Supporting Small Businesses
“Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and the economic engine for our success.”
COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has placed an incredible burden on the hard-working small businesses in our community, and the Trump Administration has not stepped up adequately to the task of supporting them. Michigan small businesses employ almost 50% of our workforce. We must pass the adequate funding required and put forth the services needed to support them.
Supporting Women & People of Color
We must incorporate communities of color in the process of policy-making and address their specific concerns on the local level and the state level. While the MEDC has been doing good work investing in low-income communities, like Project Rising Tide, there is much work left to do in majority-minority communities. Furthermore, this state like others should guarantee 20% of its contracts to minority business enterprises and women-owned businesses. Governor Whitmer has pledged to do this long-term, and I will continue to be a voice for inclusivity and equality to ensure these communities have a seat at the table.
Supporting Social Ventures and “Buy Local” Programs
Promoting local and small businesses is so vital to strong communities. Providing the support and resources these businesses need means that our neighbors will be able to support their livelihood as they provide for others in the community. I support buying local, investing local, and benefiting local.
Community Engagement
Michigan is amongst the best states in terms of support for small businesses and venture capital, but we can do a better job delivering those resources to the people in our state. There are over ~874,000 small businesses in Michigan, and that number is growing. By partnering with important advocates for the small business community like the Small Business Association (SBA), I will ensure that local businesses know about all the available resources.
Small Business Resources
Sources
https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/23142651/2019-Small-Business-Profiles-MI.pdf