About

A Fair Shot.

Main Street Alliance (MSA) champions Main Street voices to create a thriving economy. We cultivate a network of entrepreneurs, connecting them with resources to build sustainable enterprises and uplift their communities. Our membership drives state and federal policymaking that gives a fair shot to small businesses and strengthens local economies nationwide.

The America We envision

We envision an America where small business owners are more than economic players—they are a powerful force shaping the future.

In our vision, Main Street thrives because entrepreneurs don’t just run businesses—they build communities, drive innovation, and lead the fight for a fair economy.

We see a future where:

  • Entrepreneurs share knowledge and power, strengthening each other through collective action.

  • Small business owners set the economic agenda, ensuring policies reflect the realities of Main Street—not just Wall Street.

  • Every business—from sole proprietors to growing enterprises—has a seat at the table, shaping a marketplace that is competitive, sustainable, and just.

Building Power.        Winning Change. Defending Democracy.

If you want to build people power, you start by listening to the people. That belief has guided Main Street Alliance since day one.

We were founded in 2008 by small business owners who saw a system rigged against them. From Maine to Washington, they organized—not as lobbyists, but as entrepreneurs fighting for a seat at the table. Their first battle? Health care. They made sure small businesses weren’t shut out of the debate, helping pave the way for the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

  • When Wall Street crashed the economy in 2008, we channeled crisis into collective action. We built a powerful small business coalition, secured funding for local organizers, and equipped entrepreneurs to advocate for their own survival.

    That groundwork paid off in 2020, when Main Street was on the brink again. We didn’t beg for help—we demanded it. Our members pushed lawmakers to pass the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan, securing billions in relief for small businesses. In Wisconsin alone, our advocacy delivered $1.3 billion—the highest per capita investment in the country.

    And we don’t just fight in moments of crisis—we win structural change. In Minnesota, we helped pass statewide paid leave in 2023, proving that small business owners support policies that strengthen their workforce and their bottom line.

Elevating Main Street Testimony

When small business owners share their experiences, their voices carry weight.

Entrepreneurs are trusted community leaders, and equipping them with the information and resources to build sustainable enterprises creates lasting benefits for local economies.

With over 16 years of experience supporting small business networks, MSA has learned that lasting success comes from collaboration, shared knowledge, and strategic support. Our members have shown us that the most effective initiatives are built on research, strong peer networks, and access to resources that help businesses navigate challenges and opportunities. This understanding shapes how we support small business owners, ensuring they have the tools they need to grow and thrive.

  • We’re not just another business group—we’re a movement. We organize, mobilize, and turn small business power into real-world change. Here’s how:

    • We listen—and we act. Through internal polling and direct outreach, we tap into what entrepreneurs actually need—not what corporate lobbyists think they need.

    • We transform small businesses into power hubs. Our members don’t just run businesses—they build communities. We help them turn their spaces into organizing centers where local economies and democracy thrive.

    • We train entrepreneurs to lead. Whether it’s advocacy, business growth, or policy fights, we equip small business owners with the tools to take charge—on Main Street and in the halls of power.

    • We build deep connections. Through dynamic events and coalitions, we bring business owners, community leaders, and elected officials together to turn shared challenges into collective action.

    • We turn knowledge into power. Peer-to-peer learning and access to critical resources ensure that every entrepreneur—no matter their size or background—has a fair shot at success.

    • We mobilize online and offline. Our high-impact digital advocacy unites thousands of small business owners to fight for an economy that works for us, not just for Wall Street.

Inclusive Organizing

At the heart of MSA’s work is a commitment to meaningful engagement, an approach that values the diverse experiences and expertise of small business owners.

Our network thrives on collaboration, where entrepreneurs come together to share best practices, access resources, and build lasting connections that strengthen their businesses and communities.

MSA recognizes that many entrepreneurs face barriers to accessing capital and opportunities. By fostering a supportive environment, we help ensure that all small business owners—regardless of background—can navigate challenges, grow their enterprises, and contribute to a thriving economy. A strong, diverse small business community fuels innovation, strengthens local economies, and creates opportunities that benefit everyone.

Team

Staff

  • Richard Trent

    Executive Director

  • Shawn Phetteplace

    Campaigns Director

  • Chris Collins

    Deputy Director

  • Tyson Kauffman

    Operations Coordinator

Board

  • Molly Weston Williamson

    Sr. Fellow, Center for American Progress

  • Michelle Tressler

    Co-owner, Hinterland Brewery & Restaurant

  • Thomas Lee Johnson

    CEO and Founder, Agile Immersive

  • Isral DeBruin

    Director of Communications, City Fund

  • J. Kelly Conklin

    Board Treasurer, Foley Waite Associates

  • David Borris

    Board President, Hel’s Kitchen Catering

Supporters