses have been overlooked or excluded from public and private sector procurement opportunities.
Disability:IN certifies three different disability-owned business enterprises:
- Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE®);
- Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (V-DOBE™); and
- Service-Disabled Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (SDV-DOBE™).
By recognizing these certifications in your supplier diversity program, you are expanding your reach to diverse talent and businesses.
Buttle: How can other leaders (e.g., philanthropic, corporate) or even consumers help level the playing field for small business owners with disabilities?
Houghton: Anyone can help level the playing field for disability-owned businesses by first recognizing that disability is part of the human condition and is a natural part of anyone’s identity. The stigma attached to disability is incorrect and further discriminates against potential talent and opportunity for disability-owned businesses.
By including disability alongside other diversity efforts (such as woman-owned businesses and minority-owned), then it eases a domino effect of further action.
Following through with policies, practices, and processes can level the procurement playing field for all suppliers up and down the supply chain. Recognizing the three different certifications, which includes veterans, can support a more level playing field for all small businesses.
Buttle: What resources can help business owners during this time?
Houghton: Besides financial support and relief provided on the federal, state, and local levels, both large corporations and small businesses are encouraged to join the business network at Disability:IN.
Through Disability:IN, corporations can connect with DOBEs through a supplier hub, meet and exceed commitment goals, lead by example and gain a competitive edge, and ultimately make a social and economic impact by utilizing DOBEs.
Business owners can gain a nationally recognized certification, exclusive information and resources, networking and business matchmaking, policy and advocacy support, and access to private sector corporations.
We have also launched a global campaign called “Are You IN?” calling on everyone to play their role in building an inclusive global economy. We invite you to join IN, to receive resources on disability inclusion, including certification.
For more information and to join the Disability:IN network, visit www.DisabilityIN.org/SupplierDiversity.
Don’t miss my earlier conversations with Ron Busby, CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Ramiro Cavazos, President And CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce, Chiling Tong, President and CEO of the Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber Of Commerce And Entrepreneurship, and Jen Earle, National CEO Of the National Association Of Women Business Owners.
This piece originally appeared in Forbes on September 23, 2020. You can view it online here.
Rhett Buttle is the founder of Public Private Strategies, Executive Director of the Small Business Roundtable, Founder of the NextGen Chamber of Commerce, a Senior Fellow at The Aspen Institute, and a contributor for Forbes.
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Rhett Buttle, Founder and CEO of Public Private Strategies, joined Rahel Solomon on CNN to talk about trade policy and the impact of tariffs on small businesses. Watch the full interview here or below.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This month marks the anniversary of two pivotal pieces of legislation that are helping fuel a small business boom, the CHIPS & Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Over the past four years, there has been a historic growth of American entrepreneurship across the country, with over 18 million new business applications filed, each one an act of hope and optimism in our economic future. This small business boom is fueled by investments like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS & Science Act. Rhett Buttle, Founder and CEO of Public Private Strategies, released the following statement: “As we mark the two-year anniversaries of the CHIPS & Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, the positive impact across the business landscape, and particularly for entrepreneurs, is unmistakable. The CHIPS & Science Act is fueling entrepreneurship opportunities by dedicating over $50 million to help develop new ideas and technologies to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and supply chain. “The Inflation Reduction Act has helped lower costs for workers and consumers, driving up demand for small businesses across the country. The healthcare provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act alone are saving millions Americans an average of $800 per year on health insurance premiums. These investments have helped fuel America’s small business boom, including a record 18 million new small business applications filed over the past four years. “We have more work to do to address the issues that business owners have consistently said are their top priorities, from lowering health care and prescription drug costs to expanding and streamlining contracting opportunities for small employers to strengthening and protecting American democracy . We remained committed to working with business leaders to address these challenges and ensure these investments are implemented effectively to grow economies and support communities all across the country.” ### About Rhett Buttle Founder & CEO, Public Private Strategies President, Public Private Strategies Institute Senior Fellow, The Aspen Institute Rhett Buttle is an entrepreneur, advocate, and one of the most trusted leaders at the intersection of business and policy in Washington, DC. He has worked for President Biden, Vice President Harris, President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in government and campaign roles. Rhett is the founder of Public Private Strategies (PPS) and President of the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI), which works to bring together the public and private sectors to build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive policy and market outcomes. In these roles, he advises leading policy makers, foundations, nonprofits, and corporations. In addition to PPS and PPSI, he has helped found the Small Business Roundtable, Small Business for America’s Future, and the Next Gen Chamber of Commerce. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a regular contributor to Forbes, where he writes on the intersection of business, policy, and politics. Rhett has also been featured in The New York Times, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and several other business publications. About Public Private Strategies Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes. Learn more at www.publicprivatestrategies.com .
