National Small Business Week (May 4-10) is a time for entrepreneurs across the U.S. to highlight their economic contributions — but a renewed debate over language and perception is taking center stage.
Chicago-based esthetician and business owner Victoria Chappell has been vocal about the term “small business.”
Chappell argued the label can undermine credibility.
“Calling my company a ‘small business’ feels dismissive,” Chappell told the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine. “It’s not just about size — it’s about impact. When customers hear ‘small,’ they assume limitations. It’s a microaggression that erodes trust in what we can achieve.”
Chappell’s critique reflects a broader push among owners to adopt terms like “independent business” or “local enterprise” to emphasize scale and community ties without minimizing their reach.
While the sector rebounds from pandemic-era lows, persistent hurdles remain.
A 2024 Federal Reserve report found loan approval rates for businesses under five years old fell to 45%, down from 51% in 2021.
Inflation also continues to strain budgets, with wholesale prices for goods like hardware and restaurant supplies up 25-30% since 2022, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Labor shortages in retail and hospitality, meanwhile, have slowed hiring despite wage increases.
Adaptability remains a hallmark. Many independent businesses credit social media with driving growth, leveraging platforms like TikTok and Instagram to bypass traditional advertising.
Others emphasize hyperlocal collaboration, such as the WNBA partnering with Indianapolis businesses ahead of All-Star Weekend in June.
Chappell stressed the importance of intentional language.
“Words shape how customers and investors perceive value,” Chappell said. “We aren’t small business. We are a mighty, local enterprise.”
Additionally, Chappell urged owners to seek mentorship through accredited organizations
“Surround yourself with people who’ve navigated these challenges and spaces,” Chappell said. “Growth isn’t a solo project.”
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more National Small Business Week news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
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