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As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month in 2024, I invite all of us to take a moment to reflect on the profound contributions Indigenous Peoples have made—and continue to make—to our nation. From deep-rooted traditions to their influence in shaping the future, Indigenous Peoples have always been essential to the very fabric of our country. This month, we honor their resilience, strength, and leadership across business, governance, environmental stewardship, and beyond.

For centuries, Indigenous communities have preserved and passed down knowledge, culture, and ways of life, contributing to advancements in science, the arts, and public service. Today, Indigenous-owned businesses are thriving and making a difference in industries such as technology, agriculture, and green energy—bringing innovative solutions and sustainable practices to the broader business community.

Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs

As we recognize Native American Heritage Month, it’s important that we also explore opportunities to support Indigenous-owned businesses. Whether through mentorship, procurement, or strategic partnerships, businesses can help Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. These leaders bring values of sustainability, innovation, and community-centered growth—principles that align with responsible business practices and create shared success.

At The Council, we encourage our network of corporate partners and certified suppliers to connect with Indigenous-owned businesses. Supporting these entrepreneurs is not only a way to honor their heritage but also an investment in a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Moving Forward with Purpose

This month reminds us that diversity and inclusion should remain at the heart of business practices. Indigenous Peoples have faced generations of adversity, but their spirit and contributions continue to shape our nation’s history and future. By recognizing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, we foster empowerment and promote sustainable growth that benefits everyone.

Let’s use this month to deepen our relationships with Indigenous communities, champion Tribal sovereignty, and create spaces where Indigenous businesses can thrive. At The Council, we believe that diversity in business drives innovation, growth, and success—and it’s through inclusion that we all move forward together.

This November and beyond, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a more inclusive future.

Happy Native American Heritage Month!

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Danielle Chery is a self-taught artist and the founder of DMC Original Art, an award-winning home decor business based in Brooklyn, NY. What began in 2012 as her hobby has evolved into a passion that led her to launch her own business in 2021.

She specializes in creating functional abstract art for residential and commercial spaces, drawing inspiration from the vibrant, dynamic flow of nature. In addition to her art, Danielle is a published author with a deep love for travel. Having explored over 60 international cities, her experiences abroad serve as a constant source of creative inspiration. She embraces the motto, “Happy is the girl who travels the world.” Whether wandering the streets of Brooklyn or discovering new destinations abroad, these experiences shape her artistic vision.

Passionate about teaching, Danielle also leads workshops, guiding participants of all ages through the meditative process of creating fluid art.

About DMC Original Art

DMC Original Art creates custom decor for both residential and commercial interiors, as well as special events. Our collection includes wall and table art, such as canvas paintings, marble-like ceramic coasters, wooden serving trays, and custom-painted tiles for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Every piece is a handcrafted, functional work of art, inspired by nature’s colorful flow, designed to elevate any space.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being a minority business owner holds deep meaning for me, both personally and professionally. As the first business owner in my family, it represents breaking new ground and creating opportunities where none previously existed. I take pride in offering goods and services of real value to the marketplace and in bringing my unique perspective into procurement spaces.

It’s also about building a legacy—paving the way for future generations in my family and community to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Every piece of art I create, every product I design, and every service I provide reflects that pride and my commitment to quality.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified by the NMSDC has provided valuable opportunities for my business. It’s given me access to unique events where I can network with other certified minority-owned businesses and connect with corporations that are committed to diversifying their suppliers. These events have helped me establish important relationships and explore potential partnerships that support the growth of DMC Original Art.

The certification also adds a level of credibility that helps open doors in procurement spaces, and it’s been a great way to connect with companies that prioritize working with diverse suppliers.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

One thing I wish I had known when starting out in my career is the importance of understanding strategic marketing. Early on, I was so focused on creating my art and building my business that I didn’t fully grasp how essential it is to have a clear marketing strategy in place. It’s not just about having a great product or service—it’s about knowing how to position it, connect with the right audience, and communicate its value effectively.

Learning the key elements of strategic marketing—like branding, audience targeting, and leveraging the right platforms—has been crucial to growing my business. If I had understood the power of marketing earlier, I believe it would have helped me scale faster and reach more customers. Now, I see how valuable it is to invest time and effort into marketing from the start, as it plays such a pivotal role in building long-term success.

