More than 70 million Americans have a criminal record, which not only limits their ability to find stable employment opportunities but also restricts their ability to pursue entrepreneurship and start their own business. As a result of being excluded from the labor force, individuals impacted by the justice system are 50% more likely to start their own business and create their own job, highlighting the entrepreneurial nature of those seeking to move past their criminal record.

Our nation’s workforce is fueled by the contributions of the millions of immigrant workers whom small businesses often rely on to sustain and grow their operations. As workforce shortages continue to persist across Main Street, Small Business Majority advocates for commonsense immigration reform providing pathways to legal status or citizenship for qualifying undocumented immigrants and visa holders to bolster an essential small business workforce while ending disruptive mass deportations that harm Main Street.

Fair competition is the underpinning of a thriving and equitable economy in which all businesses can achieve pathways to their individual success. As large businesses and online platforms continue to dominate and take hold of nearly all facets of our economy, small businesses are increasingly left at a disadvantage when competing for opportunities to expand their operations.

When crafted with the needs of America’s smallest businesses in mind, our tax code can serve as a critical tool in fostering a level playing field between large corporations and the small businesses. However, the current tax code does not work for small businesses. Small Business Majority’s research found that 82% of small businesses believe the current tax code favors large corporations over small businesses. Recently passed legislation, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.

Small businesses rely on their ability to attract and retain qualified employees to compete with their larger competitors. To do so, small businesses require access to affordable benefit plans, including paid family and medical leave, childcare, and retirement, to ensure that Main Street jobs are quality jobs. Given the cost and administrative requirements of providing attractive and robust employee benefit plans, many small businesses simply do not have the capital or resources to offer these benefits, which ultimately restricts their ability to hire and retain workers.