White Paper: Why Governments Must Distinguish Startups from Small Businesses

The research policymakers, investors, and founders are already citing to fix economic development policy.

Governments around the world still treat startups as if they were just “small businesses.” They’re not. And every time policy fails to distinguish between the two, funding gets misallocated, innovation is slowed, and the very ventures driving job creation and competitiveness are handicapped.

This white paper gives policymakers, economists, and venture leaders a practical framework for change—built on evidence, rooted in the history of entrepreneurship policy, and pointing to the SBA as a test case for reform.

Free subscribers receive a summary. Paid subscribers get the complete policy brief plus private strategy sessions each quarter; direct time with me to discuss how these frameworks impact your venture, portfolio, or agency.

This paper has been discussed in the Texas Legislature, cited in startup ecosystem reports, and shared with federal policymakers. It’s not theory, it’s a playbook already influencing decisions.

Share a copy with city, state, or federal representatives, or peers in government administration.

• Forward it to economic developers, investors, and policymakers in your network.

• Or join as a paid subscriber and work with me directly on bringing these insights into your pitch, your agency, or your portfolio strategy.

Policy doesn’t change by itself. This is your chance to be ahead of the curve. Join here as a paid subscriber to access the full brief and to book your private strategy session this quarter.