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its March jobs report, showing the US economy added 303,000 jobs in March while the unemployment rate fell to 3.8%. CNN characterized US job growth in March as “whopping,” with gains far outpacing economists' expectations. In response to the strong jobs report, Rhett Buttle, Founder of Public Private Strategies, released the following statement: “The labor market continues to exceed economists’ expectations, with over 300,000 jobs added in March – 50% more than economists anticipated. Bipartisan investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS & Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act are fueling broad-based economic growth that is strengthening the labor market, increasing consumer confidence , and leading to over 16 million new small business applications in the past three years – the most ever in that period and a reflection of deep optimism among American entrepreneurs about our economic future.” “Lawmakers must continue to double down on America’s economic momentum, and that starts with addressing the issues that business owners say are their top priorities, from lowering health care and prescription drug costs to strengthening and protecting American democracy .” ### About Rhett Buttle, Founder, Public Private Strategies and President, Public Private Strategies Institute Rhett Buttle is an entrepreneur, advocate, and one of the most trusted leaders at the intersection of business and policy in Washington, DC. Most recently, Rhett served as National Business Advisor to President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. He has worked for President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rhett is the founder of Public Private Strategies (PPS) and President of the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI), which works to bring together the public and private sectors to build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive policy and market outcomes. In these roles, he advises leading policymakers, foundations, nonprofits, and corporations. About Public Private Strategies Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes. Learn more at www.publicprivatestrategies.com . As the United States marks the 14th anniversary of the AffordableCare Act (ACA), more Americans now have health care coverage than ever before. Since its enactment in 2010, the ACA has been a vital tool for Main Street, providing access to affordable healthcare options and fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its March jobs report, showing the US economy added 303,000 jobs in March while the unemployment rate fell to 3.8%. CNN characterized US job growth in March as “whopping,” with gains far outpacing economists' expectations. In response to the strong jobs report, Rhett Buttle, Founder of Public Private Strategies, released the following statement: “The labor market continues to exceed economists’ expectations, with over 300,000 jobs added in March – 50% more than economists anticipated. Bipartisan investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS & Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act are fueling broad-based economic growth that is strengthening the labor market, increasing consumer confidence , and leading to over 16 million new small business applications in the past three years – the most ever in that period and a reflection of deep optimism among American entrepreneurs about our economic future.” “Lawmakers must continue to double down on America’s economic momentum, and that starts with addressing the issues that business owners say are their top priorities, from lowering health care and prescription drug costs to strengthening and protecting American democracy .” ### About Rhett Buttle, Founder, Public Private Strategies and President, Public Private Strategies Institute Rhett Buttle is an entrepreneur, advocate, and one of the most trusted leaders at the intersection of business and policy in Washington, DC. Most recently, Rhett served as National Business Advisor to President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. He has worked for President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rhett is the founder of Public Private Strategies (PPS) and President of the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI), which works to bring together the public and private sectors to build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive policy and market outcomes. In these roles, he advises leading policymakers, foundations, nonprofits, and corporations. About Public Private Strategies Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes. Learn more at www.publicprivatestrategies.com . As the United States marks the 14th anniversary of the AffordableCare Act (ACA), more Americans now have health care coverage than ever before. Since its enactment in 2010, the ACA has been a vital tool for Main Street, providing access to affordable healthcare options and fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the agency's first-ever voter registration agreement with the Michigan Department of State (MDOS). This landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed to bolster civic engagement and voter registration efforts in Michigan, marks a significant milestone in empowering small business owners. Under the MOU, MDOS will create a dedicated URL for the SBA, enabling online visitors to easily register to vote. Additionally, MDOS officials will have the opportunity to conduct in-person voter registration at SBA's small business outreach events, providing direct support to entrepreneurs. Michigan, with its thriving small business sector of over 900,000 enterprises employing 1.9 million individuals, stands to benefit significantly from this initiative. The SBA, in an effort to bolster its mission of ensuring small businesses thrive, will also promote voter registration nationwide by integrating information from Vote.gov into its marketing materials, website, and social media channels, and through signage at SBA offices and events throughout the country. Following the announcement, Rhett Buttle, Founder of Public Private Strategies & President of the Public Private Strategies Institute, released the following statement: "Small business owners have the power to drive positive change. This historic collaboration between the SBA and MDOS underscores the shared commitment to amplifying the voices of small business owners in Michigan and across the nation. By providing access to voter registration information, businesses are supported, and our democracy is strengthened, which is crucial for our economic prosperity. This agreement fosters a culture of civic engagement that benefits us all." Small business owners interested in registering to vote in Michigan can visit the Michigan Department of State's Voter Information