I attended a retreat in Ojai last week with a dozen other attorneys. Yes, I know—cue the jokes. But believe it or not, attorneys are people too. We breathe the same air, drink the same overpriced lattes, and occasionally take a break from legal jargon to reflect on our own lives and businesses.
At this retreat, I wasn’t just surrounded by legal minds—I was surrounded by advocates deeply invested in the success of their clients. We may think differently (some of us actually enjoy reading contracts!), but we’re all working toward something bigger.
And that’s exactly what small businesses are about, too.
More than a Job
Entrepreneurs rarely start businesses on a whim. They do it because they believe in something—a product, a service, a solution, or simply a better way of doing things.
Some want to disrupt an industry, others want to serve a community, and many seek more control over their work lives. What they share is a willingness to take risks, put in the hours without guarantees, and push forward when most people would quit.
Fueling the Economy
While Fortune 500 companies dominate headlines, small businesses power the economy. They are not just mom-and-pop shops on the corner (although those matter too); they are scaling companies, high-growth startups, and future industry leaders.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, a small business is typically defined as one with fewer than 500 employees and annual receipts under $7.5 million. These businesses span across industries, from tech startups to local service providers, and they collectively form the backbone of the American economy.
They create jobs, spark innovation, and bring diversity and resilience to the marketplace—without billion-dollar safety nets or unlimited resources. Instead, they rely on grit, vision, and an unshakable work ethic.
Hard Work, Risk, Resilience
Running a small business is like building a rollercoaster track while already on the ride. Every decision carries weight. Every investment involves risk. Every customer interaction is an opportunity—or a lesson learned the hard way.
There is no “coasting” in entrepreneurship. Growth is never guaranteed. Payroll needs to be met, regulations shift, and competition never rests.
Yet, small business owners and employees show up every day. Supporting them means supporting:
- Creativity – the freedom to build, test, and improve ideas
- Resilience – the ability to adapt and withstand challenges
- Independence – the right to take control of one’s own future
These businesses aren’t just surviving—they’re leading, shaping industries, driving change, and creating opportunities.
Final Thoughts
If you run a small business, know this: your work and vision matter. You are the lifeblood of innovation. And the world needs more businesses like yours.
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