The Baker administration’s aid package to small businesses is a good start and will provide assistance to many businesses struggling to survive as Massachusetts emerges from the pandemic. However, we must do more.

We must provide small businesses access to capital that can be used not only for capital investments, but capital that is flexible and can be used to impact operating budgets such as the hiring and retention of qualified employees. We also have to learn the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, and help small businesses build a support network that goes beyond the challenging first and second years so that they are able to survive and thrive, even in the face of economic disruption.

And finally, small businesses must have a seat at the table as we address all the issues that are impacting their ability to thrive—climate change, housing, transportation, education and childcare.

I will be releasing a small business plan in the weeks to come and look forward to having discussions across the Commonwealth with small business owners, their employees, leaders of the community in which small businesses are located, and others who have a stake in their success and long-term success.

After a business career, Bret joined the faculty of Babson College in order to share his experience with the next generation. Bret currently teaches strategic problem solving, management consulting, and Leading Business Turnarounds. He holds degrees from Middlebury College and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Bret and his wife Joan, an Occupational Therapist in the Weston Public Schools, were high school sweethearts and have two adult children and two grandchildren. After living in the Concord Carlisle area for over 20 years, they moved into Boston in 2014.