In this episode, Bruce De Torres breaks down the myths surrounding federal support for small businesses and the real impact of the Small Business Administration. He reveals how only a tiny fraction of small businesses ever receive SBA-backed loans—despite the narrative pushed in politics and the media. De Torres calls for a closer look at the numbers and a serious rethink of how government programs are evaluated when it comes to helping America’s entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Bruce De Torres breaks down the myths surrounding federal support for small businesses and the real impact of the Small Business Administration. He reveals how only a tiny fraction of small businesses ever receive SBA-backed loans&mdash;despite the narrative pushed in politics and the media. De Torres calls for a closer look at the numbers and a serious rethink of how government programs are evaluated when it comes to helping America&rsquo;s entrepreneurs.

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters

In this episode, Bruce De Torres breaks down the myths surrounding federal support for small businesses and the real impact of the Small Business Administration. He reveals how only a tiny fraction of small businesses ever receive SBA-backed loans—despite the narrative pushed in politics and the media.

The Truth About SBA Loans: Why Most Small Businesses Never Get Government Support

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by Holly Swenson for an in-depth conversation on the rapid rise of homeschooling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elaine and Holly explore why more families are rethinking traditional education, highlighting the growing demand for parental empowerment, flexibility, and individualized learning. Holly shares her personal homeschooling journey, explaining how tailored education can better meet children’s academic needs while also supporting emotional well-being.

The discussion also addresses the mental health challenges facing today’s students, the pressures placed on families by conventional school systems, and why choice in education is critical for long-term success. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of self-care for parents and the value of creating learning environments that prioritize both academic growth and personal development. 

Purchase Holly's Book 'Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper and More Joyful Connections with Yourself and Your Children' HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Drop-Grow-Glow-Connections/dp/1950476723

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by Holly Swenson for an in-depth conversation on the rapid rise of homeschooling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elaine and Holly explore why more families are rethinking traditional education, highlighting the growing demand for parental empowerment, flexibility, and individualized learning. Holly shares her personal homeschooling journey, explaining how tailored education can better meet children&rsquo;s academic needs while also supporting emotional well-being.
The discussion also addresses the mental health challenges facing today&rsquo;s students, the pressures placed on families by conventional school systems, and why choice in education is critical for long-term success. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of self-care for parents and the value of creating learning environments that prioritize both academic growth and personal development.&nbsp;
Purchase Holly's Book 'Stop, Drop, Grow, &amp; Glow: Forming Deeper and More Joyful Connections with Yourself and Your Children' HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Drop-Grow-Glow-Connections/dp/1950476723

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by Holly Swenson for an in-depth conversation on the rapid rise of homeschooling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elaine and Holly explore why more families are rethinking traditional education, highlighting the growing demand for parental empowerment, flexibility, and individualized learning.

Homeschooling After COVID: Parental Empowerment, Mental Health & Education Choice

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/47908bf7-11c8-459f-9817-b3d4002932f7/transcript

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chuck Barnum, Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Chamber, to discuss how the organization is empowering America’s small businesses through advocacy, networking, and innovative healthcare solutions. Chuck explains the launch of the Freedom Chamber, including its new Health Guardianship Plan designed to give entrepreneurs and their employees more affordable, flexible healthcare options.

They also explore how current legislation and regulatory pressures impact small business owners, why transparency and trust are critical in today’s economy, and how a pro-American business network can help level the playing field against corporate and government overreach. From navigating healthcare choices to building a resilient business community, this conversation delivers practical insights for anyone invested in the future of Main Street. 

Learn more about Freedom Chamber | https://freedomchamber.net/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chuck Barnum, Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Chamber, to discuss how the organization is empowering America&rsquo;s small businesses through advocacy, networking, and innovative healthcare solutions. Chuck explains the launch of the Freedom Chamber, including its new Health Guardianship Plan designed to give entrepreneurs and their employees more affordable, flexible healthcare options.
They also explore how current legislation and regulatory pressures impact small business owners, why transparency and trust are critical in today&rsquo;s economy, and how a pro-American business network can help level the playing field against corporate and government overreach. From navigating healthcare choices to building a resilient business community, this conversation delivers practical insights for anyone invested in the future of Main Street.&nbsp;
Learn more about Freedom Chamber | https://freedomchamber.net/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Chuck Barnum, Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Chamber, to discuss how the organization is empowering America’s small businesses through advocacy, networking, and innovative healthcare solutions.

How Freedom Chamber Is Fighting for Small Businesses & Affordable Healthcare

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/7e0bd518-edd3-4798-a5d5-b3d200cd2099/transcript

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by journalist and author Dennis Kneale for a wide-ranging discussion on the economic and social crises unfolding in New York City and Oregon. They examine how progressive policies, high taxes, and burdensome regulations are impacting small businesses, fueling homelessness, and driving residents out of major cities.

The conversation explores the deeper ideological divide between individualism and collectivism, the role of education in shaping political beliefs, and what critics call a failure of leadership to confront reality. Kneale also previews insights from his forthcoming book, Ore-Goners, drawing striking parallels between Oregon’s trajectory and the potential future of New York City if current policies continue.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by journalist and author Dennis Kneale for a wide-ranging discussion on the economic and social crises unfolding in New York City and Oregon. They examine how progressive policies, high taxes, and burdensome regulations are impacting small businesses, fueling homelessness, and driving residents out of major cities.
The conversation explores the deeper ideological divide between individualism and collectivism, the role of education in shaping political beliefs, and what critics call a failure of leadership to confront reality. Kneale also previews insights from his forthcoming book, Ore-Goners, drawing striking parallels between Oregon&rsquo;s trajectory and the potential future of New York City if current policies continue.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker is joined by journalist and author Dennis Kneale for a wide-ranging discussion on the economic and social crises unfolding in New York City and Oregon.

How Progressive Policies Are Driving New York & Oregon Into Crisis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/4e5ef08e-7740-44d0-8128-b3cd003e3dc4/transcript

The Truth About SBA Loans: Why Most Small Businesses Never Get Government Support

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