Lanham Business Receives Small Business Advocate Award

Small business owners are our nation’s primary job creators and they play an important role in our economy. But too often, their voices aren’t included in policy conversations. When small businesses speak up, they can impact policy decisions and help drive pro-small business policies. That’s why this year, Small Business Majority, a national small business advocacy organization, issued our inaugural regional Small Business Advocate Awards to 10 small business owners across the country who have spoken up on issues that matter to small businesses.

Right here in Maryland, we issued our award to Lya Wesley Britt, the owner of KBQ Real Barbeque in Lanham. Britt has been an important voice on paid sick leave policies. In October, she provided testimony to the Prince George’s County Council in support of a bill that would allow workers to earn up to seven days of paid sick leave and was featured in the media for her efforts.

For Britt, her employees are an extension of her family. She sees paid sick leave as an important benefit that helps her business retain employees and boosts overall employee morale and productivity.

While the paid sick leave proposal ultimately failed, Britt injected a key small business voice into the conversation – and she’s sure to keep fighting for policies that impact small businesses.

When small business owners speak up, it’s good for the economy. They know exactly what they need to be successful, and it’s crucial that lawmakers hear from them so they can pass pro-small business policies. This way, small business owners can focus on doing what they do best: driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening their local economies.