To mark National Small Business Week, May 4–10, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota gathered members of Congress and industry leaders to talk about pro-business policies. NAR was there to discuss federal policy and its impact on the nation’s small real estate businesses.
Business meeting at a conference table
© U.S. House / Office of the Majority Whip / Rep. Tom Emmer
Shannon McGahn, center, joins lawmakers and industry leaders on Capitol Hill for a National Small Business Week discussion on policies that empower small-business owners.

National Association of REALTORS® Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn joined lawmakers and fellow industry leaders on Capitol Hill this week for a Small Business Roundtable hosted by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.). The event marked National Small Business Week and focused on advancing pro-growth policies for the nation’s entrepreneurs.

McGahn spoke on behalf of the real estate profession—one made up overwhelmingly of independent contractors and small-business owners—emphasizing the need for policies that promote stability, opportunity and flexibility.

“[Our members] are small businesses in motion. More than 90% are classified as independent contractors. They are job creators, community leaders and economic drivers,” McGahn says. “When Congress supports small businesses through policy, they’re also supporting housing, Main Street and the millions of families our members serve.”

The roundtable included remarks from Rep. Emmer, House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-Texas), and several other members of Congress who emphasized the vital role that small businesses play in the U.S. economy. McGahn shared NAR’s perspective on issues including independent contractor protections, association health plans, access to credit, and the need for affordable commercial and residential real estate space.

Representatives from the National Association of Home Builders, International Franchise Association, National Federation of Independent Business and other key stakeholders were also in attendance. They voiced unified support for reducing burdens on entrepreneurs and ensuring the sustainability of the small-business sector.

“Making up 99% of all businesses in America, small businesses are pillars of economic growth and community strength,” Emmer says. “Hearing directly from the people on the front line—including REALTORS® [NAR members]—helps us shape smarter policy.”  

In a social post promoting the event, Emmer added, “It was great to host small business stakeholders today for a roundtable discussion on how Congress can deliver policies that help them grow and succeed.” 

Participation in events like this week’s Small Business Roundtable underscores NAR’s ongoing commitment to advocating for small business–friendly legislation, tax fairness and access to opportunity for its members across the country.