Community & Research
Amplifying the small business voice at federal and state levels
We know small businesses are the backbone of America and we have the data, insights, and resources to prove it.
That’s why we are committed to advocating for policies, resources, and opportunities that create financial prosperity and economic mobility for small business owners across the country who have historically lacked access to affordable and responsible financial and knowledge capital.
By amplifying real stories, we create a movement that changes the conversation around small business and drives meaningful change locally and nationally.
How do we advocate?
- Meet with policymakers and their staffers
- Testify at hearings
- Write and submit comment letters
- Author reports, briefs, and other policy communications to support causes
- Drive conversation on social media
- Involve small business owners and send comment letters on their behalf
- Join coalitions to advance shared priorities
- Share client stories with policymakers
Advocacy victories
- Led the enactment of the first Truth in Lending laws for small businesses in California and New York
- Introduced federal small business truth in lending act
- Developed along with the RBLC, the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights
- Increased appropriations funding to the CDFI Fund year after year
- Extended the New Markets Tax Credit program for five years with $5 billion in funding
- Created the California Investment and Innovation Fund with $50 million in initial funding for CDFIs
- Reauthorized the State Small Business Credit Initiative
AOF 2024 Policy Priorities
Learn more about the issues that guide local advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with the Administration.
New Markets Tax Credit
AOF is committed to community investment
AOF’s New Markets Tax Credit program leverages federal tax credits to invest in constructing, rehabilitating, and expanding nonprofit-operated facilities throughout the U.S. that provide basic safety net services to low-income communities
2025 outlook with Luz Urrutia
As CEO, I am very proud of the impactful work AOF has done to provide capital to entrepreneurs that are often left behind by our financial system.”
Luz Urrutia, President & CEO