The House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on Apr. 21 to discuss how the gig economy is influencing entrepreneurship in the United States. Chairman Roger Williams said the session aimed to examine how independent work is expanding opportunities and lowering barriers for Americans seeking to start and grow businesses.
The topic matters as more people turn to gig work, using digital platforms for flexible employment and business creation. Lawmakers are considering how policies can support this shift while ensuring entrepreneurs benefit from new economic models.
Williams said, “This hearing demonstrated that the rise of the gig economy is creating real opportunities on Main Street.” He added, “Independent work allows Americans to earn, build, and succeed on their own terms. Republicans delivered the Working Families Tax Cuts to secure this progress by lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and ensuring that gig entrepreneurs and small businesses keep more of their earnings.”
During the hearing, witnesses described how digital platforms help small businesses adapt and grow. Ms. Buxton explained that her company uses consultants and project-based workers: “We’ve been able to grow by working with various consultants and a fractional CFO...instead of having to do work for a client all year round, we can do work for them for two weeks—for a quick in-and-out project—which is really very helpful to our clients, and it’s helped us grow our business.” She said access to these capabilities would not have been possible without the flexibility offered by gig arrangements.
Worker classification was also discussed. Ms. Acevedo said clarity around independent contractor status matters because "the flexibility alone makes a big difference." She noted her company benefits from using delivery services like DoorDash when regular drivers are unavailable.
Ms. Sharp addressed questions about young entrepreneurs entering digital industries: "There are three basic ways that digital platforms support entrepreneurship...you are able to try out multiple kinds of work...it provides a ready, easy on-ramp to earning money immediately...you learn how to operate in that sense." She highlighted that younger generations use these tools enthusiastically as they learn key entrepreneurial skills.
As lawmakers continue examining policy options related to independent work arrangements, future hearings may further explore regulatory frameworks or additional support measures for small business owners adapting within an evolving labor market.
