Over the past few years, the economy has been challenging. Americans have in one way or another felt the impact of the economic recession. As Nick Friedman from the Huffington Post puts it, “It is likewise our collective duty, as we continue down the road to recovery, to help rebuild our country. As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Our road to economic recovery is no different. Every American citizen must embrace his or her role in repairing the broken economy and rebuilding the U.S. into the superpower it once was.”

This 4th of July season is a time to remember the sacrifice that our forefathers made for our country. Because of them, we now live in a free country. A place with opportunity and the chance for anyone and everyone, no matter who they are or what their background, to live a prosperous life. We remember that it is the pursuit of the “American Dream” that leads everyday people across the country to risk it all and start their own business.

Without these brave people, our economy would not be nearly as prosperous. “Despite the words of so many politicians, policy is not going to jump-start our economy. However, a renewed faith and strategic reinvestment will. These can only be achieved organically.” (Huffington Post).

We must remember that our roles as business owners provide us with a unique opportunity to make a patriotic contribution to our country, its economy. Business owners have the opportunity to create jobs, and to help fuel a stalled economy. Inherently, the business community is an intricate web.

Every business is connected to outside counterparts that are essential components of fostering its own success. Just like small businesses who use outside vendors, purchase trucks and equipment from U.S. made manufacturers, and hire local employees. We should be grateful for the opportunities the American economy presents to young entrepreneurs.

Pat McKinrick from the Huffington Post says, “It’s time for small business owners to embrace their patriotic duty and start making business decisions that benefit not only their own company but the U.S. economy. The support of small business owners from across the nation may not be the cure, but it is surely a catalytic treatment that will send our economy on its way to recovery.”

It is time for entrepreneurs to wear both a “business owner” and “patriot” hat and begin implementing practices that will help jump start our economy.

In the end, Americans thrive when the economy is booming, and entrepreneurship is the vessel through which we will rise above our country’s current fiscal hardships.