On this episode of the podcast, Amanda Head talks with US Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President for Small Business Policy Tom Sullivan about Black Friday’s record-shattering $11.8B in online spending. Sullivan explains why “We Ain’t Buying It” (WABIT) boycott movement fizzled and how cooling inflation boosted consumer confidence and why small businesses are thriving during the holiday surge.

Sullivan detailed the often-ignored symbiotic relationship between large retailers and small businesses, and the critical role technology, specifically AI innovation, plays in helping local entrepreneurs compete and grow. The US Chamber executive also credits several Trump-era policies, from tariff reductions to regulatory reforms, for strengthening the small-business ecosystem and driving momentum.

You can learn about all that Tom Sullivan is doing at the US Chamber of Commerce by following his X account: @SmallBizPatriot.