Small businesses, especially locally owned restaurants, are a vital part of Tallahassee’s economy and identity, but too many are struggling to survive. Rising rents, limited access to capital, and a shortage of affordable retail spaces make it increasingly difficult for independent businesses to compete with national chains. Large corporations can absorb higher startup costs and long vacancies, while local entrepreneurs often cannot. If Tallahassee wants a diverse, locally rooted economy, the City must take intentional steps to level the playing field.

One key solution is expanding access to affordable, flexible retail space. I support policies that encourage mixed-use development with smaller commercial footprints suitable for local businesses, as well as incentives for landlords who lease to locally owned restaurants and retailers at sustainable rates. The City can also support shared commercial kitchens, food halls, and incubator spaces that lower startup costs and allow small operators to test concepts before taking on long-term leases. These approaches reduce risk, encourage entrepreneurship, and help keep local dollars circulating in our community.

The City should also modernize permitting and regulatory processes that disproportionately burden small businesses. I support clearer, faster, and more predictable permitting for restaurants, outdoor seating, food trucks, and live music—so business owners can focus on serving customers, not navigating bureaucracy. Additionally, targeted grants, low-interest loan programs, and technical assistance can help local restaurants weather economic downturns and adapt to changing conditions. Supporting small businesses isn’t just about economic survival—it’s about preserving Tallahassee’s character, supporting local jobs, and creating neighborhoods people actually want to spend time in.