August 6, 2025

Site Selection Must Keep Pace with Federal Small Business Strategy

Site Selection marked on map

Site Selection Must Keep Pace with Federal Small Business Strategy

As Congress continues to debate the future of federal small business support, the conversation is expanding beyond the boardroom and into the halls of Capitol Hill. These discussions are more than political—they’re foundational to how businesses grow, invest, and choose where to locate.

Small Business Key Themes

✅ Strengthening Tax Policy

The One Big, Beautiful Bill, passed in mid-2025, made the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction permanent, allowing pass-through entities to deduct up to 20% of qualified income. The 1099-NEC reporting threshold was raised from $600 to $2,000, reducing administrative burdens for SMEs.

✅ Expanding Incentives

States are increasingly evaluating the effectiveness of their incentive programs. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, more than 30 states now conduct regular evaluations of economic development incentives, helping ensure that public investments yield measurable returns.

✅ Sustainable and Equitable Funding

The rise of targeted incentives—such as workforce development grants and infrastructure support—reflects a shift toward equity-focused economic development. These programs are designed to support small businesses in underserved regions and industries.

Why This Matters for Site Selection

  • 70% of contract manufacturers under $25M in revenue are small and mid-sized businesses.
  • Only 1 in 10 corporate leaders plan to open a new U.S. facility in 2025, citing rising costs and policy uncertainty.
  • Energy costs, labor availability, and sustainability are now top priorities in site selection decisions.

Strategic alignment between public policy and private investment can unlock transformative value. Businesses that understand and act on this alignment can position themselves for long-term success.

Turning Policy Momentum Into Business Growth

Strategic site selection today means more than choosing a location. It means leveraging tax policy, incentives, infrastructure, and workforce readiness to build a resilient, future-proof business. The right advisor can help you connect the dots between public policy and private opportunity.

Ashmore Consulting is here to help.

We specialize in guiding businesses through complex incentive landscapes, ensuring every location decision is backed by data, insight, and impact.

Let’s talk about your next move.

Connect with us to turn policy into performance.

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended and should not be construed as legal, accounting, or tax advice or opinion provided by Ashmore Consulting LLC to the reader. The reader is also cautioned that this material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, the reader’s specific circumstances or needs and may require consideration of non-tax and other tax factors if any action is to be contemplated. The reader should contact Ashmore Consulting LLC or another tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. Ashmore Consulting LLC assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.