Wednesday afternoon saw American leaders of diverse backgrounds and ideologies unite behind the democratic transfer of power. Indeed, presidential inaugurations are often a symbol of civility in an increasingly divided political arena, and yet calls for unity and cooperation echoed especially loud as President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.
In his inaugural address, President Biden spoke of the many challenges facing the nation — from the “millions of jobs” lost and “hundreds of thousands of businesses closed” to the “cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making.”
“To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and to secure the future of America, requires more than words,” he said. “It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy — unity.”
He now faces the more difficult task of inspiring unity through governance. But as President Biden works to balance his policy goals with national healing, the moment is ripe for entrepreneurship to become an even greater priority.
Before the pandemic, Gallup revisited a tracking poll that gauged Americans’ view of economic actors and systems (free enterprise, big business, small business, entrepreneurs, capitalism, socialism, federal government). Small business and entrepreneurs scored the highest, their 97% and 90% approval ratings each an all-time high. It’s likely COVID-19 only strengthened this near-universal support.
Facing a small business economy in shambles and persistent inequities in access to entrepreneurship, President Biden and his administration face a unique opportunity. Few, if any, other Day One policy priorities are as widely popular among both Democrats and Republicans.
As President Biden works to balance his policy goals with national healing, the moment is ripe for entrepreneurship to become an even greater priority.
America’s New Business Plan — both the original and the forthcoming refresh — was inspired around that notion of universal appeal. It is a roadmap that not only equips policymakers with solutions to pressing economic problems, but one that also ensures every leader — from small town mayors to the president — can pursue actions that bring Americans together by increasing access to entrepreneurship.
As President Biden said Wednesday, “This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward.
“And, we must meet this moment as the United States of America.”
A forthcoming update of America’s New Business Plan will expand on the existing set of recommendations that address long-standing disparities and inequities. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Twitter and be the first to receive the updated roadmap.