Workforce

Small businesses play a critical role in the U.S. workforce but often lack the resources to offer retirement benefits, putting them at a disadvantage in attracting and retaining employees. This fact sheet explores the barriers small businesses face in providing retirement savings options and highlights policy solutions—at both the federal and state levels—that can expand access to affordable, flexible retirement plans for small business owners and their workers.

Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential to a strong small business economy. Small Business Majority’s research shows that childcare challenges disrupt employee productivity, limit business growth and even prevent entrepreneurs from starting businesses. At the same time, many childcare providers—often women- and minority-owned small businesses—face barriers to funding and expansion. Without greater investment, these challenges will continue to strain Main Street businesses and the workforce.

On March 11, Small Business Majority Georgia Director Rachel Shanklin sent a letter in support of SB 554 to the Georgia Senate Committee on Education and Youth. This legislation would invest in the expansion of affordable, high-quality childcare.

On February 4, Small Business Majority Colorado Director Hunter Nelson submitted written testimony on HB26-1004, legislation that would extend the Child Care Continuation Tax Credit for 10 years.

Immigrant entrepreneurs and workers play a vital role in Main Street economies, driving job growth, innovation, and small business success. Yet, rising immigration enforcement and restrictive federal policies are disrupting businesses, workforce stability, and local communities. This fact sheet highlights the economic contributions of immigrant-owned businesses, the impact of enforcement actions, and bipartisan solutions that can help small businesses thrive while supporting a fair, commonsense immigration system.

Small businesses and their employees need a comprehensive federal paid family and medical leave (PFML) program that works for Main Street. This fact sheet outlines why small business owners support a national PFML solution, how existing incentives fall short, and what federal policymakers should prioritize to ensure workers and entrepreneurs can access reliable, affordable paid leave.

Small business owners are at the epicenter of a growing national affordability crisis. The cost of starting and growing a small business continues to rise, from ballooning healthcare premium rates and rising childcare costs to inflated tariff rates impacting global supply chains.

On January 27, Small Business Majority Senior Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash submitted testimony to the Missouri House Committee on Economic Development in support of HB 2747 and 2047, common-sense legislation that would grow Missouri’s workforce, strengthen the economy and support the thousands of small business owners across the state.

Small Business Majority recently released its 2026 federal policy agenda, The Agenda for America’s Entrepreneurs, which outlines policies to empower small businesses to build a thriving and equitable economy.