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For more information on DMC Original Art, please visit: dmcoriginalart.com or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

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Aneesha Varma serves as the Director of Client Relations and Strategy for the healthcare team at Diverse Lynx. In this role, she thrives on the dynamic challenges of business development, from cultivating new client relationships to strengthening existing partnerships. She is passionate about driving growth and ensuring client success. Managing operations across global teams keeps her engaged and continuously learning, which she considers one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. With an MBA from NYU Stern, she brings both a strategic mindset and a collaborative approach to everything she does.

Outside of work, Aneesha embraces the energy of New York City—exploring new workout classes, catching up on podcasts, and discovering hidden gem restaurants. Travel is her ultimate escape, and she prioritizes exploring new destinations whenever possible. Whether at work or on the go, she remains curious, inspired, and connected.

About Diverse Lynx

Founded in 2002, Diverse Lynx is a leading provider of IT and healthcare staffing solutions. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company has expanded into a global enterprise with a presence across the USA, Canada, UK, EU, Philippines, and India. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees and women holding more than 50% of leadership roles, Diverse Lynx is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. As a woman-owned business, it has built a reputation for delivering top-tier talent and innovative workforce solutions, helping organizations meet their staffing needs while fostering a culture of growth, diversity, and excellence.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

At Diverse Lynx, being a woman-owned business is not just a designation—it embodies our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It means breaking barriers, amplifying the voices of women in leadership, and creating pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive. With over 50% of leadership roles held by women, we strive to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and innovation is driven by inclusion.

As a minority business, we actively recruit from underserved communities, helping individuals find their dream jobs and creating pathways to success for those facing the greatest barriers. We’ve proudly partnered with a school dedicated to helping girls in underprivileged areas graduate high school, reinforcing the importance of creating opportunities for those who need them most. This experience has deepened our commitment to supporting minority businesses and communities.

I find myself continuously learning from these different individuals and communities while helping them realize their potential and create opportunities where they may not have existed before.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC has been instrumental to Diverse Lynx’s growth and success. This certification has opened doors to a vast network of corporate partners and opportunities that align with our values of diversity and inclusion. It has enhanced our credibility as a minority-owned business and allowed us to connect with like-minded organizations that are committed to fostering diversity in their supply chains. For over 20 years, we’ve benefited from networking, meaningful conversations, and personal connections within the NMSDC community.

Through the NMSDC, we’ve gained access to resources and collaboration opportunities that have helped us innovate, expand our reach, and build impactful partnerships. The certification has been a catalyst for growth, empowering us to better support our mission of creating pathways for underrepresented talent and reinforcing our commitment to giving back to communities.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

I wish I had known the importance of staying curious, always being open to learning, and never becoming complacent. Curiosity is a powerful driver—it pushes you to question, explore, and go beyond your comfort zone. The most successful people aren’t those who know everything but those who seek to know more and surround themselves with others who are knowledgeable.

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, continuous learning is crucial for long-term success. Industries—whether technology, healthcare, or business—are rapidly changing, making it essential to keep skills sharp and knowledge current. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning helps you stay ahead, remain competitive, and seize opportunities that others might miss.

Curiosity not only enhances problem-solving abilities but also builds resilience, allowing you to adapt to change with confidence. Whether learning a new technology, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship from diverse perspectives, there’s always something new to discover.

By staying curious and consistently learning, you not only future-proof your career but also unlock endless potential for innovation and personal fulfillment.

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For more information on Diverse Lynx, please visit: diverselynx.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

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Gary Pasricha is the founder and managing partner of Pasricha & Patel, LLC. He represents clients in various corporate and business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, debt and equity transactions, private placements, corporate governance, technology agreements, commercial real estate and leasing, secured transactions, and employment issues. Additionally, Gary provides legal counsel to startups and emerging companies, guiding them and their management from inception to exit. He also represents private equity and venture capital firms.

Gary is passionate about giving back to the community. He is the founder and trustee of the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce and volunteers his time with several nonprofits and community-based organizations, often providing pro bono legal advice.

About Pasricha & Patel, LLC.

Founded in 1995, Pasricha & Patel, LLC specializes in personalized legal services across corporate law, complex transactions, securitizations, creditor rights, trusts and estates, and immigration law. The firm is committed to delivering comprehensive legal solutions that help businesses and individuals thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. The team has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, finance transactions, joint ventures, private placements, immigration matters, and large real estate deals. With a proven track record of success, Pasricha & Patel has a deep understanding of the legal challenges businesses and individuals face across various industries.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Supporting minority businesses is something we deeply value. It enables us to connect with a diverse range of clients and contribute to the growth and development of our community. Ultimately, it strengthens our community and fosters a more equitable and inclusive business landscape.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Joining the NY & NJ MSDC has been extremely valuable to us. The NMSDC has been an excellent resource for building relationships with other businesses and interacting with companies that were previously outside our reach.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

It is always better to work with others rather than trying to do everything yourself.

