On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America’s small businesses.

With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small businesses, Bruce explains why many Main Street entrepreneurs still feel locked out of opportunity—especially when it comes to federal contracts that are supposed to support small firms. The conversation dives into the hidden barriers small business owners face, including regulatory burdens, complex federal paperwork, rising costs, and a contracting system critics say disproportionately benefits large corporations.

Elaine and Bruce also explore the broader economic landscape, including the state of the U.S. economy, consumer confidence, hiring trends, and how global tensions—such as the growing conflict involving Iran—could impact energy prices, supply chains, and small businesses across the country.

Plus, Bruce outlines what policymakers could do right now to unleash a major economic boost for Main Street by ensuring federal contracting rules truly benefit small businesses.