SEASON 5, EPISODE 5
Fueling America’s Entrepreneurial Engine – A Conversation with John Dearie
In this insightful discussion, Host David Ponraj speaks with John Dearie, President of the Center for American Entrepreneurship (CAE). John lays out a compelling case for why fostering entrepreneurship is pivotal for driving U.S. economic growth, job creation, and innovation. As America faces challenges around lackluster economic performance and declining startup rates, Dearie and his organization are working to put entrepreneurship at the forefront of the policy agenda. Some critical takeaways from this conversation:
Why Entrepreneurship Matters:
- Entrepreneurship is critical for economic growth, job creation, opportunity expansion and rising wages
- Most major innovations that have transformed economies stem from startups and entrepreneurs
- U.S. entrepreneurship has been in decline for 4 decades, contributing to slower economic growth
- Reversing this trend is “one of the most important and fundamental challenges facing the country”
CAE’s Mission:
- Educate policymakers on the vital role of entrepreneurship and reduce barriers to starting businesses
- Advocate for an “American Entrepreneurship Agenda” addressing capital, talent, regulation, and more
- Champion inclusive entrepreneurship by expanding access for women and entrepreneurs of color
- Support entrepreneurs at all stages from starting up to recovering from failure
Policy Victories:
- Established first Congressional Entrepreneurship Caucuses in House and Senate
- Key role in bills like the Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act and CHIPS and Science Act
- Driving policies to restore startup R&D tax treatment and expand the child tax credit
- Pushing for bankruptcy reform, affordable healthcare, and reducing student debt burdens
Follow CAE for the latest on their work igniting entrepreneurial opportunities across America.
The CAE website: https://startupsusa.org/
CAE Socials: https://www.facebook.com/startupsusa/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-american-entrepreneurship/
Connect with John Dearie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dearie-b34565155/
About Breaking Down Barriers
This podcast explores the opportunity to build wealth in local, regional, and national economies through entrepreneurship-led economic development. Episodes feature changemakers with innovative approaches to empowering people to start businesses that create wealth for their families and improve outcomes for their communities. Conversations highlight work being done in communities across the U.S. to break down barriers to entrepreneurial opportunity in underserved and underrepresented communities. In this series, we share authentic stories about the impact that entrepreneurship-led economic development has on the local economy and connect a global network of passionate economic developers.
Special thanks to our renowned guests for joining the podcast! Click here to send us ideas. Subscribe in the footer to our newsletter to get updates and news delivered to your inbox!
Breaking Down Barriers is a presentation of Economic Impact Catalyst and is hosted by David Ponraj with production and editing by Jacqui Dietrich and Lauren Bernard with voice talent by Antoine Long. Please rate, review, and subscribe to Breaking Down Barriers, available for free wherever you listen to your podcasts!
