NFIB Members Bring Small Business Agenda Directly to Washington Policymakers

June 12, 2026 - 03:03

Hundreds of small business owners from across the country gathered in Washington this week for the 2026 NFIB Fly-In, bringing a direct message to lawmakers and administration officials. The event, organized by the National Federation of Independent Business, gave entrepreneurs a chance to sit down with members of Congress and White House staff to discuss the challenges facing Main Street.

The agenda focused on several key issues. Tax reform topped the list, with many owners pushing for permanent tax relief that would help them reinvest in their businesses and hire more workers. Labor shortages also came up repeatedly, as small firms struggle to find qualified employees in a tight job market. Owners called for policies that would expand the workforce, such as easing immigration rules for seasonal workers and reducing regulatory barriers to hiring.

Another major topic was the rising cost of compliance with federal regulations. Attendees argued that new rules on everything from overtime pay to environmental reporting are eating into their already thin profit margins. They urged policymakers to pause or roll back regulations that they say hurt small businesses more than large corporations.

The fly-in also gave owners a chance to share personal stories. One bakery owner from Ohio told lawmakers how supply chain disruptions forced her to raise prices, while a construction contractor from Texas described the difficulty of finding workers willing to take entry-level jobs.

NFIB leaders said the event was about making sure Washington hears directly from the people who create most of the nation's jobs. The message was clear: small businesses need relief from taxes, red tape, and labor shortages to keep growing.