Non-discrimination

On May 6, Small Business Majority Founder and CEO John Arensmeyer submitted written testimony to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship detailing the disproportionate barriers minority business enterprises (MBEs) face and the recent attacks on programs targeting minority entrepreneurs, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) business development program and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

On May 6, Small Business Majority network member Hyacinth Tucker, Founder and CEO of The Laundry Basket LLC, submitted written testimony to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship outlining specific instances of discrimination her business has faced when seeking financing and federal procurement opportunities.

On May 6, Small Business Majority network member Brenda Doles, Co-Founder of HealthCare Resolution Services, Inc, submitted written testimony to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship regarding the need to address ongoing racial discrimination and the role of targeted federal business programs supporting minority-owned businesses. Brenda’s testimony outlines the importance of targeted federal programs such as the U.S.

On March 11, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash sent a letter of support to the Tennessee Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor in support of HB 1859, legislation which would remove barriers to licensed occupations for those with prior criminal records. This is a critical proposal that will help support aspiring entrepreneurs and workers with criminal records to access the licenses they need to be successful in the workforce or launch their own businesses.

Today, Small Business Majority Colorado Director Lindsey Vigoda testified before the Colorado House Business Affairs and Labor Committee in support of House Bill 24-1004, legislation concerning justice-impacted individuals’ ability to receive authorization to work in state-regulated occupations. This is a significant proposal that will help support aspiring entrepreneurs and workers with previous criminal records, as they start and work at small businesses, increasing their economic opportunities and independence. 

Today, Public Policy Director, Awesta Sarkash, submitted a letter of support to Pennsylvania's House Judiciary Committee for HB 689, legislation that would expand Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate laws and ensure people who have served their time get at second chance. With small businesses facing an acute labor shortage and 1 in 3 American adults having some form of criminal or arrest record, there are major opportunities to change barriers to employment that would benefit the small business ecosystem. 

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.