Center at mvic.sos.state.mi.us . For more information about the SBA's programs, financial assistance, and services supporting small businesses, visit www.sba.gov . ### About Rhett Buttle, Founder, Public Private Strategies and President, Public Private Strategies Institute Rhett Buttle is an entrepreneur, advocate, and one of the most trusted leaders at the intersection of business and policy in Washington, DC. Most recently, Rhett served as National Business Advisor to President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. He has worked for President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rhett is the founder of Public Private Strategies (PPS) and President of the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI), which works to bring together the public and private sectors to build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive policy and market outcomes. In these roles, he advises leading policymakers, foundations, nonprofits, and corporations. About Public Private Strategies Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes. Learn more at www.publicprivatestrategies.com . As the United States marks the 14th anniversary of the AffordableCare Act (ACA), more Americans now have health care coverage than ever before. Since its enactment in 2010, the ACA has been a vital tool for Main Street, providing access to affordable healthcare options and fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the United States marks the 14th anniversary of the AffordableCare Act (ACA), more Americans now have health care coverage than ever before. Since its enactment in 2010, the ACA has been a vital tool for Main Street, providing access to affordable healthcare options and fostering a healthier, more productive workforce. Over the past decade, the ACA has significantly benefited entrepreneurs and workers by offering affordable coverage options through Health Insurance Marketplaces, providing tax credits to ease the cost of providing healthcare, and eliminating pre-existing condition exclusions. These provisions have brought stability and predictability to healthcare costs, allowing businesses to plan for the future with confidence. To mark the 14-year anniversary of the ACA, Rhett Buttle, Founder of Public Private Strategies and appointee at the Department of Health and Human Services under President Obama, released the following statement: "The Affordable Care Act has been an important milestone for businesses, entrepreneurs and workers across America. Today, more Americans have health insurance than ever before in our history. By offering affordable healthcare options and removing barriers, the ACA has allowed entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best – innovate, grow, and create jobs. “The ACA has set a strong foundation for access to high-quality and affordable care, but there’s so much more we need to do to help our job creators thrive. Building off the ACA, the Inflation Reduction Act takes important steps to tackle healthcare costs in our country. We must continue this progress and tackle these important issues. In survey after survey , small business owners have identified the cost of healthcare and prescription drug prices as their top concern. We should strengthen recent action to lower the cost of prescription drugs and continue to provide strong subsidies to make the plans offered under the ACA affordable to more Americans.” ### About Rhett Buttle, Founder, Public Private Strategies and President, Public Private Strategies Institute Rhett Buttle is an entrepreneur, advocate, and one of the most trusted leaders at the intersection of business and policy in Washington, DC. Most recently, Rhett served as National Business Advisor to President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. He has worked for President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rhett is the founder of Public Private Strategies (PPS) and President of the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI), which works to bring together the public and private sectors to build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive policy and market outcomes. In these roles, he advises leading policymakers, foundations, nonprofits, and corporations. About Public Private Strategies Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes. Learn more at www.publicprivatestrategies.com . As the United States marks the 14th anniversary of the AffordableCare Act (ACA), more Americans now have health care coverage than ever before. Since its enactment in 2010, the ACA has been a vital tool for Main Street, providing access to affordable healthcare options and fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a record 16 million new small business applications in the last three years. The numbers also highlighted that diverse-owned businesses are on the rise. These statistics are a testament to the significant impact that the Investing in America agenda has had for businesses owners, diverse businesses, and their communities. The record number of new business applications is also a sign that small businesses and entrepreneurs are confident and optimistic about the economy, generating resilient and competitive markets, and growing opportunities for Americans. Following the announcement, Rhett Buttle, Founder of Public Private Strategies, released the following statement: “This historic number of new business applications is an exciting sign of the economic resilience of American entrepreneurial spirit. As a result of the investment through the Investing America agenda, led by the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress, small business owners and entrepreneurs are newly equipped with the tools necessary to succeed and excel. These investments, the majority of them the result of bipartisan cooperation, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and Chips and Science Act, are delivering for communities across the country and creating an economy where businesses small and large can thrive. Coming out of the global pandemic the United States has seen unprecedented growth with major new federal investments providing small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to generate new businesses, jobs, and a strong economic future.” ###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, a bipartisan group of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives announced an effort to advance paid leave legislation. The new, bicameral efforts will explore solutions to paid parental, caregiving, and personal medical leave for all Americans. The bipartisan group is seeking input from advocacy, business, and other stakeholder organizations to ensure the policies put forth by the group are effective and meaningful for employers and employees. The Request for Information creates a framework for stakeholder input