Making Small Business Issues a Topic of the Presidential Debate
Small business owners do not feel candidates for president are talking enough about small business issues. According to a survey released in May, 55% of small business owners say they’re dissatisfied with the way candidates have been addressing small business issues, with just 27% saying they are satisfied.
On September 2, 2024, 10,000 Small Businesses Voices unveiled a Times Square billboard, steps from debate host ABC News, calling for moderators to ask presidential candidates about small business issues at the September 10th Presidential Debate.
The National Leadership Council of 10,000 Small Businesses Voices outlined the questions they hoped the presidential candidates would address.
The questions include:
- Public Policy: Candidates for office often visit small businesses on the campaign trail but stop short of offering specific policy proposals to help small businesses succeed. According to recent survey data, small businesses are struggling with inflation, workforce, and access to capital. What specific policy proposals will your administration implement to support America’s small businesses and help them compete?
- Access to Capital: 10,000 Small Businesses Voices surveys show that high interest rates and limited loan options are making it challenging for small business owners to access the capital they need to grow their businesses. What is your plan to make it easier for small businesses to access an affordable loan or line of credit?
- Child Care: Small business owners report that their employees are increasingly having to cut back on hours or forgo work altogether due to a lack of affordable child care. A recent 10,000 Small Businesses Voices survey found that 84% of small business owners believe it is difficult for working parents to afford high-quality child care. What is your plan to make affordable child care more accessible for small businesses and their employees?
- Affordability: Small business owners report that the cost of doing business has increased substantially, forcing them to raise costs for their customers. What is your plan to address inflation and rising operating costs for small businesses so that they can compete?
- Workforce Development: Data shows that there are currently more job openings in the U.S. than there are qualified workers to fill them. How will your administration support small businesses that are eager to invest in workforce development and skills training to bridge this gap?
- Artificial Intelligence: AI is a powerful tool that can help all businesses, including small businesses, become more productive. How will you ensure small businesses' voices don’t get left behind in the implementation of AI and that they are supported to benefit from the opportunities AI brings?
Small businesses are an important part of the economy, employing nearly half of American workers. They are also an important voting block, with 96% saying they will vote in November. It’s time to make them part of the conversation.
About 10,000 Small Businesses Voices
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices is a new initiative designed to help small business owners in the United States advocate for policy changes that will help their businesses, their employees, and their communities. We provide the 10,000 Small Businesses Voices community with the tools, resources, and training needed to make their voices heard and drive tangible impact against real issues.
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