On December 9, 2025, business leaders, educators, and economic policymakers gathered in Washington, D.C., for a key event aimed at discussing the changing dynamics of the U.S. economy, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and education. The discussions underscored how vital it is to expand access to both business ownership and workforce training in order to keep pace with technological innovations and the shifting demographic landscape.
As the global economy continues to evolve, particularly in response to rapid technological advancements like artificial intelligence and automation, the U.S. faces the critical challenge of preparing its workforce for the future. One key aspect of this challenge is ensuring that more people, particularly from historically underserved communities, have the opportunity to own businesses and contribute to the country’s economic vitality. This was a major point of emphasis during the event, as leaders discussed the role of entrepreneurship in fueling economic growth and fostering innovation.
One of the key highlights of the event was the spotlight placed on the Latino community and its economic contributions. Latinos are responsible for generating approximately $4 trillion in U.S. GDP, a testament to the community’s growing influence in the economic landscape. Additionally, Latinos are significantly contributing to new business formation, despite facing persistent challenges related to access to capital and financial resources. This economic strength underscores the potential of this demographic to drive the U.S. economy forward if given the appropriate tools, resources, and support.
The conversation also turned toward the future of education in the U.S., with a growing emphasis on non-traditional pathways that can better align with the evolving demands of the labor market. As technology continues to advance, there is an increasing recognition that the traditional four-year college degree is not the only, nor the most efficient, route for many individuals to gain the skills they need to thrive in today’s job market. Trade schools, apprenticeships, and targeted tech training programs were highlighted as key alternatives to the traditional educational system. These pathways are seen as critical to providing workers with the practical, hands-on skills that are needed in a workforce that is increasingly dominated by technology and automation.
Corporate leaders also shared their efforts to bridge the gap between education and the workforce. Partnerships between businesses and educational institutions are growing in importance as companies recognize the need to invest in the development of a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the challenges posed by new technologies. These partnerships aim to expand access to educational resources, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to gain the training and skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing economy.
The event also explored how the U.S. can foster an inclusive environment that encourages entrepreneurship and workforce development for all. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion is seen as a key component of building a more resilient economy, one that can withstand global economic pressures while remaining competitive. Strengthening the domestic workforce through more inclusive educational models and entrepreneurship support is viewed as essential to ensuring that the U.S. can continue to lead in a global economy that is becoming more interconnected and technologically advanced.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the road ahead will require continued collaboration between policymakers, educators, and business leaders. By embracing new educational models and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship, the U.S. can create a workforce that is not only resilient in the face of technological disruption but also poised to thrive in the increasingly complex global economy.
