Washington, D.C. — On January 22, 2025, Forefront co-hosted the Economic Revival: Small Business Growth Summit, bringing together entrepreneurs, advocates, and policy leaders to spotlight the challenges—and power—of small businesses in distressed communities. The summit highlighted how economic justice and community-driven development must be central to any meaningful recovery.

The day-long event featured panels on financial accessibility, anti-predatory lending reforms, and rebuilding local economies without corporate displacement. Keynote speakers included former HUD officials, small business owners from rural health deserts, and economists focused on racial wealth equity.

“Too often, small businesses in struggling communities are left behind in policy conversations,” said Forefront’s Executive Director. “This summit was about putting them back at the center of our economic future.”

In breakout sessions, attendees shared firsthand accounts of overcoming systemic barriers—ranging from redlining and disinvestment to pandemic-era neglect—and offered policy ideas rooted in lived experience. The summit concluded with the announcement of Forefront’s new initiative: a watchdog task force to monitor misuse of economic development grants and tax subsidies in distressed regions.

As one local entrepreneur put it:

“We don’t need another handout—we need fairness, access, and a seat at the table.”

The summit marked a major step in Forefront’s push to tie economic justice to broader structural reform.