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For more information on Pasricha & Patel LLC., please visit: pasricha.com or follow them on social media: Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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Did You Know?

“The 2025 Presidential Transition Project is the conservative movement’s unified effort to be ready for the next conservative Administration to govern at 12:00 noon, January 20, 2025.”

Chapter 21 of Project 2025, beginning on page 663, focuses on the strategies to transform the Department of Commerce and Chapter 23, beginning on page 717, discusses the plans for the Export Import Bank. These sections continue the structural changes and policy initiatives that redirects agency initiatives and resources towards conservative philosophical objectives.

Who Wrote It?
Project 2025 is more than just a policy blueprint. It is also includes robust recruiting, vetting, and staffing components designed to fill roles and begin implementing the policy initiatives on “day 1.” It is important to identify the authors of the agency chapters, as they are the people likely positioned to take leadership roles in an upcoming Administration, at the same Federal agencies they are writing about, to implement these recommendations.

Thomas F. Gilman served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Administration and Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Trump Administration and former CEO of Chrysler Financial. Currently, he is a Director of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and Chairman of Torngat Metals.

Veronique de Rugy is the George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy and Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She is the author of a weekly opinion column for the Creators Syndicate, writes regular columns for Reason magazine, and blogs about economics at National Review’s The Corner.

Department of Commerce:
In Project 2025: A Mandate for Leadership, significant changes are recommended for the U.S. Department of Commerce, focusing on reducing its size, shifting priorities, and countering perceived inefficiencies. The overarching goal of these recommendations is to align the Department of Commerce with a conservative agenda, streamline its functions, and focus more on supporting American businesses and national security concerns. While some of these goals are positive, such as a refocused effort around competitiveness with China, many of the proposals would politicize the department and reduce the effectiveness or completely eliminate many offices focused on environmental protection and economic development for underserved communities.

Abolishing the Economic Development Administration (EDA)

The EDA is charged with investing in communities to encourage and enable growth and innovation in the private sector, with particular focus on distressed or underserved areas. Their investment priorities provide an overarching framework to ensure its competitive grant investment portfolio – ranging from planning to infrastructure construction — contributes to local efforts to build, improve, or better leverage economic assets that allow businesses to succeed and regional economies to prosper and become more
resilient.

The plan suggests eliminating the EDA, which the author considered “wasteful,” and distributing many of its services to the private sector. This is consistent with the agenda that has been driven by the Heritage Foundation since its inception, which strongly opposes many of the principles that drive EDA’s investment decisions, including:

1. Equity: Economic development planning or implementation projects that advance equity across America through investments that directly benefit one or more traditionally underserved populations, including but not limited to women, Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders or underserved communities within geographies that have been systemically and/or systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic prosperity such as Tribal Lands, Persistent Poverty Counties, and rural areas with demonstrated, historical under service.
2. Environmentally-Sustainable Development: Economic development planning or implementation projects that help address the climate crisis including through the development and implementation of green products, green processes, including green infrastructure, green buildings, and green places, including an emphasis on density in the vicinity of the development.

Dismantling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

One of the most substantial recommendations is to break up NOAA with its functions being privatized, eliminated, or transferred to other agencies or to the states. Intending to pessimistically disclaim climate science and attack what the authors describe as the “climate change alarm industry,” this would undermine critical climate and weather-related services. This is particularly dangerous given the recent destruction realized by millions of Americans affected by hurricane Helene and many other storms strengthened by climate change. The Biden Administration’s acknowledgement of the disproportionate impact climate change has on underserved communities and has utilized NOAA to implement twelve (12) of the Department of Commerce’s thirteen (13) Justice 40 Initiative programs.

Export/Import Bank
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) facilitates international trade for businesses of all sizes across the nation, offering a range of tailored financing solutions and export credit insurance programs designed to mitigate risks and enhance competitiveness. Through its working capital loan guarantees, EXIM assists businesses to secure financing from lenders, using their export-related accounts receivable and inventory as collateral. This access to working capital empowers businesses to fulfill large export orders, expand their international presence, and take advantage of growth opportunities abroad. EXIM also offers export credit insurance to protect businesses against nonpayment by foreign buyers, giving businesses the confidence to explore new markets and extend credit terms to international customers, without the fear of financial loss due to default.

