As a successful entrepreneur and former business leader, Senator Warner understands the challenges of launching and running a business and meeting a payroll. As Virginia’s governor and now as a senator, he has worked to expand access to start-up capital and credit for America’s new, existing and small businesses by investing in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). In 2020, he secured a record $12 billion federal investment to help underserved communities access capital through CDFIs, and he continues to champion their growth through bipartisan legislation and cooperation with the private sector.

He has focused on updating our country’s approach to workforce training and technology deployment to expand 21st century economic opportunity in rural and suburban regions. Senator Warner is a leading voice in Washington for updating the social contract for gig and freelance workers, many of whom lack insurance and other protections typically provided through full-time employment. He also has called on American business leaders to shift away from short-term profits at the expense of longer-term investments in people and the communities where they operate.