Small Businesses Call on the Next Administration and Congress to Put Their Needs Front and Center in Policymaking

For Immediate Release: 
Saturday, November 7, 2020

Statement by John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, regarding the outcome of the 2020 election and what small businesses need in the months to come

With the results of the 2020 election finally apparent, we call on our nation’s leaders to immediately tackle small businesses' biggest challenges in order to put our economy on the path to recovery. Small businesses, especially those in underserved communities, are the lifeblood of our economy and we need our elected officials to put aside their partisan differences and get to work on their behalf.

First, congressional leaders must act swiftly, even before our new president and Congress take office, to enact a comprehensive stimulus package that includes both short and long-term relief for small businesses. Thirty-five percent of small business owners in our network, including 41% of Black and Latino-owned businesses, report they will not survive more than three months without additional relief.

While the pandemic has affected virtually all small businesses, it has not affected all of them equally, disproportionately harming those owned by people of color and women. This is why elected officials must focus on long-term solutions to build a more thriving and inclusive economy—including access to more equitable and responsible capital, affordable healthcare, paid leave, retirement and other benefits that can support the success of both entrepreneurs and their employees. As our nation rebuilds from the COVID-19 pandemic and responds to issues of racial injustice, creating pathways for the smallest businesses—particularly those owned by people of color, women and immigrants, as well as those located in rural communities—is essential to rebuilding a more resilient economy.

The frenzy of an election season like no other is finally coming to an end, but the important job of helping our small businesses recover and rebuild stronger lies ahead. We look forward to working with the new Administration and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to ensure the success of America's hardworking and diverse entrepreneurs.

About Small Business Majority

Small Business Majority is a national small business organization that empowers America's diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and inclusive economy. We engage our network of more than 70,000 small businesses and 1,000 business and community organizations to advocate for public policy solutions and deliver resources to entrepreneurs that promote equitable small business growth. Our deep connections with the small business community along with our scientific research enable us to educate the public about key issues impacting America’s entrepreneurs, with a special focus on advancing the smallest businesses and those facing systemic inequalities. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.