EXIM has dedicated programs specifically designed to increase participation among minority- and women-owned businesses, ensuring they can access international markets. For example, on April 19, 2024 EXIM Bank announced the launch of an innovative new product, developed with the Bank’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Division (MWOB), to support and empower MWOB companies to grow their export business: Equity Express Select: Grow Revenues Through Exports with EXIM. Equity Express Select’s (EQS) in-house customer service team will guide companies through every step of the process, from explaining policy benefits and reviewing qualifications to streamlining the application and addressing any concerns you may have along the way. Some of the benefits of the new program/ include:

• 95% coverage of invoices
• Whole-turnover, insures any buyers getting credit from exporter
• EXIM reviews and approves all buyers
• No deductible
• No application or policy issuance fees
• Dedicated in-house servicing team
• Pay-as-you-ship premiums

If Project 2025’s proposal to abolish the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) were implemented, it would remove this key source of financing and risk mitigation that supports the international expansion of small and minority-owned firms. that rely on these loan guarantees and export credit insurance to compete globally, especially when traditional financing is unavailable. Without EXIM, minority-owned businesses might struggle to access the necessary capital to explore overseas markets, reducing their ability to grow and diversify their revenue streams.

Conclusion
Overall, Project 2025’s proposed policies could lead to reduced support, increased competition, and greater economic challenges for minority-owned businesses. The elimination of affirmative action and minority-focused programs, combined with broader deregulation and changes to labor laws, could create a more challenging environment for these businesses to thrive and compete. The proposal includes plans to abandon affirmative action and minority contracting programs that have historically provided critical opportunities for minority-owned businesses to compete for and secure government contracts.

The attack of regulatory protections for minority businesses would remove protections that help ensure fair competition and prevent discriminatory practices. Finally, small and minority-owned businesses, already more financially vulnerable, are likely to face greater challenges in a market increasingly dominated by larger corporations with more resources.​

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As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, it is important to reflect on the impact that Hispanic businesses have had on communities, the economy, and society. This annual celebration, running from September 15 to October 15, honors the rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and remarkable achievements of the Hispanic community. It is also a time to recognize the vital role that Hispanic-owned businesses play in driving economic growth and fostering innovation.

While looking toward Hispanic Heritage Month, I came across a quote from Justice Sonia Sotomayor, “I don’t measure myself by others’ expectations or let others define my worth.” This powerful message speaks to the heart of what Hispanic Heritage Month represents—the strength to define one’s own path and the perseverance to rise above limitations. Hispanic entrepreneurs, visionaries, and trailblazers have consistently demonstrated this strength, driving progress and paving the way for generations to come.

Hispanic Heritage Month is not just a time for celebration; it is a call to action. It serves as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in supporting Hispanic-owned and minority-owned businesses, not just during this month but every day. Whether as a corporate partner looking to diversify a supply chain, a fellow entrepreneur seeking collaboration, or a consumer making purchasing decisions, support for these businesses is crucial.

The Council is proud to support and champion these businesses, recognizing the incredible value they bring to the table. You can view a full list of Hispanic Owned Businesses who are certified with The Council below. 

The Council remains committed to fostering a business environment where diversity is celebrated and opportunities for success are provided to those who are ready to take it. As Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated, let us all continue to define our own worth and rise above expectations.

Thank you for doing your part to contribute to a better future. I look forward to the new connections, inspiring stories, and collective growth this month will bring.

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Alison is a national style and image consultant with clients across the country. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and holds a Color certification from the Image Resource Center of New York. 

The purpose of her work is to empower women by creating a visual brand and transforming their style to ignite a new path of confidence and independence. She works with both private clients and groups.

Alison’s expertise is frequently called upon by top-tier publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, TIME, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Forbes, HuffPost, Bustle, Well+Good, Elle, Condé Nast Traveler, PEOPLE, InStyle, The Everygirl, Brides, Southern Bride & more, as well as public speaking engagements & podcast interviews. 

Delia Folk started her career in the fashion industry by interning in mens wholesale at Versace. After graduation, she worked at Barneys New York on the buying team in Cosmetics, Ready-To-Wear, and Jewelry for full price or off price channels.

