Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez speaks with Ilwaco resident and Spawn Fly Fish owner Josh Phillips in the House Small Business Committee hearing room.

Today during the House Small Business Committee hearing examining the challenges facing small businesses in rural areas, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) welcomed Ilwaco resident and owner of Spawn Fly Fish Josh Phillips as he testified before the committee.

“Small businesses are the heart of our rural communities, but they face unique challenges accessing capital, high-speed internet, and qualified workers. I’m so glad we could welcome Josh Phillips of Spawn Fly Fish in Ilwaco to our hearing today to discuss rural entrepreneurship,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.

During the hearing, Josh Phillips and rural small business owners spoke on the issues impacting their enterprise and how the federal government can supply rural entrepreneurs with the support needed to thrive.

“Our financial situation is a constant battle, as rural communities often experience high turnover of businesses and lack local banking options. Securing simple lines of credit and business loans becomes a lengthy and challenging process, forcing us to rely on credit cards for operating expenses,” said Josh Phillips, Owner of Spawn Fly Fish in Ilwaco, WA. “In addition, essential services such as gas, water, groceries, internet, and health services are all limited and come at a premium cost in rural communities. This further strains our financial resources.”