Public Private Strategies

03/05/2026

“While SCOTUS has issued its ruling, the path forward is as clear as mud.” - Rhett Buttle

The recent Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling on tariff authority has generated a lot of questions for small businesses battling tariffs.

If the tariff ruling has created uncertainty for you, tune in to Rhett Buttle’s latest for Forbes for a clear breakdown of where things stand for small businesses.

In it, Rhett covers what it means that the SCOTUS ruled that the President does not have broad authority to set tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), recent legislation on refunds, and more.

Read the full piece here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2026/03/03/scotus-tariff-ruling-what-it-means-for-you-and-your-small-business/

SCOTUS ruled that the President does not have broad authority to set tariffs under the IEEPA and that this power rests with Congress, but there are still many questions.

02/06/2026

In his latest for Forbes, Rhett Buttle sits down with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to get the latest on the Peach State’s plans for the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary, how Georgia is supporting small businesses, and how his own experience as a small business owner has guided this work.

For more, read the full interview:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2026/02/05/business-owner-to-governor-brian-kemp-on-georgias-economic-future/

01/16/2026

The U.S. economy is rapidly evolving and the ability for small businesses to keep pace with it often boils down to resources and where they are operating.

In his latest with Forbes, Rhett Buttle sits down with Jonathan Smith, Chief Deputy Director of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Director of the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, to discuss the state’s efforts to make sure that this evolution happens in a fair and inclusive manner for their economies.

A few points that stood out to us:

→ What arguably sets Michigan’s task apart from others is that it has to guide the transition of the state’s utility and auto sectors, which make up more than 20% of its economy.

→ The Community & Worker Economic Transition Office is executing a first-of-its-kind, integrated strategy that brings together workforce development, community resilience, and industrial competitiveness under one unified vision.

→ The Economic Transition Office’s work has three main areas of focus: Industry Growth and Diversification, Community Resiliency, and Employee Engagement and Empowerment.

→ Michigan’s approach is grounded in community-driven design, bottom-up capacity building, and collaborative problem-solving.

As Mr. Smith notes, “By listening first, equipping local leaders with data and tools, and convening cross-sector partnerships, we ensure strategies are rooted in local priorities and capable of delivering real outcomes.”

Read the full interview here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2026/01/15/inside-michigans-strategy-for-economic-transition/

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

What does it look like when philanthropy treats economic mobility as core infrastructure?

In his latest with Forbes, Rhett Buttle sits down with DeAngela B.-Wallace, Ed.D., President & CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, for a conversation that goes well beyond the usual talk about grants and programs.

A few themes that stood out to us:
→ Community-led grantmaking as a systems tool, not just a funding mechanism
→ Entrepreneurship as a driver of asset-building, particularly for under-resourced communities
→ Cross-sector readiness ahead of major national moments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America250
→ Using time-bound opportunities to build long-term capacity, not one-off activity
→ Data and research as engines for smarter policymaking, from the Indicators of Entrepreneurship to new insights rolling out next year

What’s powerful here is the approach:

The Kauffman Foundation is supporting entrepreneurs by building the conditions for small businesses to anchor neighborhoods, shape local economies, and participate fully in regional growth.

As Dr. Burns-Wallace notes, when you unlock education, meaningful work pathways, and business ownership at the same time, you change what economic mobility looks like for an entire region.

Read the full interview in Rhett Buttle’s latest for Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2025/12/10/investing-in-economic-mobility-a-talk-with-deangela-burns-wallace/

11/29/2025

Happy Small Business Saturday! Today, we celebrate the over 36 million entrepreneurs who shape our communities with their creativity and resilience.

This year especially, choosing local isn't just about one day. As small businesses gear up for the holiday season, let's remember that the strongest impact comes from supporting them year-round. In 2025's challenging landscape, choosing local has never been more important—not just for the holidays, but every day after!

For tips on how to support small businesses today and beyond, check out Rhett Buttle’s latest for Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2025/11/25/small-business-saturday-celebrate-and-shop-small/

11/17/2025

⚽ Game-changing Opportunity Alert ⚽

The next three years present a rare convergence: the 2026 FIFA World Cup (across 16 North American cities) followed by the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The projected economic impact? Over $100 BILLION nationwide.

For small businesses and entrepreneurs, these are more than just major sporting events; they're catalysts for strategic growth. Host cities are already establishing supplier portals and contracting opportunities across hospitality, logistics, merchandise, and fan engagement.

Worth noting: we haven't seen the World Cup and Summer Olympics back-to-back in the U.S. in over 30 YEARS! The ripple effects of these events are projected to extend far beyond host cities themselves.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners, the planning window is now.

Read the play by play on this once-in-a-generation opportunity in Rhett Buttle’s latest for Forbes → https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2025/11/12/world-cup-and-olympics-give-small-businesses-long-term-opportunity/

North America is hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics is taking place in Los Angeles, giving entrepreneurs a chance to expand their business.

11/12/2025

🚨 TOMORROW at 3 PM ET

Open enrollment is always complex, and this year is no exception. Employees have more questions than ever about their Medicare options. Is your team ready with answers?

Join us TOMORROW for our free webinar and get the Medicare guidance your team needs to support employees with confidence this open enrollment season.

Demystifying Medicare: What Every Employer Needs to Know
November 13
3 pm ET
Register here: https://shorturl.at/a6MnN

Hosted by Public Private Strategies, AARP, and our partners CAMEO Network, Greater NC Black Chamber of Commerce, NAHPA National Hispanic Pastors Alliance, NAWBO, NextGen Chamber of Commerce, NGLCC - The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, National Minority Supplier Development Council, Renace, and Women Impacting Public Policy.

11/10/2025

Open Enrollment Season is Here. Is Your Team Ready for Medicare Questions?

As employees begin to navigate their benefits during open enrollment, questions on Medicare will inevitably arise. Get the answers your team needs!

Join Public Private Strategies, AARP, and partners next Thursday, November 13, at 3 pm ET for Demystifying Medicare: What Every Employer Needs to Know, a free webinar designed to help employers support their workforce during this critical decision-making period.

Register here: https://shorturl.at/a6MnN

11/06/2025

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Join Public Private Strategies, AARP and partners next Thursday, November 13, at 3 pm ET for Demystifying Medicare: What Every Employer Needs to Know, a webinar on all things Medicare for employees!

Register here: https://shorturl.at/a6MnN

10/23/2025

Question of the day: What if diplomacy worked like open-source innovation?

Rhett Buttle recently spoke with Puru Trivedi, Meridian International Center’s Senior Vice President of External and Corporate Affairs, about how the organization’s Open Diplomacy model and new 10-year blueprint for the future are redefining what diplomacy looks like in a fast-moving, interconnected world.

Read the full conversation in Rhett Buttle’s Latest for Forbes → https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2025/10/23/sound-diplomacy-is-good-business-a-conversation-with-puru-trivedi/