While working in the buying office, she discovered and nurtured emerging designers, spotted the latest trends and gave insights into a career in the fashion industry. Delia is a sought-after speaker, having spoken on panels & given masterclasses at American Fashion System with ISEM, the Independent Jewelry Summit, Voray, ILOE Studios, Fairly Even Expo, and Flourish & Thrive Academy. She has also judged design competitions at NY NOW. 

About The Style That Binds Us

The Style That Binds Us, founded by mother-daughter duo Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk, empowers professionals and organizations through transformative style solutions. Our expert presentations and digital courses discuss the power of professional image to boost your company’s bottom line & increase employee confidence. Upleveling your team’s executive presence can improve negotiation & deal outcomes by millions of dollars. We help your team enhance productivity, leadership presence, and client relationships, ultimately driving measurable increases in revenue, efficiency, and competitive edge. 

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Everything! Supporting minority businesses is absolutely crucial.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

Trust the process.

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For more information on The Style That Binds Us, please visit: thestylethatbindsus.com or follow them on social media: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, X, or TikTok.

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Meet your entertainer for the 2024 Partnership Awards Gala—Reggie Woods.

Reggie is a masterful saxophonist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. As a Queens, New York native, his sound was influenced by jazz legends Gene Ammons and Dexter Gordon, yet his soulful and unique style is entirely his own. While his sound is reminiscent of jazz legends, you will be moved by his distinctive, soulful expression. The sweet, mature tones of his tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones will leave your soul touched. Though jazz is his first love, Reggie brings a special quality to his live and recorded sessions across genres including rap, pop, funk, and blues.

Reggie has performed with renowned artists such as Najee, Isaac Hayes, Bill Saxton, Greg Osby, Bross Townsend, Jimmy Heath, Betty Carter, Doc Cheatham, Ben E. King, Aaron Hall, RUN DMC, Vanessa Rubin, Rhonda Ross, and Hank Shakley from Public Enemy. His performances span from international stages to domestic venues, including the Open Air Music Festival in Switzerland, Golden Image Awards, Newark Symphony Hall, Birdland, Iridium, Tavern on the Green, Fat Tuesday’s, S.O.B.’s, Knitting Factory, Flushing Town Hall, and the World Trade Center. His discography includes Movin’ In The Positive [Runard Records], Into The Woods [Muse], and Motion [RegReg Music]. He recently returned from a tour in Bern, Switzerland, where he performed with the Alvin Queen Quartet at Marians Jazz Room.

As a composer, Reggie’s exceptional writing and arranging skills have garnered the admiration of his peers. RCA/Novus Jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin selected two of his compositions, “Wait for Love” and “A Certain Love,” for her albums Soul Eyes and Pastiche, respectively. Reggie was also featured with Rhonda Ross, daughter of pop diva Diana Ross, and their collaboration was showcased on BET’s Jazz Central. In addition to these achievements, Reggie composed scores for two internationally acclaimed and award-winning independent films produced by Metropolis Pictures and the RADA Film Company, as well as for “Jeep Blues,” a play written by Roger Parris. He also composed the soundtrack for a PBS film special by Vanessa Roth, daughter of Tim Roth and screenwriter for Forrest Gump. Reggie received critical acclaim for his performance in “Let Me Off in Harlem,” a Vy Higginson Mama Foundation for the Arts production in NYC.

Currently, Reggie is the President and CEO of Woody Woods Workin’ Music LLC, and the founder and bandleader of Soul Street Band. For over two decades, Woody Woods Workin’ Music LLC has provided world-class entertainment for corporations, private parties, and a diverse clientele. As a self-proclaimed “Music Broker,” Reggie offers entertainment services that cater to various needs. Woody Woods Workin’ Music LLC is a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Westchester and Rockland County and a Certified Minority Business Enterprise of the NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council.

Most recently, Reggie has had global performances for Presidents, Kings, and Dignitaries alongside Celebrity Artists. The band has been featured on the Today Show Wedding Series, The Insider, and The Oprah Winfrey Show “Shalom in the Home – Lavish Spending.”

Reach Back Initiative

The development of a non-profit organization has been a long-standing vision for Mr. Woods. Reach Back is the culmination of his deep commitment to creating opportunities for underprivileged youth and young adults to learn music and embrace the creative arts. Reach Back aims to foster personal growth and development in all those it serves by providing access to resources and education. The organization is devoted to the guiding principles of accountability, empowerment, and love—principles that inspire positive change.

