Listening to Rota’s Business Community
When we talk about the need for government to better support small businesses, there’s no greater example than Rota. I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Rota Chamber of Commerce over the weekend to hear directly about the state of the island’s economy, the barriers local businesses face, and the ideas they have to drive growth. We discussed port access, high shipping costs, lengthy delays with SAM.gov registration, and how current SBA requirements—like needing a bank denial letter—simply don’t work in a small-market setting like Rota. These challenges are holding back businesses that are doing everything they can to support their community. I’m committed to advocating for solutions that reflect the realities on the ground—ones that are fair, flexible, and tailored to the needs of amazing communities like Rota.