National Federation of Independent Business Confers “Guardian of Small Business” Award to Sen. Patricia Bates

Sen. Bates with John Kabateck, NFIB State Director in California. Photo credit: Nate Haderlie.

SACRAMENTO – The National Federation of Independent Business, one of the nation’s leading advocates for small and independent business owners, awarded its “Guardian of Small Business” award to Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) last night at a reception in Sacramento. Sen. Bates received the award in recognition of her “unwavering commitment to small business and entrepreneurial success in California.”

“It’s an honor to receive an award from an organization that has a long track record of championing small businesses,” said Sen. Bates. “As a former small business owner, I saw firsthand the challenges that entrepreneurs face in realizing their dreams. That’s why I will continue to do everything I can to ensure entrepreneurship remains affordable and accessible in California. When small businesses succeed, our communities succeed.”

The NFIB represents more than 300,000 members nationally and more than 20,000 in California. According to information compiled by the U.S. Small Business Administration, California’s small businesses employed 7 million people, or 48.8% of the private workforce. Firms with fewer than 100 employees have the largest share of small business employment.

“Every legislator claims to be a friend of small business, but Sen. Bates’ efforts and voting record on small business issues prove that she is a true friend,” said John Kabateck, NFIB State Director in California. “She understands the opportunities and challenges that entrepreneurs face every day and that is why we are pleased to recognize her as a ‘Guardian of Small Business.’”

Earlier this year, Sen. Bates also earned a 100 percent score on NFIB’s 2018 legislative scorecard.