by Region 6 Advocate, Janea Jamison
The regional advocates’ primary role for the Office of Advocacy is small business outreach. With ten regions that cover multiple states, each regional advocate connects with small businesses to hear their story. Outreach is done through phone conversations, virtual meetings, face-to-face meetings, or organized events with Advocacy staff in attendance. Organizing the larger events takes a lot of planning and coordinating behind the scenes to be a success. As an example, take a recent Advocacy visit to Austin, Texas.
I decided to organize an Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) Tour in Austin, and the first step was to identify the location. Being the state capital and a thriving hub for business activity, Austin was an obvious choice. Its proximity to other major cities like San Antonio and Houston also allowed small business owners across Texas to participate.
However, the decision to choose Austin wasn’t just about geography. It was about understanding the regulatory challenges specific to the region and ensuring that we had the right expertise to address those issues. When we select sites, we always keep an eye on the concerns of the region and its industries.
The next step was to secure a suitable venue. The facility needed to be centrally located and equipped for a hybrid event to maximize participation. It was critical to select a facility that met these criteria and had experience hosting similar events.
Once the venue was secured, the next focus was on the event’s content. This meant reaching out to Advocacy attorneys and subject matter experts on hand. I started by reviewing the most pressing regulatory issues in Texas. For example, I knew the state had significant concerns about 5G deployment due to previous engagements in Round Rock, TX, and surrounding rural areas, which made it essential to include an attorney with expertise in telecommunications.
Similarly, labor and safety regulations, like the Department of Labor’s new wage and overtime rules and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rule, were also high on the list of concerns for Texas businesses. Knowing this, I coordinated with Advocacy’s specialists to ensure they could provide valuable insights to the participants. The selection of attorneys was a deliberate process, ensuring that their expertise matched the regulatory issues prevalent in the region.
With the venue and subject matter experts in place, the next step was to engage local organizations. I contacted the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) San Antonio District Office, the Texas State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the local SCORE chapter, inviting them to participate. These organizations are critical partners because they deal with small businesses daily and understand their unique challenges.
The SBA, SBDC, and SCORE often focus on business development, capital, and mentorship, their insights into the regulatory environment are invaluable when combined with Advocacy’s focus on federal rulemaking.
SBA, SBDC, and SCORE issues might not always align perfectly with Advocacy’s focus, but the overlap is significant. For instance, the SBA and SBDC frequently encounter small businesses struggling with compliance related to labor laws and safety regulations—areas where our attorneys could provide immediate value. By including these partners in the tour, we created a comprehensive platform for small businesses to get the support they need.
Reaching out to small business stakeholders was a targeted process. I began by identifying businesses and organizations most likely impacted by the issues our attorneys were prepared to discuss.
To spread the word about the event, creative graphics, weekly email alerts, and social media engagement were a must. I extended invitations more broadly to ensure that any small business owner with concerns about federal regulations could attend. The RSVP process helped us gauge interest and tailor the event to the needs of those who confirmed their participation.
One of the most rewarding aspects of these events was the opportunity to connect directly with small business owners. The Austin Advocacy Tour was successful because it was built on collaboration and a deep understanding of the local business environment. This is just one example of how we can work together.
If you’re a small business owner interested in hosting a similar event in Region 6 (LA, TX, OK, NM, AR), please get in touch with me. Whether you have a venue in mind or need help finding one, we can work together to create a forum that meets your needs. Small or large, there are no size parameters for gatherings. My role as a regional advocate is to ensure your voice is heard. Hosting an event with Advocacy also means bringing in the right experts to address your specific challenges, making these events uniquely tailored to your needs.
To set up a meeting or discuss hosting an event, you can contact me at janea.jamison@sba.gov. If you are a small business in a region outside of Region 6, contact one of our other advocates. Also, always remember that if you find yourself in need of specific help on a regulatory issue, you can contact Advocacy attorneys directly.
The Office of Advocacy is here to support you, and by working together, we can ensure that the regulatory environment is conducive to your growth and success.