With voting in the Republican primaries around the corner and with unemployment still high, it has become evident that 2012 will be a big year for small-business owners. Both as a voting block and as the economic engine of America, small businesses will have a lot to say and a lot of power in the ballot box.
Today small-business owners and entrepreneurs are the job-creation engine of America, employing more than half of America’s workers and creating more than 60% of all new jobs over the past 15 years. If small businesses are so important to our local and national economies, then why do so many small businesses and Main Street owners face uncertainty in today’s economic climate? The reality is that most small businesses lackease of access to capital and as a result are unable to grow their businesses and hire new workers. Small businesses are facing uncertainty that will linger into 2012.
Small-business owners are uncertain about whether or not their taxes will be raised; whether or not they will they have access to capital and credit; whether or not the new health-care law affect them and their businesses; and how will new regulations affect their balance sheets. With all this uncertainty, small businesses owners and Main Street must speak and have their voices and votes heard in 2012.
In Washington, D.C., nothing is being done by either side of the aisle. Everyone is simply kicking the can down the road. Whether it was the debt-limit fight or not having an honest debate on entitlement spending, all we are seeing is the rich get richer while small-business owners are left to fend for themselves. Enough is enough. Everyone is pandering, but what is actually getting done on either side, be it Democrats or Republicans.
If Washington wants jobs, they need to work with small businesses. Government-fueled uncertainty is hindering businesses when it comes to making hiring decisions, planning for the future, and ultimately leading an economic recovery. Small businesses need support from all sides.
Main Street and small businesses owners will play a leading role in helping our country during this difficult economic time. But we need Washington’s help to strengthen lending programs, remove obstacles and help small businesses renew the economy — one job at a time.
Joseph Meyer is the chairman and founder of Meyer Capital LLC.
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