In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, success isn’t just about bottom lines and balance sheets. It’s about making a meaningful impact–not only in your business but in your community, industry, and beyond. This is where advocacy serves as a powerful tool that can transform individual voices into collective momentum for change.

You know Flint Avenue, LLC Founder and CEO, Amy Wood, the 2024 Lewis Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year, whose personal and professional journey exemplifies the true spirit of advocacy. Her story isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s also about how Wood sees herself as a part of something greater, an ecosystem of entrepreneurship and community. It’s about how one passionate individual can spark widespread transformation. This month, we’ve been sharing a three-part series on advocacy that begins with Wood’s recognition and her own experience but is also something anyone can engage in.

Understanding Advocacy: More Than Just a Buzzword

At its core, advocacy is about championing a cause, supporting a group, or promoting a specific change. It’s the art of speaking up, standing firm, and creating momentum for issues that matter. Advocacy isn’t reserved for politicians or professional activists—it’s a universal language of positive change that anyone can speak.

For small business owners, advocacy can take many forms. It might mean supporting policies that help entrepreneurs, raising awareness about challenges in your industry, or standing up for your community’s economic development. The beauty of advocacy is its flexibility—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Why Advocacy Matters: Beyond Personal Interests

Advocacy is crucial because it:

1. Amplifies Unheard Voices: Small businesses often face unique challenges that can go unnoticed by larger economic frameworks. By advocating, you bring these experiences to the forefront, helping policymakers and stakeholders understand the real-world impact of their decisions.
2. Creates Systemic Change: Individual stories become powerful when woven together. When business owners unite to address shared challenges, they can influence regulations, secure better support systems, and create more equitable business environments.
3. Builds Community Resilience: Advocacy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about building stronger, more connected communities. By supporting each other and speaking up, small business owners can create networks of support and mutual growth.

Amy Wood: A Beacon of Entrepreneurial Advocacy

As the 2024 National Small Business Advocate of the Year, Amy Wood embodies the transformative power of advocacy. Her work has focused on supporting small businesses, participating in entrepreneurship programs, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and pushing nationally for more inclusive economic policies. Wood didn’t start as a professional advocate. She began by simply sharing her story, connecting with other business owners, and gradually building a platform that amplified collective experiences. Her journey demonstrates that advocacy starts with authenticity, passion, and a genuine desire to create positive change, whether it’s in your own community or for the benefit of a larger platform.

How You Can Become an Advocate: Practical Steps

Advocacy might seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you might think. Here are practical ways small business owners can become advocates:

Overcoming Challenges in the Digital Shift

While the benefits of digital transformation are clear, it’s important to note that the journey comes with challenges. Common obstacles include:

1. Share Your Story: Your experiences are powerful. Write blog posts, speak at local events, or participate in panel discussions about your business journey.
2. Engage with Local Policies: Attend city council meetings, join local business associations, and stay informed about regulations affecting small businesses.
3. Support Other Entrepreneurs: Mentor emerging business owners, share resources, and create supportive networks.
4. Leverage Social Media: Use your platforms to raise awareness about issues affecting small businesses and share informative content.
5. Connect with Professional Organizations: Join groups like the National Small Business Association (NSBA), local chambers of commerce or other business networking organizations to amplify your voice.

The Ripple Effect of Advocacy

Remember, advocacy isn’t about making grand, sweeping changes overnight. It’s about consistent, meaningful actions that gradually create a substantial impact. Every conversation, every shared experience, and every stand you take contributes to a larger narrative of progress.

Amy Wood’s journey reminds us that advocacy is a collaborative effort – it’s everyone’s job. It’s about building bridges, creating understanding, and working together toward common goals.

Your Advocacy Starts Now

As a small business owner, you have a unique perspective and powerful voice. Embrace advocacy not as an additional task, but as an integral part of your entrepreneurial journey. Start small, stay authentic, and watch how your voice can inspire change.

Advocacy isn’t just about speaking—it’s about listening, understanding, and working together to create a more supportive, innovative, and inclusive business landscape.