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2024 Policy Priorities

: 2024 Policy Priorities

Executive summary

The Agenda for America’s Entrepreneurs sets forth policies that empower America's diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy. Spanning across three key pillars that underpin our work, we advocate for policies that increase equitable access to capital, foster a sustainable workforce and promote a level playing field for entrepreneurs. If implemented these policies would ensure the growth of a robust small business ecosystem, reduce barriers and expand access to the American dream.  

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Submitted by sbm-admin on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 16:25

Clean Slate reforms as a solution to workforce challenges

Publisher: 
Small Business Majority
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Date: 
Monday, May 1, 2023

Clean Slate has many implications on the small business community, which is why it’s critical that policymakers understand their views on this issue. To support this effort, Chesapeake Beach Consulting conducted two focus group discussions with small business owners on behalf of Small Business Majority. This report reveals a demonstrated need for further education and engagement around Clean Slate and criminal justice reforms, and how small businesses and the communities they serve may benefit from these policies.

Small business owners support banning non-compete agreements

Posted: April 19, 2023

Non-compete agreements are an obstacle to entrepreneurship, create a non-level playing field and stop employees from using their skills. They are not only a barrier to entry for entrepreneurs, but they also prevent small businesses from hiring the most diverse, qualified and skilled talent. In January, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a rule to ban non-compete agreements and sought input from the public.

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Hundreds of small businesses call on FTC to ban non-compete agreements

More than 400 small business owners and business organizations signed on to our letter urging the Federal Trade Commission to enact its proposed rule to ban non-compete agreements. Non-compete agreements are a significant impediment to entrepreneurship, create a non-level playing field and impede the ability of employees to maximize their skills.

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Submitted by Quintin Reed on Wed, 04/19/2023 - 08:04

Small business community urges FTC to ban non-compete agreements

As of April 13, more than 400 small business owners and small business organizations have signed onto a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enact its proposed rule to ban non-compete agreements. On April 19, lead partner organizations Small Business Majority, American Sustainable Business Network, Main Street Alliance, Pacific Community Ventures, and Right to Start will submit a final letter to the FTC in response to its comment period.

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Submitted by Lisa Marlow on Thu, 04/13/2023 - 08:10

Small Business Majority Supports Expansion of Clean Slate in Pennsylvania

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. 

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Submitted by Awesta Sarkash on Tue, 04/11/2023 - 14:56

Small Business Majority supports ending OmniBase in Texas

On March 30, Small Business Majority's Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash wrote in support for SB 1281, legislation that would end the OmniBase program in Texas. This program enforces debt-based license holds on individuals with overdue fines and fees, which impacts small businesses and their employees and their ability to seek employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.  

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Submitted by Quintin Reed on Thu, 03/30/2023 - 14:45

Justice-impacted entrepreneur highlights the importance of second-chance hiring

Posted: March 14, 2023

Savannah-based Charlotte Garnes worked for 11 years as a licensed mental health and substance abuse therapist. When she was only two credits away from receiving her Ph.D. in 2013, her life completely changed. She was sentenced to five years in prison as a result of unethical billing practices performed by employees under her supervision. 

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