News Summary
April Meier, a small business owner in Florida, discussed the positive effects of tax deductions on her business and community during an NFIB podcast. She credited the 20% Small Business Deduction for enabling her to hire employees and contribute significantly to local relief efforts, especially during disasters. Florida ranks high in small business growth, and Meier’s experiences illustrate how tax policies can empower entrepreneurs to thrive while supporting their communities.
Florida small business owner April Meier recently highlighted the significant impact of tax deductions on community support during an appearance on NFIB’s podcast, the Small Business Rundown, which aired on June 30, 2025. Meier is the owner of Positively Scrumptious, a holistic pet store located in Crestview, Florida. Her remarks came after her participation in NFIB’s annual Fly-In event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where small business advocates meet with lawmakers to discuss crucial policies.
Meier emphasized that the 20% Small Business Deduction has played a vital role in the growth of her business. This tax benefit allowed her to hire additional employees and invest in new equipment, such as a freezer to expand her customer offerings. Increased capacity has not only propelled her business forward but has also enabled her to provide substantial aid to the community.
In her commitment to community service, Meier contributed 8,000 pounds of food during Hurricane Michael’s relief efforts, targeting areas that lacked sufficient support during the disaster. She also dispatched aid to residents of the Carolinas who were affected by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, Meier partners with local Animal Services and the Police Department to provide food at her own cost, demonstrating her dedication to helping those in need within her community. Without the financial relief provided by the tax deduction, Meier stated that her business may not have had the capacity to support these initiatives.
Florida has emerged as a fertile ground for small business growth, ranking third nationally with a 5.22% increase in small businesses, as reported by a study from OnDeck. The Orlando area leads large metro regions in the country with a small business growth rate of 6.2%. In addition, the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin area is recognized for its small-town business growth, ranking eighth with an impressive growth rate of 6.04%.
St. Johns County stands at the forefront of this trend, boasting the highest small business growth rate of 9.54% among Florida’s 67 counties. Meier’s experience reflects the broader impact of these statistics, highlighting how tax policies like the Small Business Deduction can empower entrepreneurs to expand their operations while simultaneously benefiting their communities.
The NFIB’s discussion forums serve as an essential platform for business owners to share experiences and advocate for policy changes that support small enterprises. Tax deductions are just one component of the broader landscape that influences the success of small businesses in Florida and across the nation.
As small businesses drive local economies, the insights shared by business leaders like April Meier can lead to a better understanding of the policies that foster growth and community engagement. Meier’s ongoing efforts to support local initiatives demonstrate the potential for small business owners to make a significant impact when given the right tools and resources.
The continuing ascent of Florida’s small businesses signifies a promising trend, suggesting that with supportive policies, the potential for growth and community support will only increase in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NFIB News: Florida Small Business Owner Featured
- Florida Politics: Fastest Expanding Small Business Environment
- Crestview Bulletin: Five Questions with Candidate Shannon Hayes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- Google News: Florida Small Business
