Business
Loans, Taxes, Regulations on Small Business Election Agenda
The Associated Press
There are no “one size fits all” issues for small business in the 2016 presidential campaign. While candidates try to appeal to all small businesses, many owners want very specific things. A sample of what’s on the agenda of some individual owners, and two small business advocacy groups:
HELP SMALL BANKS COMPETE
Community banks whose customers include small businesses are at a disadvantage because of regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act implemented following the 2008 banking crisis, says Jim Angleton, owner of Aegis FinServ, a Miami-based financial services company. While the law is needed to prevent a recurrence of the practices that led to bank failures of all sizes, it places a disproportionate financial burden on smaller banks, Angleton says.
“They can’t effectively service the business community,” he says.
The number of small banks in the U.S. dropped 14 percent after Dodd-Frank was enacted in 2010, according to researchers at George Mason University.
REACH THOSE CONTRACTING GOALS
The government needs to work harder to reach its goals for giving agency contracts to small businesses, including those owned by women and that are located in economically disadvantaged areas, says Crystal Kendrick, whose Cincinnati-based marketing company is a federal contractor.
“What I want to hear is (candidates) are going to hold those agencies accountable for those goals,” says Kendrick, owner of The Voice of Your Customer.
The government fell short of its 5 percent goal for contracts for women-owned companies in the 2013 fiscal year. It also fell short of the 3 percent goal for companies in disadvantaged areas. It is expected to release its report for the 2014 fiscal year soon.
EASE UP ON REGULATIONS
The advocacy group National Small Business Association wants regulations issued by federal agencies easier to be easier for small companies to comply with. Many are unclear, or are inconsistent with each other, NSBA Chairman Tim Reynolds says.
“Presidential candidates can have an enormous impact on how regulatory agencies would move forward,” says Reynolds, owner of Tribute Inc., a Hudson, Ohio, software company.
The NSBA is also looking for a president who can help a fragmented Congress end its gridlock.
“Effective leadership from the White House is all about organizing individuals on both sides of the legislature,” Reynolds says
FIGHT CREDIT CARD FRAUD
Carl Mazzanti wants candidates to advocate for small businesses receiving the same protection from credit card hacking and fraud consumers have. When consumer accounts are hacked, federal law requires the consumer be notified. Businesses don’t automatically get that help. Mazzanti, owner of eMazzanti Technologies, a Hoboken, New Jersey, consultancy, says small businesses need protection from fraud that could wipe them out.
“Your entire life is in that shop,” he says.
REGULATE ONLINE LENDERS
An online lending industry for small business has grown rapidly in recent years because many small companies couldn’t get bank loans. That industry isn’t regulated, and that has enabled some lenders charging high interest to enter the market, says John Arensmeyer, CEO of the advocacy group Small Business Majority.
“The issue of predatory lending is something that I’d like to see candidates focus on,” Arensmeyer says.
Small Business Majority wants tax breaks like $500,000 deductions for equipment purchases made permanent, instead of being approved annually by Congress. The group also wants self-employed people to get full deduction of their health insurance premiums; currently, if their business incurs a loss, they cannot deduct the premiums.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland’s Black Chamber of Commerce Awards 63 Businesses $1,000 Micro Grants
“Our members are essential to Oakland’s economic and cultural fabric,” said Cathy Adams, president of the OAACC. “These grants are a testament to our dedication to fostering business growth and sustainability within our community.” The microgrants are designed to provide vital support for members to strengthen their operations, invest in growth opportunities, or meet pressing needs, Adams added.
By Oakland Post Staff
Last week, the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) announced the distribution of $63,000 in microgrants to 63 member businesses. These $1,000 grants, generously sponsored by Supervisor Nate Miley, Amazon, and the Tides Foundation, reflect the organization’s goals and unwavering commitment to empowering Black-owned businesses in Oakland.
“Our members are essential to Oakland’s economic and cultural fabric,” said Cathy Adams, president of the OAACC. “These grants are a testament to our dedication to fostering business growth and sustainability within our community.”
The microgrants are designed to provide vital support for members to strengthen their operations, invest in growth opportunities, or meet pressing needs, Adams added.
As part of this initiative, OAACC leaders are encouraging all grant recipients to inspire their communities to support Oakland-based businesses by shopping locally, sharing referrals, and following their social media pages.
For more information about the OAACC and the organization’s initiatives, please visit www.oaacc.org.
Activism
Port of Oakland to Host January Meeting for Interfaith Council of Alameda County
State, county, and city officials have been invited to join ICAC board members and the community to explore effective strategies for addressing these interconnected challenges across Alameda County, including ICAC’s Safe Car Park program expansion and efforts to convert trailers into shelter for the unhoused.
Special to The Post
The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) will hold its first meeting of 2025 on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Port of Oakland, located at 530 Water St. Hosted by the president of the Port of Oakland, the meeting will run from 1-2:30 p.m. and will focus on pressing community issues including environmental justice, housing solutions, and crime and safety.
State, county, and city officials have been invited to join ICAC board members and the community to explore effective strategies for addressing these interconnected challenges across Alameda County, including ICAC’s Safe Car Park program expansion and efforts to convert trailers into shelter for the unhoused.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute to this important discussion. For more information, visit interfaithAC.org.
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