Entrepreneur and business leader urges Americans to reconnect with the roots of real business growth-community, accountability, and continuous learning.

NEW YORK, NY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 20, 2025 / Entrepreneur and business leader Anthony D'Anna is speaking out about the importance of hands-on entrepreneurship and the need for a renewed focus on small business leadership in today's fast-changing economy. Drawing from his own journey-from running his own Italian deli to managing investments and leading business ventures-D'Anna is calling for a shift back to fundamentals: people, process, and purpose.

"Running a small business teaches you everything," says D'Anna. "You learn how to lead, how to solve problems, and how to make decisions that affect real people. That kind of experience builds the foundation for real leadership-something we need more of today."

The Need for a Small Business Comeback

Small businesses remain the backbone of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, they account for 99.9% of all businesses and employ over 61.7 million Americans-nearly half of the private workforce. Yet, recent studies show that 20% of small businesses fail within their first year, and nearly 50% close within five years due to burnout, lack of management experience, and inadequate financial planning.

For D'Anna, these statistics point to an urgent need for education and empowerment among aspiring entrepreneurs. "Too many people think success is about luck or timing," he says. "But it's really about discipline, strategy, and learning from the ground up. You don't need a perfect plan-you just need to start and keep improving every day."

A Call for Practical Learning and Real-World Skills

Having transitioned from local business ownership to strategic leadership, D'Anna believes the best way to prepare for the modern economy is through practical experience. He argues that small business leadership builds essential skills often missing in corporate environments-skills like adaptability, empathy, and accountability.

"When you've managed a business with your own hands, you see how every decision matters," D'Anna explains. "You can't hide behind titles or excuses. You learn to balance efficiency with compassion. Those lessons stick with you."

He also stresses the importance of continuous learning and staying open to change. "The moment you stop learning, you start falling behind," D'Anna says. "The world moves fast, but if you keep asking questions and paying attention, you'll always find your next opportunity."

Leadership Through Action, Not Titles

D'Anna's message goes beyond business-it's about how people can lead in their own lives. "Leadership isn't about control-it's about consistency," he says. "If you show up, listen, and set an example, people will follow. That's true in work, family, and community."

He encourages individuals to take ownership of their growth, whether through volunteering, mentoring others, or starting small side projects that build real-world experience. "You don't need a big platform to make a difference," he adds. "Start where you are. Be reliable. Be curious. The results will follow."

Why It Matters Now

Experts note that post-pandemic America has seen a surge in entrepreneurship-over 5.5 million new business applications were filed in 2023, a record high according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet many of these new entrepreneurs face the same challenges D'Anna once did: uncertainty, limited resources, and the pressure to adapt quickly.

"People are stepping out to start something new-and that's inspiring," D'Anna says. "But what will keep those businesses alive is leadership grounded in experience, not just ideas. We have to build systems that last."

He points to mentorship and peer learning as critical tools. "Find someone who's done it before and ask questions," he advises. "Learn how they failed, not just how they succeeded. The best insights come from experience."

A Movement Toward Real Growth

D'Anna isn't asking people to start companies overnight-he's asking them to think like builders. "Whether you're managing a team or managing yourself, think long-term," he says. "Success is like tuning a motorcycle engine-you can't rush it. You have to listen, make adjustments, and stay patient."

His call to action is simple: "Get involved. Learn something new. Support your local business. Be a leader in your own lane."

By advocating for hands-on leadership and grounded entrepreneurship, Anthony D'Anna hopes to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs who value both performance and purpose. "Fast growth is exciting," he says. "But steady growth-built on integrity, skill, and passion-is what truly lasts."

About Anthony D'Anna

Anthony D'Anna is an entrepreneur and business leader with a background in management, finance, and the automotive world. He began his career running his own Italian deli, where he developed strong leadership and operational skills before expanding into trading, investment, and strategic business development. Known for his practical approach and forward-thinking mindset, D'Anna blends his love for business with a lifelong passion for automotive innovation and performance.

Contact: info@anthonydanna.com

SOURCE: Anthony D'anna