Building a Thriving, Family Friendly Workplace:
Insights from a White House Business Briefing

Greetings to our dedicated community of business leaders and advocates!

I recently had the privilege of attending the White House Southwest Regional Business Briefing, where we heard directly from Biden-Harris Administration officials about the ongoing efforts to bolster our local economies through entrepreneurship and small business ownership. The discussions were rich with insights and resources aimed at supporting businesses, especially those committed to creating family friendly workplaces.

At Family Friendly NM, our mission is to support businesses in thriving by fostering environments where families can flourish. We believe that when businesses adopt family friendly policies, they not only enhance the well-being of their employees but also drive productivity, loyalty, and overall success. The White House briefing reaffirmed the importance of our mission and provided valuable resources to help us continue this crucial work.

Key Policy Priorities and Resources for Family Friendly Businesses

The White House briefing highlighted several policy priorities and resources that align perfectly with our goals at Family Friendly NM. Here are some of the key takeaways:

1. 1. Investing in America Agenda: This initiative focuses on strengthening local economies through investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and small business support. For businesses in New Mexico, there are specific state fact sheets available that outline opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
   2. Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources: The SBA offers a wealth of resources designed to support small businesses. These include:
      • Digital Investing in America Small Business Hub: This hub provides detailed information on accessing grants, contracts, and other opportunities. It also includes free guides and examples of small businesses that have successfully secured funding.
      • Capital Access: SBA’s lending resources are invaluable for businesses looking to grow. Programs like the Lender Match Program can help businesses find competitive funding opportunities.
      • Government Contracting and Business Development: SBA programs aim to help small businesses win federal contracts, which can be a significant boost for growth and stability.
   3. Entrepreneurial Development: Access to training and counseling is crucial for business success. The SBA’s network includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and the Association of Women’s Business Centers, all offering support tailored to the needs of small businesses.
   4. Disaster Recovery & Resilience: The SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience provides essential support to businesses affected by disasters, helping them recover and build resilience against future challenges.

Integrating Family Friendly Policies for Business Success

At Family Friendly NM, we recognize that implementing family friendly policies is a key driver of business success. Policies such as flexible working hours, paid family leave, and on-site or near site childcare not only support employees in balancing work and family life but also enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

During the briefing, I had the opportunity to ask two critical questions that are close to our hearts at Family Friendly NM:

1. Childcare for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: I inquired about the availability and support for childcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs. The response was encouraging, highlighting that the SBA recognizes the importance of accessible childcare and is working to include this in their support programs. They emphasized that integrating childcare support is crucial for enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses without sacrificing their families’ needs.
2. Family Friendly Workplaces as a Strategy for Business Development: I also asked how the SBA is positioning family friendly workplaces as a key strategy for supporting business development. While the SBA is doing incredible work in supporting small businesses, they have not yet fully integrated the messaging about the critical role family friendly workplaces play in business development. This is where Family Friendly NM steps in. We will continue to be the voice advocating for the integration of family friendly policies as a core business strategy, ensuring that the needs of both businesses and families are met.

Moving Forward Together

We are grateful for the continued partnership with the White House and the SBA as we work towards creating more family-friendly workplaces across New Mexico and beyond. We encourage all business owners and leaders to explore the resources available and to consider how family-friendly policies can contribute to a thriving, resilient business environment.

Thank you for your commitment to supporting families and businesses. Together, we can build a brighter future where both businesses and families thrive, and EVERY workplace is a family-friendly workplace.

Giovanna Rossi
Results strategist & President/CEO
Collective Action Strategies, LLC

Giovanna Rossi is a results strategist and the President/CEO of Collective Action Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to improving the health and lives of women and families through personal, policy and leadership development. Giovanna holds a Master of Science degree in Public Policy from the London School of Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of New Mexico. Giovanna was the first ever women’s health policy advisor for the state of New Mexico and was a women’s studies adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico. She is passionate about improving the health and lives of women and families through work-life policy, economic self-sufficiency and health for women, making sure all children are supported and thriving, and addressing gender inequities in programs, policies, and services. She is the founder of Well Woman LifeTM, which supports women to achieve their highest level of fulfillment and well-being and founder of the Family Friendly Business Award®. Giovanna is host of The Well Woman show on NPR One, a regular panelist on New Mexico PBS In Focus, contributor on Forbes.com and a 2018 Women of Influence honoree.