Entrepreneurship

Small Business Majority has created a comprehensive policy agenda to ensure young entrepreneurs have the tools they need to contribute to a thriving and equitable economy. In the United States, there are nearly 5.9 million entrepreneurs under the age of 35. According to a recent study conducted by Junior Achievement USA, 3 in 5 American teens (60%) would be more interested in starting their own business than having a traditional job. Young Georgians should have the resources and support to start and grow their own business.

Illinois is home to more than 1.4 million small businesses, employing 2.4 million people and accounting for 99.6% of all businesses in the state.  They play a significant role in our state economy and workforce. However, national economic uncertainty coupled with an especially fast-changing business landscape has required small businesses to adapt, yet again. State governments must implement policies that address the new and historic burdens small businesses now face.

On February 23, Small Business Majority's Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash testified before the Connecticut Joint Committee on Banking in support of SB 1032, which would enact critical protections for small business borrowers in Connecticut that are falling prey to predatory lending practices.

On February 22, Small Business Majority's Georgia Director Rachel Shanklin submitted a letter to the House Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil Committee in support of HB 334, legislation that will expand record clearing, which will in turn increase workforce opportunities for Georgia small businesses.

On February 22, Small Business Majority's Georgia Director Rachel Shanklin submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of of SB 157, legislation that will give Georgians a fair chance and help expand our state’s skilled workforce by making it easier for entrepreneurs and jobseekers to obtain occupational licenses.

On February 22, Small Business Majority's Colorado Director Lindsey Vigoda testified before the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee in support of HB 23-126, legislation that would remove medical debt from credit reporting and protect marginalized communities across Colorado, including small employers and their employees.

On February 21, Small Business Majority, LISC Atlanta, New Town Macon, the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative and Albany Community Together, Inc. submitted a letter to the Georgia House Committee on Banks and Banking in opposition to HB 84, legislation that would make Georgia small businesses vulnerable to non-transparent financing providers by failing to require all providers to disclose the annual percentage rate (APR) or estimated APR. 

On February 15, Small Business Majority's Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash testified before the Maryland Senate Finance Committee on SB 0496, legislation that would enact critical protections for small business borrowers in Maryland that are falling prey to predatory lending practices.

On February 2, Small Business Majority's Colorado Director Lindsey Vigoda testified before the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee in support of SB 23-037, legislation that would protect Colorado small business owners from deceptive mailings and solicitations related to Secretary of State documents.