In a recent article, political activist Cliff Maloney argues that America’s economy should rely on its small businesses—not corporate giants—to create jobs and opportunity.
Maloney addresses the threats facing the small companies that drive America’s economy and provide nearly half of all jobs, and he challenges both politicians and voters to act.
As a champion of the small business community, we here at Tampa Bay Business & Wealth support this position.
Small business is the backbone of the economy
Maloney points out the sharp contrast between the actions of giant corporations and small businesses, saying, “While the news cycle lately has been filled with reports of massive layoffs at giant corporations, meanwhile small businesses are doing everything they can to avoid layoffs, even when it means cutting into their own profits.”
He notes this is because entrepreneurs are part of their communities.
They live where their employees live, and so they care more about people than just quarterly financial gains. Maloney adds that small businesses often foster more caring, family-like workplaces than large firms.
He also highlights important statistics that show how central these small businesses are. The U.S. Small Business Administration classifies companies with fewer than 500 employees and revenues under $7.5 million as small businesses, and these businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and provide 45.9% of all jobs in the country.
Maloney writes, “small business not only provides nearly half of all jobs available, it also drives innovation, creates jobs in geographic areas that big corporations can’t or won’t, and creates both financial and social freedom for citizens.”
In short: small companies bring new ideas, reach places giant corporations ignore, and help American citizens to earn their part of The American Dream.
The dangers of monopoly and giant firms
Maloney warns that large corporations often harm communities and markets, saying, “they tend to suppress wages and freedom by gobbling up the workforce in a given area and stifling local competitors, known as The Walmart Effect.” When a giant corporation forces out local small businesses or grabs too much market power, options disappear for workers and consumers alike.
He also warns that once a big player no longer finds a region profitable, it often simply abandons the area, leaving towns without jobs or services. This “boom and bust” behavior creates instability.
Maloney believes fewer monopolies means more accountability, both in the market and in government—especially at the local level, and that this bottom-up influence can positively impact national policy.
What must change: elect, reform, regulate
Maloney doesn’t just critique—he also outlines steps to better support small businesses.
One element is political. He argues we must “elect local politicians who will ensure our government supports the small businesses that make our economy work for everyone instead of creating even more advantages for these giant corporations that are already a monopolistic force.”
He urges lowering taxes, especially for small businesses, saying this “creates an immediate ROI that propels growth.” He also calls for cutting bureaucracy and pointless rules that only giant firms can manage. He points to “the draconian BOI reporting regulations” as just one example of a costly burden on small companies that big firms can more easily absorb.
In his article, Maloney quotes noted financial expert, Carol Roth—a fierce advocate for the small business community—on the role of small business in the future.
Roth says, “Small business drives our economy. Not only do small businesses make up 99.9% of all business entities, but they also create the majority of new jobs. I expect that AI will accelerate the importance of small business in the economy. As large corporations adopt AI for cost savings and layoff employees, you will likely see more of those formerly-corporate employees moving into roles in small businesses or starting small businesses of their own. The best way the US can support these small companies is by getting out of their way. Deregulation to remove barriers and otherwise leveling the playing field is the perfect spark to allow small businesses to grow and the entire economy to benefit.”
By bringing in Roth’s voice, Maloney reinforces that support for small business is not just political rhetoric—it has economic logic tied to the shifts in technology and labor.
Addressing the challenges ahead
Maloney admits the path is neither easy nor quick.
He calls for a long-term effort: “we also have to hold [elected officials] accountable to ensure they follow through on their campaign promises, and if they don’t, quickly and aggressively replace them with elected officials who will. This isn’t going to be easy or fast, so we need to be committed to this goal for the long term. Unlike elections that spin up every few years, this effort will require consistent daily effort over an extended timeline.” He reminds readers that elections come in cycles, but change must be continuous and persistent.
There is also tension between promoting growth and ensuring fairness. Even deregulation must be done carefully so that basic consumer protections are not weakened. And while many agree that monopolies pose risks, deciding when a company has too much power is complex and nuanced.
Further, not all small businesses succeed. Many fail due to competition, shifting consumer tastes, or financial constraints. Maloney’s vision assumes that with fairer conditions, more of them will thrive—but that outcome depends on how policies are designed and implemented.
A call for civic action
In Maloney’s original article, what stands out to me is his insistence that citizens cannot be passive consumers.
He places responsibility on both local voters and national leaders. He wants a change in mindset: to see small business not as marginal or quaint, but as central to America’s economic health and our constitutional republic.
As he states: “We need to get away from crony capitalism. We need to elect local politicians that support small businesses and eliminate burdensome bureaucracy.”
As a journalist reading Maloney’s article, I see a bold and urgent argument. As an American citizen who loves and supports the business community, I see a crucial and necessary change that is needed to create an economy that works for everyone.
He frames the economic debate not only in monetary or policy terms but also in moral terms. Who deserves the chance to build, compete, innovate, and belong? Maloney—and Roth, both argue that small business offers a more humane, flexible, and equitable path forward.
The question now: will voters, leaders, and communities heed the argument? Will they shift power away from monopolies and back to local entrepreneurs?
For the sake of America’s future, I hope so.
And I appreciate the work that both Maloney and Roth are doing to help ensure that outcome.