2016 Election

In a October 30, 2016 op-ed in Crain’s Cleveland Business, SBE Council president & CEO Karen Kerrigan and WIPP Chief Advocate Ann Sullivan outlined key policies that the presidential candidates need to focus on to help women-owned startups and businesses grow and succeed. This is especially important for the state of Ohio, as Kerrigan and […]

  By Karen Kerrigan- There is still time for all candidates running for elected office to focus on the key issues that are driving the insecurity and worry of many Americans when it comes to the economy.  This means issues impacting small businesses and entrepreneurs must be front and center during the waning days of […]

  By Karen Kerrigan- The final presidential debate of the 2016 election is October 19 at 9:00 p.m. ET. The previous two debates were fascinating, but were very (very!) much lacking on questions and discussion regarding issues relating to the U.S. economy and how each candidate plans to reignite growth, quality job creation, investment, and […]

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 […]

UPDATED PROFILES of the Candidates! By Karen Kerrigan- Tonight is the first Presidential candidate debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.  The candidates will face off in Hempstead, New York at Hofstra University.  The general topics for the debate include “America’s Direction,” “Achieving Prosperity,” and “Securing America.” Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Key to […]

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (D) is the former U.S. Secretary State and Senator from New York. Where does Mrs. Clinton stand on key small business issues? On the campaign trail Clinton said, “I want to be the president for small business.” She talks about the growth of regulation and red tape, as well as […]

Donald Trump is Chairman and President of The Trump Organization. He is a successful businessman, best-selling author and television personality. Where does he stand on key small business issues? (NOTE: This profile has been continually updated from the Republican primary period through September 25, 2016.) Trump’s Economic Vision and Plan The Trump Economic Vision was […]

In a Morning Consult Op-ed (August 11), SBE Council president & CEO Karen Kerrigan and WIPP Chief Advocate Ann Sullivan write about the power of women and women entrepreneurs in our country and economy. To encourage entrepreneurship and strong small business growth, they urge the presidential candidates to focus on improving and reforming the regulatory […]

by Raymond J. Keating- The Democratic Party’s platform, unfortunately, is not a constructive document when it comes to the general outlook on how the economy works, and on taxes and regulation. It is striking just how much this platform embraces government action, especially the idea of government regulating vast areas of business and everyday life. […]

by Raymond J. Keating- An “all of the above” energy policy, unfortunately, seems hard to find in the Democratic Party’s platform. The focus is on taxing and regulating our most valuable energy resources, namely, oil, natural gas and coal, while providing taxpayer subsidies for wind and solar power. Consider 5 key points from the Democratic […]