So, Where Do the Candidates Stand on Small Business Issues?

By SBE Council at 28 September, 2016, 7:19 pm

By Karen Kerrigan-

Well, the first presidential debate was disappointing if you were interested in learning more about how the candidates would address specific issues that matter to small businesses. Many entrepreneurs felt cheated by the debate, as the candidates didn’t drill down on details or their policy positions. True, Lester Holt did not ask specific questions about small business, but he certainly tossed out general questions on the economy, which gave candidates the opportunity to focus on entrepreneurship and small business growth as a solution to boosting economic growth.

“Achieving Prosperity” was one of three topics of this first debate, but there really wasn’t a specific question or response that spoke to the importance of entrepreneurship and small business growth as a way to help Americans achieve the financial and economic security that has evaded many during this weak and disjointed economic recovery.

Entrepreneurs are critical to getting the economy back on a strong growth track, and successfully starting and growing a business is an important path that helps individuals achieve financial security and prosperity. Small businesses are responsible for the bulk of job creation, and their innovation and dynamism is what makes our economy so unique from the rest of the world. New business creation remains sluggish, and until entrepreneurship resumes its healthy pace, our economy will continue to limp along.

CANDIDATE PROFILES

SBE Council has updated our profiles (from the primaries) on where the candidates stand on key small business issues. We have outlined known or new positions on taxes and tax reform, health care reform and Obamacare, regulation and regulatory reform, trade, immigration, and energy. Also included: Resource links to SBE Council’s views, research, and positions on key issues.

Hillary Clinton

Donald Trump

As we did during the primary season, SBE Council will continue to update these profiles as warranted. We will also continue to work hard to influence the discussion on the campaign trail to ensure small business owners and entrepreneurs know – exactly – where the candidates stand on issues that matter to the health of their businesses.