Roy Cooper Launches North Carolina Senate Bid

The **United States Senate** includes several key committees critical to business and technology policy, notably the *Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship* and the *Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation*. These committees play pivotal roles in shaping legislation that impacts small businesses, innovation, technology development, and commerce nationwide. The **Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship** advocates for small businesses by overseeing the Small Business Administration (SBA), which provides capital access, education, technical assistance, and federal contracting opportunities to small enterprises. This committee’s historical role has been to ensure the vitality of small businesses, which are essential to the American economy. Recent efforts include bipartisan reforms targeting SBA program efficiency, fraud prevention related to pandemic aid, and support for entrepreneurship in underserved communities. They also focus on programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), which connect federal agencies with private entrepreneurs to accelerate research and development in critical tech areas, thereby maintaining U.S. technological leadership[1][4][5][8]. The **Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation** is one of the largest Senate committees, overseeing broad sectors including consumer protection, economic development, manufacturing, trade, science, and transportation infrastructure. It addresses emerging technologies, environmental issues like climate change, and space exploration, both government-funded and private. This committee significantly influences national business practices, product safety, competitiveness, and innovation ecosystems, affecting industries from maritime to digital technology[2][7]. Notable recent activities include Senate hearings on Big Tech antitrust and competition policies, emphasizing the need to regulate dominant technology firms to foster innovation and protect consumers and workers. This aligns with broader legislative efforts addressing artificial intelligence and technological competitiveness in 2025[6][10]. In summary, the Senate’s organizational structure and committees serve as crucial instruments in shaping U.S. business and technology landscapes. Through oversight, legislation, and reform initiatives, they support small businesses, promote innovation

North Carolina, recognized as America's Top State for Business by CNBC in 2025 for the third time in four years, is a key player in the U.S. economy due to its diverse industry sectors and strategic geographic location[1]. The state supports advanced manufacturing in automotive and aerospace, life sciences production, and financial services, creating jobs across various professional and educational levels. Its business-friendly environment is underpinned by a relatively low corporate tax rate, favorable regulations, and incentives targeting high-growth sectors, enhanced by ongoing public and private investments in infrastructure like highways, broadband, and industrial sites[1]. Historically, North Carolina has transformed from one of the original thirteen states into a vibrant economy with one of the South’s strongest manufacturing bases, complemented by a growing service sector[4]. This economic vitality has been bolstered by stable governance and a reputation for progress and opportunity, attracting businesses nationally and internationally[4]. The state’s political landscape is notably “purple,” featuring balanced representation that facilitates pragmatic economic development strategies through public-private partnerships, notably the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)[1]. In 2025, Governor Josh Stein emphasized workforce development as a priority, proposing initiatives to double apprenticeships and provide free community college for students certified in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and IT[3]. This focus on workforce skills aims to meet the needs of a growing economy while offering accessible pathways to well-paying jobs without requiring a bachelor's degree[3]. The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce actively advocates for reforms to strengthen the state’s business climate, including tort liability reforms, tax policy adjustments, and regulatory efficiency to foster economic growth and protect businesses from unnecessary burdens[5]. The state legislature continues to navigate complex budget sessions, balancing spending on education, hurricane relief, and economic development amid political negotiations[2][6]. Overall, North Carolina stands out as a resilient, innovation-driven hub with a well-rounded economy, supportive public policies, and a commitment to workforc