Dr. Patrise HoldenAlongside thousands of formerly employed federal and corporate workers lies a second group of Americans hit hard by downsized jobs and lost wages without ever receiving a formal pink slip: small business owners. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that 58% of small business owners cite inflation costs as a significant challenge, with 35% concerned about declining revenue. “More than anything, learn to work together and partner with other business owners in your community,” Campbell indicated. Those points of connection proved invaluable.”Goode also offered practical advice for small business survival in an uncertain economy. Rosemary Suggs-Evans, director of the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business, urged the District’s more than 70,000 business owners to take advantage of the programs offered by CHCTDC and DSLBD, many of which are provided at no cost to small business owners.