Reach Back is dedicated to serving underprivileged youth, men, women, and families who require access to resources and assistance in overcoming life’s challenges. We believe that tapping into an individual’s talent can unlock greater freedom to succeed. Our core belief is that community prosperity, hope, and restoration are achievable. Our purpose is to provide services and resources that promote wholeness within communities through awareness and direct support. It only takes a moment to change a life.

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Did You Know?

“The 2025 Presidential Transition Project is the conservative movement’s unified effort to be ready for the next conservative Administration to govern at 12:00 noon, January 20, 2025.”

This document, coordinated by the Heritage Foundation is not simply a “wish list of ideas”
Chapter 25 of Project 25, beginning on page 745, focuses on the strategies to transform the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) into the vision of conservative thought leaders and former government officials, outlining specific policy initiatives that the SBA should refocus their efforts and resources around under the incoming President.

Who Wrote It?
Just as it was structured in 1980, each section of this iteration of “Mandate for Leadership” is written by leaders in trade associations, think tanks, privately funded entities at universities, and nonprofit organizations that play an instrumental role in developing and promoting these ultra-conservative ideologies. It is important to note the organizations listed in the “Acknowledgements,” many of which have innocuous sounding names but drive policies that could be detrimental to your businesses and communities.

Project 2025 is more than just a policy blueprint. It is also includes robust recruiting, vetting, and staffing components designed to fill roles and begin implementing the policy initiatives on “day 1.” It is important to identify the authors of the agency chapters, as they are the people likely being positioned to take leadership roles in an upcoming Administration, at the same Federal agencies they are writing about, to implement these recommendations.

Karen Kerrigan is President and CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and has advocated for entrepreneurship and global business growth for 28 years. She has been appointed to numerous federal advisory boards, including the National Women’s Business Council, and serves as Chair of the Small Business Roundtable.

If implemented, what would it do?
There are a number of proposed changes and improvements to SBA governance and management that are long overdue and have been hamstrung by the inconsistent funding and repeated attempts to reorganize the agency, as described in the document. Adopting procedures to reliably capture programmatic data, and greater transparency and accountability around IT investments, systems development, and security controls are all good governance models that should be applied at SBA and throughout the Federal government. Creating a “medium-sized business” category has been a goal of business advocates for decades, as it would foster business growth in size and capacity of firms and address the arbitrary limits to program eligibility created by the current “small vs other-than-small” structure. Further, proposals such as expanding the SBIR/STTR programs and developing strategies to increase domestic manufacturing would foster technological innovation and drive US global competitiveness.

However, there are also a number of proposals that will have a direct adverse impact on the small and diverse business community currently being served by the SBA. One of the primary overarching themes throughout Project 2025, in addition to gutting the federal workforce, is eliminating any program, initiative or office that promotes DEI from all federal operations including federal rules, agency regulations, contracts, grants, and legislation. This includes abandoning efforts to advance and legally defend affirmative action and DEI policies within military academies and federal minority contracting programs. This specifically applies to the programs and initiatives at the SBA that aimed at creating opportunities for contracting and capital access for minority-owned companies.

Eliminate the Community Navigator Pilot Program:
The Community Navigator program was created in 2021 to reduce the barriers faced by underserved communities in accessing SBA programs. The program provides $100M to 51 organizations and over 400 community groups across the nation to connecting small businesses to Federal, state and local resources by leveraging the networks and relationships within deeply trusted community-based organizations. The Project 2025 plan states that the creation of these “duplicative channels” for the delivering business training rather than working through existing counseling partners. Plan further states that the program is “largely duplicative of private, state and local government, and educational system offerings” even though these existing programs were not reaching the underserved and underrepresented communities targeted by Community Navigators and received significant
support from the Tri-Caucus, Members on the House and Senate Small Business Committees, and national business and advocacy organizations when it was announced.

End SBA direct lending and consider moving the disaster loan program to another agency:
While the SBA only makes low-cost direct loans in the case of businesses and homeowners recovering from a federally declared disaster, the proposal directs Congress to move the program to another agency and transition loan management to the private sector where the cost to the borrower is likely to significantly increase. The SBA EIDL direct loan program, administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance (ODA), offers long-term, low-interest loans to eligible small businesses, private non-profit organizations, and agricultural businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury because of a declared disaster. The proposal justified restructuring the program by highlighting challenges in the COVID-19 related loans despite the fact that it delivered almost $800B in 11.5 million loans to keep businesses afloat during the pandemic.

