Yesterday we saw accountability for the murder of George Floyd, but this one small step forward does not change the fact that there are recurring acts of racial violence and injustices in our country. There is much more work to be done to move towards an equitable society and economy.
Press Releases
Press Release Date:
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Statement from Small Business Majority Founder & CEO John Arensmeyer on the work needed to advance equity for communities of color following the Derek Chauvin trial verdict
Topic(s):
Government Accountability, Minority entrepreneurship
Press Release Date:
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Declaración por parte de la Vicepresidenta de Colaboraciones Estratégicas de Small Business Majority Xiomara Peña sobre el trabajo necesario para poder avanzar la equidad en las comunidades minoritarias después de el veredicto de juicio de Derek Chauvin
Ayer vimos rendición de cuentas por el asesinato de George Floyd, pero este pequeño paso adelante no cambia el hecho de que hay actos recurrentes de violencia racial e injusticias en nuestro país. Hay mucho más trabajo por hacer para avanzar hacia una sociedad y una economía equitativa.
Topic(s):
General Small Business, Minority entrepreneurship
Press Release Date:
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Statement from John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, on what lawmakers should do next to help more small businesses access capital as funding available through the Paycheck Protection Program runs out
“Although Congress extended the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through May 31, it’s clear that funds will not last much longer. While PPP has been a critical short-term lifeline for many businesses, the program was always fundamentally flawed as it was based on an unequal traditional banking system. At the same time, we know small businesses, particularly those owned by women and entrepreneurs of color, are still struggling one year into the pandemic. They desperately need additional relief.
Topic(s):
Access to Capital, COVID-19, Government Accountability
Press Release Date:
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
New Small Business Majority and Families USA survey reveals more than one-third of small businesses are struggling to access health insurance during COVID-19; Nearly 1 in 5 plan to make changes to or reduce health coverage soon
A new scientific opinion poll released today finds that the nation's small businesses are struggling to afford healthcare benefits and want policymakers to focus on long-term solutions that can expand access to coverage and lower healthcare costs for small employers in a way that stop-gap healthcare provisions in the American Rescue Plan do not.
Topic(s):
COVID-19, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare
Press Release Date:
Monday, March 29, 2021
Statement from Awesta Sarkash, Government Affairs Manager for Small Business Majority, on Governor Ralph Northam’s proposed amendment for a retirement saving program run by the Commonwealth
“We're thrilled that Governor Northam amended HB 2174, which would create the Virginia Saves Program (HB 2174), a state-run retirement savings program funded by modest payroll deductions. This is an important step to supporting small business owners and their employees in the Commonwealth who face barriers to accessing traditional retirement benefits. The Governor’s proposed amendment would allow part-time employees to participate in the program, which will help ensure employers don’t have to track their employees’ hours to determine eligibility.
Topic(s):
Entrepreneurship, Retirement
Press Release Date:
Friday, March 26, 2021
Statement from Rachel Shanklin, Small Business Majority’s Georgia Outreach Manager, on the economic and democratic consequences of Georgia’s decision to restrict voting rights
"Gov. Kemp's decision to sign legislation limiting voting rights is a blow to small business owners and all Georgians who should have a voice in selecting the lawmakers who make the policies that impact their livelihoods. Georgia small business owners have had the freedom to pursue the American dream, but that dream cannot exist for everyone unless all citizens have the ability to participate in our elections without barriers. Entrepreneurs agree: our democracy is strongest when all Georgians have fair access to voting.
Topic(s):
Entrepreneurship, Government Accountability
Press Release Date:
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Statement from John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, on the U.S. Senate vote to offer more small businesses an opportunity to access badly needed funds through the Paycheck Protection Program
"Small businesses will be relieved that Congress has moved quickly to pass the PPP Extension Act of 2021. It is vital that we extend the application window for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) because we know that many small business owners are still applying for funds, or already applied and are waiting for their application to be approved or are hoping to receive desperately needed capital soon.
Topic(s):
Access to Capital, COVID-19, Government Accountability
Press Release Date:
Friday, March 19, 2021
Statement from Small Business Majority Founder & CEO John Arensmeyer on the growing violence and racism directed at the AAPI community
As advocates for the small business community that are focused on building an inclusive and diverse economy, we condemn the hatred that has spawned shocking violence toward Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) over the past year, as well as the dangerous rhetoric and misinformation about the coronavirus that has harmed AAPI-owned businesses.
Topic(s):
Entrepreneurship, Minority entrepreneurship
Press Release Date:
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Declaración hecha por John Arensmeyer, Fundador y CEO de Small Business Majority, sobre la confirmación de Isabel Guzman como la nueva Administradora de la Administración Federal de Las Pequeñas Empresas de Estados Unidos
“Estamos complacidos con el resultado de la votación en el Senado de los Estados Unidos para confirmar Isabel Guzman como la nueva Administradora de la Administración Federal de Las Pequeñas Empresas de Estados Unidos (SBA por sus siglas en inglés). Durante su carrera, la Sra. Guzman ha sido y continúa siendo una defensora de las pequeñas empresas.
Topic(s):
General Small Business
Press Release Date:
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Statement from John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, on the confirmation of Isabel Guzman as the new Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration
“We are thrilled by today’s vote in the U.S. Senate to confirm Isabel Guzman as the new Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Throughout her career, Ms. Guzman has been and continues to be a champion for small businesses. And as the daughter of a small business owner and a former entrepreneur herself, her level of commitment to our small business community is critical as we work to preserve the vitality of our nation’s economy during COVID-19 and beyond.
Topic(s):
General Small Business