and ensures that small and large business voices are heard throughout the process. In May, Public Private Strategies facilitated a roundtable with the House Paid Leave Working Group and small business leaders and owners from 11 organizations to discuss the opportunities and challenges to offering paid family and medical leave benefits for employees. The roundtable explored potential pathways forward for both small business owners and the self employed. In a report published by the House Paid Leave Working Group, key findings from the roundtable included: Small business owners want to provide paid leave to their workers. Small businesses recognize that paid family leave would level the playing field with large employers, helping them compete with larger employers to attract and retain workers. Highlighting how government supported solutions to expand access to paid leave can incentivize entrepreneurship by giving entrepreneurs themselves access to the benefit. Small business owners want to provide the benefit, they grapple with two primary challenges in doing so: cost and staffing. Following the announcement, Katie Vlietstra Wonneberg, Principal of Public Private Strategies, released the following statement: “The announcement last week of the Senate Bipartisan Working Group and the Bicameral Bipartisan RFI to explore solutions around paid leave is an exciting new step in the right direction to creating a paid leave policy. In the 30 years since the creation of FMLA, we have yet to advance paid leave that is inclusive of all size businesses. “The business community has been active in the conversations over the past year in coordination with the House Bipartisan Work Group. With the next iteration of these conversations being convened in the Senate, there is a great opportunity to continue to engage with the business community, who see paid leave as a way to ensure small businesses can compete for talent, provide a valued benefit to employees, and ensure continuity in their workforce. Public Private Strategies applauds the bicameral, bipartisan efforts to ensure that all stakeholders are invited to participate and explore innovative pathways forward on paid leave. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with each office to provide insights and expertise on a framework that works for all businesses including the self employed.” ###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has recognized and celebrated the contributions of small, independent businesses, which are the foundation of the U.S. economy and the lifeblood of local communities. November and December account for almost 20% of small businesses total retail sales each year, making the holiday season a critical time for local entrepreneurs, Main Streets across the country, and economic growth overall. Due to the economic investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act, we have seen historic investments in small businesses. A recently released fact sheet by the White House shows the impact of these investments in communities, including a record 14.6 million applications to start businesses. Ahead of this year’s Small Business Saturday, Rhett Buttle, Founder of Public Private Strategies, released the following statement: “The holiday season is one of the most vital times of the year for small businesses, bringing workers, consumers, communities, and the economy together and generating innovation and prosperity,” said Rhett Buttle. “Small businesses employ over 61 million Americans, about half of private sector employees, and are the backbone of our communities and economy. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau on new small business applications shows that the past two years have been the strongest two years on record for new small business applications – as a result of the Investing in America agenda. As entrepreneurs continue to build small businesses, economic growth flows into communities across the country, encouraging investments and fostering a stronger economy and democracy.” Here are Some of the Public Private Strategies Team’s Favorite Small Businesses: Beuch e rt’s Saloon - District of Columbia Hill’s Kitchen - District of Columbia Salt & Sundry - District of Columbia Brave + Kind Bookshop - Georgia Revelry Brewing - Maryland Snug Books - Maryland Pamela Salisbury - New York Sphere + Sundry - Online Brut Champagne and Wine Bar - Virginia Grooming Store - Virginia Reedville Coffee House - Virginia Independent K9 - West Virginia ###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two years ago, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a historic investment in America’s infrastructure and clean energy economy. The law marks the most significant piece of infrastructure legislation in decades, designating funding for roads, bridges, broadband, energy, transportation, and much more. Since its passage, the United States has seen remarkable progress and economic growth, putting American businesses at the forefront of global competition. Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration & the U.S. Department of Commerce to launch a webinar series focused on expanding public awareness of opportunities stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure law and other economic investments in the Investing in America agenda. Specifically, the initiative will educate business leaders about how investments in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing and more can create opportunities for them, their communities, and the economy overall. In addition, last year, PPSI launched Build Up Local , an initiative in partnership with the National Urban League (NUL) and National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) . Build Up Local provides business owners with resources and programs made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, equipping small businesses with information on infrastructure contracting opportunities and more. Ahead of the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Rhett Buttle, Founder of Public Private Strategies & President of the Public Private Strategies Institute, released the following statement: "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has had an enormous impact on American businesses and the economy at large. By investing in our nation’s aging infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken monumental steps to once again put the United States in a competitive position on the global stage. As we come up on two years of this historic achievement, we continue to see the benefits that businesses are reaping. Initiatives like Build Up Local, are crucial to ensuring small businesses and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds access contracting opportunities made available under the legislation and have the resources they need to succeed in our growing economy.” ###
