Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB) has launched a storytelling project to document and share the stories of small business owners. As part of this initiative, the founder and President Bryan Zhao and other members of the YVSB leadership team are interviewing entrepreneurs to capture their journeys. These interviews highlight not only the challenges and triumphs of running a small business but also the lessons and ideas that can inform better policies. By amplifying these voices, YVSB aims to give entrepreneurs the recognition they deserve while ensuring their voices are heard by policymakers who have the power to make meaningful changes.

This initiative also provides small business owners with a meaningful opportunity to share their stories, promote their businesses, voice their concerns, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders.

With participants’ permission, interviews will be conducted virtually (via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams) and may be featured on the YVSB website and YouTube channel. Selected transcripts will also be included in Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street, YVSB’s book series dedicated to elevating real-world entrepreneurial perspectives. Each interview typically lasts 30–60 minutes. Visit the website to watch the past interviews.

completed over ten interviews, and the first volume of the Unheard Voices series was published in September 2025. Click the link to explore or order the book on Amazon.

Sample Interview Outline:

1. Introduction of the business owner and their business, including a brief overview of products/services offered
2. Memorable stories, e.g., major challenges faced and how they were overcome, the most unforgettable moment in your business journey
3. Lessons learned or advice for youth or aspiring entrepreneurs
4. Thoughts on recent tariff changes by the current administration (impacts, concerns, suggested support)
5. Messages to policymakers on improving the small business environment
6. Any additional insights, stories or thoughts they’d like to share

We welcome business owners to participate in this program to share your stories. The YVSB interviewers will ensure the conversation is professional, concise, and engaging. Interviews will be scheduled at each business owner’s convenience. Click Interviewees Application to start the process.