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As a chief operating officer and advocate for women-owned businesses, I approach new policy ideas with a practical lens: Will this help small businesses run more efficiently? Will it reduce the operational burdens we face? Will it create a more supportive environment for growth?
Gov. Mike Braun’s approach to small business policy has caught my attention for those reasons. His background as a business owner—and his wife’s decades-long experience running a small retail store—bring a level of relatability that’s not always present in public service. That doesn’t automatically make his policies effective, but it does suggest an understanding of what it takes to keep a business running day in and day out.
In particular, House Bill 1172, which proposes establishing an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, could provide targeted support to the kinds of businesses that drive much of Indiana’s economy. For women-owned businesses—many of which are still fighting for equal access to capital, networks and visibility—this kind of dedicated infrastructure could be a step in the right direction.
As someone responsible for managing budgets, teams, compliance and strategy, I’m especially interested in policy that helps remove red tape, clarifies regulations and strengthens our workforce. Braun’s focus on these areas is promising. If his administration continues to engage directly with business leaders and listens to those on the ground, there’s real potential to make progress.
There’s still a lot to learn and evaluate. But I believe this is a moment worth paying attention to—especially for women-owned businesses that have long operated within systems not built with us in mind. With thoughtful implementation and ongoing dialogue, Indiana could become a place where small businesses are not just supported but truly empowered to thrive.•
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Sponsel is chief operating officer of Netlogx and a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners board.
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