Small Business: Entrepreneurs Find Fresh Motivation at the U.S. Small Business Forum 2025
In a world where small businesses are the heartbeat of local communities, inspiration and innovation often come from shared experiences and powerful conversations. That’s exactly what happened at the 2025 Small Business Forum, where entrepreneurs from across the country gathered to connect, learn, and gain new tools to grow their businesses. Following the celebration of CO 100 America’s Top 100 Small Businesses and the announcement of Dynamic Automotive as the CO 100 Top Small Business 2025 the event continued with valuable insights, heartfelt stories, and expert guidance designed to empower small business leaders everywhere.
Building Trust, One Customer at a Time
Dwayne Myers, CEO of Dynamic Automotive, set the tone with an inspiring conversation about what drives his company’s success. Sharing the story behind their heartfelt tagline, “Where Customers Become Friends,” Myers emphasized that true growth comes from genuine relationships, not just transactions.
“I encourage our team to take a minute, to take five minutes make that personal connection,” he said. “We’re dealing with customers’ second biggest expense after their home there are trust issues. The best way to build trust is to build a relationship.”
While some might see this slower, more personal approach as less efficient, Myers believes it pays off in loyalty and long-term success. His company also invests heavily in its people, offering apprenticeship programs for high school graduates and older workers. This ensures a steady pipeline of skilled talent and fosters a sense of belonging among employees.
“When you develop your team, your people stay with you,” Myers explained. “It’s more than money they feel they’re part of something.”
Google’s New AI Initiative Empowers Entrepreneurs
Another highlight of the forum came from Google, which announced a groundbreaking initiative called Small Business B(AI)sics. This national program aims to help small business owners harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost growth and strengthen local economies.
Christopher Turner, Google’s Global Head of Information and Knowledge Products, encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace technology with curiosity and confidence.
“The biggest thing that you can do is figure out how to use this stuff,” Turner said. “You’ll be able to pick it up and figure it out relatively easily. The thing to do over the next couple of years is to pick this up and play with it.”
Developed in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CO , and the U.S. Chamber Foundation, and supported by Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund, the initiative aims to reach 40,000 small business owners over the next three years. Through flexible, free online and in person training, entrepreneurs can learn how to integrate AI tools into their operations helping them stay ahead of the competition.
Turner also delivered a powerful reminder:
“Your greatest risk is your competitor figuring out how to use this stuff faster than you.”
A Strong Economy and the Potential for More
Closing the forum, Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the current state of the American economy.
“We have an amazingly strong economy,” Bradley said. “We think we could be growing even more strongly…The government is helping in some places, like the Tax Bill. But it’s hurting in others tariffs, uncertainty, and government shutdowns keep holding us back from our real potential.”
Bradley stressed the need for stability and collaboration at the federal level, noting that the ongoing government shutdown is already affecting small businesses, especially through delays in Small Business Administration loan processing.
“A well-functioning economy needs a functioning government,” he said. “Shutdowns are choices. This is a bad choice. Hopefully, our elected officials will realize that quickly and bring it to an end.”
A Message of Hope for Small Business Owners
From heartfelt advice on building trust to cutting edge AI education and thoughtful policy discussions, the Small Business Forum 2025 delivered a powerful message: small business owners are not alone. With innovation, collaboration, and the right tools, entrepreneurs can not only adapt to change but thrive in it.
As Dwayne Myers and other leaders reminded everyone, success in business is not just about profits it’s about people, passion, and purpose.
Disclaimer: This article is a journalistic summary based on public information from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Forum 2025. It is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only.
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