Expand the role and utilization of the Office of Advocacy:
The SBA Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) is an independent office within the SBA that serves as a repository of extensive research data, advances the interests of small businesses before Congress and throughout the Federal government, and is the primary body responsible for enforcing the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), which requires agencies to consider alternative ways to reduce the economic impact of their regulations on small entities. The Project 2025 proposal would double the budget of the Office of Advocacy and significantly increase its authority, turning from simply an advocate on behalf of small business and into a bottleneck and watchdog of regulations being proposed by all other Federal agencies.

The Project would “amend the RFA so that all agencies are required to provide a copy of any proposed rule along with initial regulatory flexibility analysis to the Office of Advocacy at least 60 days before a notice of proposed rulemaking is submitted for publication in the Federal Register.” While Advocacy was created to limit the burdensome and disproportionate economic impact some regulations have on small businesses, such a change could essentially weaponize the office as a tool against the protections and rules instituted by Federal agencies (e.g. food safety, worker protections, workplace safety, environmental regulations, etc.).

Another recommendation would increase the budget for Advocacy by approximately 50%, adding $4.6M to the current $10.2M budget in 2023, to hire 25 additional attorneys. This is a noteworthy goal but should not come at the expense of other programs within the already underfunded agency. The proposal recommends freezing or cutting SBA’s budget while, at the same time increasing the Advocacy budget, robbing Peter to pay Paul and undermine the ability for the SBA to meet the needs of the nation’s small businesses.

Conclusion:
Overall, Project 2025’s proposed policies could lead to reduced support, increased competition, and greater economic challenges for minority-owned businesses. The elimination of affirmative action and minority-focused programs, combined with broader deregulation and changes to labor laws, could create a more challenging environment for these businesses to thrive and compete. The proposal includes plans to abandon affirmative action and minority contracting programs that have historically provided critical opportunities for minority-owned businesses to compete for and secure government contracts. The attack of regulatory protections for minority businesses would remove protections that help ensure fair competition and prevent discriminatory practices. Finally, small and minority-owned businesses, already more financially vulnerable, are likely to face greater challenges in a market increasingly dominated by larger corporations with more resources.

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Did You Know?

On March 11, 2024, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the Secure Software Development Attestation Form (SSDF), a common form that will help ensure the software producers who partner with the federal government leverage minimum secure development techniques and toolsets. The SSFDF is a document that software producers must complete to attest to the security measures and practices implemented in their software development processes. This form is part of the broader effort to ensure the security of software used by federal agencies.

Software vendors use this form to certify that they have taken specific steps to secure their software, including:

• Developing Software in Secure Environments: Ensuring the use of separate development environments, multifactor authentication, encryption, and continuous monitoring.
• Maintaining Trusted Source Code Supply Chains: Using automated tools or comparable processes to secure both internal and third-party code.
• Provenance of Code: Keeping a record of the origins of internal and third-party code.
• Vulnerability Management: Implementing automated tools or processes to detect and address security vulnerabilities continuously.

Alternatively, software producers can use a third-party assessment to demonstrate compliance. This
assessment must be conducted by a certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (3PAO) following
relevant NIST guidelines

This requirement applies to:

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Providers: Companies that deliver software through continuous
  delivery or deployment models
• Commercial Software Producers: Vendors offering software products or services that are used
  by federal agencies.
• Software Developed by Contractors: Organizations contracted to develop software for federal use.
• Software Containing Third-Party Components: Vendors whose products rely on third-party or open-source software components must attest to securing these components.

If a vendor cannot attest to all the required practices, they must submit a Plan of Action and Milestones
(POA&M) detailing how they plan to address the gaps and the timeline for doing so. Failure to comply
with the attestation requirements can result in severe penalties, including loss of federal contracts and
legal consequences under the False Claims Act.

How could this impact your firm?
Small businesses that provide software and software support services will need to invest additional
time and resources into understanding and completing this form. This includes documenting their
software development practices, ensuring compliance with security standards, and potentially creating
new policies and procedures if they do not already exist. This could be particularly burdensome if the
company lacks dedicated cybersecurity staff. Compliance may require investing in new tools,
technologies (e.g. automated tools for vulnerability management or maintaining secure development
environments), training for in-house staff, or hiring certified third-party assessors.

A copy of the SSDF form can be found here.
A copy of the federal Register explanation of the form and rules governing its implementation can be
found here.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) over the SSDF can be found here.