HARRISBURG, Pa. (Feb. 22, 2023) – GO BIG SMALL BIZ NETWORK is stepping forward in 2023 to be a dynamic, new voice for Pennsylvania small businesses. Based in Harrisburg, the new organization was formed by entrepreneurs in the wake of the pandemic to exclusively advocate for the rights of small businesses.
Go Big Small Biz was created by Tracey and Jeff Wakeen, who previously owned a female fitness center in Cumberland County with 800 members. In the first year of pandemic lockdowns, the center lost more than half of its members and was forced to shut its doors in October 2021.
The new organization will focus strongly on member education and advocacy efforts on proposed legislative and regulatory policies that directly impact job creators. There are more than one million small businesses in Pennsylvania, comprising over 90% of all businesses. In the early days of the pandemic, from March to December 2020, small businesses lost $3.4 trillion worldwide.
“Like so many others, our Pennsylvania small businesses suffered greatly during the pandemic,” Tracey Wakeen said. “It was a painful lesson that small businesses have to be more involved in shaping policies. We decided to do something about it and started the Go Big Small Biz Network. We intend to provide a big voice for small business in the halls of government.”
To become a member, visit the website at gobigsmallbiz.com or email membership@gobigsmallbiz.com. You also can find the group on Twitter (@gobigsmallbiz), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram (@gobigsmallbiz).
