Today, CEO John Arensmeyer shared a letter with congressional leadership outlining key policy recommendations that must be included in the forthcoming human infrastructure package. These investments are critical because small businesses need more support to ensure a successful long-term recovery from the pandemic, and to promote a more resilient workforce and economy.
Small Business Majority has created a comprehensive state policy agenda to ensure entrepreneurship is at the center of a thriving and inclusive economy in Georgia. The state’s 1 million small businesses comprise 99.6% of all businesses in the state, and they employ 1.6 million residents—nearly half of all Georgia employees.
Small Business Majority’s policy agenda ensures that small business is at the center of a thriving and inclusive economy in Wisconsin and advances policies that promote equitable pathways for entrepreneurship. The state’s 461,000 small businesses employed 1.3 million people in 2021, and small businesses have historically driven job growth . Yet, small businesses in Wisconsin continue to face setbacks from the COVID-19 crisis and struggle to access critical financing and resources.
Small Business Majority’s Illinois policy agenda ensures that small business is at the center of a thriving and inclusive economy and advance policies that promote equitable pathways for entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on addressing systemic racism and sexism that impede economic inclusion and harm businesses owned by people of color, women and other underserved owners. The state’s 1.2 million small businesses employ 2.5 million people (about 45% of the private workforce), with firms less than 20 employees creating the largest net job gains.
Small Business Majority writes in support of AB 2589, which would make the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) more impactful and overall improve access to the California tax system for low to moderate income small business owners and employees.
Small Business Majority writes in support of AB 2670, which would provide business assistance to small businesses hoping to make a positive social impact by providing jobs, training and support to employees who have barriers to employment.
Small Business Majority writes in support of AB 2847, an investment of $690 million to create an Excluded Workers Program for employees in California who are excluded from unemployment insurance. This would ensure that all unemployed workers have the resources they need to recover and continue to support local small businesses.
Former finance professional Howard Konishi always dreamed of owning his own gym and making a difference in his community. After turning 30, Howard finally decided to trade his suit and tie for climbing shoes and a harness full time.
The rock climber put his degree in economics to good use and started doing market research on where to open Top Out Climbing Gym. Finally, he decided on Santa Clarita, a smaller city north of Los Angeles, without a rock climbing facility.
As entrepreneurs continue to navigate a number of challenges operating their businesses, Small Business Majority surveyed small business owners and managers nationwide to understand their current business conditions and how they may have benefited from federal relief programs. The survey found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of small businesses felt more optimistic about their business prospects for this year's second quarter. Despite this optimism, small businesses are facing a number of challenges, including inflation, supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages.
Today, John Arensmeyer shared a letter with leaders of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, encouraging the swift confirmation of David Weil, President Biden's nominee for Administrator at the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. David Weil is well-equipped to lead the Wage and Hour Division, particularly because he has direct experience in the role. Weil previously held the position during President Barack Obama’s administration from 2014 to 2017 and believes quality jobs are essential to a small business ecosystem.
Copyright © 2006-2022 Small Business Majority, All rights reserved. Small Business Majority is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.