In early 2016, Congress passed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (TFTEA), establishing a new role for the Office of Advocacy: to facilitate greater consideration of small business issues during international trade negotiations. On May 18, 2017, the President notified Congress of the intent to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This triggered Advocacy’s obligations under TFTEA, including developing a report for Congress on the views of small business on the potential economic effects of a renegotiated NAFTA.

As a part of this new responsibility, Advocacy is hosting outreach meetings across the country to hear first-hand from small business affected by international trade with Canada and Mexico about the issues that most concern and/or impact them. In order for this outreach effort to be successful, we need small business participation. This will be an opportunity for small business leaders to educate Advocacy and federal agencies through first-hand accounts of how they have been impacted by NAFTA Registration for this event is free, however please fill out the registration form below so that we will be prepared to discuss your trade issues.

The Office of Advocacy is an independent office housed in the U.S. Small Business Administration that serves as an independent voice for small business within the federal government, the watchdog for the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) and the source of small business statistics. Advocacy advances the views and concerns of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers.

From 1:30-4:30pm the Office of Advocacy will be holding an international trade outreach meeting on the NAFTA Renegotiation. Advocacy staff wants to hear small business perspectives on priorities, opportunities and challenges of a renegotiated NAFTA. Small businesses are welcome to come at any time during those three hours for as little or as long as their schedule will permit to engage in the conversation. Small Businesses do not need to attend for the full duration. Advocacy staff and Federal Agency staff will be in attendance to hear your comments and concerns.