WHEATON, IL — In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy visited Wheaton, Illinois, to recognize the contributions of women entrepreneurs and engage directly with local small business owners about the challenges they face.
Dr. Casey Mulligan, Chief Economist and Chief Counsel for Advocacy, led the visit, which included stops at several standout women-owned businesses that exemplify innovation, resilience, and community impact:
- Mion Soap Company – A natural soap brand that began at a farmers’ market and now operates four retail locations across Chicagoland.
- Baby Naturally – An eco-conscious baby boutique celebrating 20 years in business and operating from a woman-owned commercial property.
- Doodlebug Workshop – A vocational training and retail space supporting youth with disabilities through inclusive entrepreneurship.
“These businesses represent the heart of American enterprise,” said Dr. Mulligan. “They’ve grown from grassroots beginnings into community anchors, and their stories reflect the power of women-led innovation.”
The visit also served as a listening session, allowing the Office of Advocacy to hear firsthand how federal and state policies—particularly labor mandates in Illinois such as paid leave, predictive scheduling, and minimum wage increases—are impacting small business operations.
“Women-owned businesses, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, grew by 5.7% in 2022 from the previous year, ” said Mulligan. “But they also face unique regulatory and financial pressures. Our job is to ensure their voices are heard in Washington and that policy reflects their realities.”
The Office of Advocacy continues to champion policies that reduce regulatory burdens, expand access to capital, and promote economic opportunity for small businesses nationwide.
Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the executive branch. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel’s efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov or call (202) 205-6533.