Some have suggested that Michigan small business needs a government created Small Business Director and Board of Small Business.
Should Michigan create a “Director of Small Business” and a “Small Business Board” to be appointed by the governor, and other elected officials, to represent small business interests?
Some have suggested that for small business to receive the same the government attention and assistance available to large businesses, the governor and other elected officials should be empowered by legislation to appoint a special “Small Business Czar” or “Director of Small Business” position in the governor’s office. They have also suggested that a special “Board of Small Business” be created with member business owners who would also be appointed to promote small business growth.
Opponents of creating these special small business positions say that they would end up being nothing more than a government-controlled advocate for policies being pushed by the current political party in the governor’s office or in control of the legislature. They also claim that only politically connected friends of the governor and elected officials would end up being appointed to these positions. Opponents say that if a sitting governor, or the legislature – or both, were to support increasing small business taxes or support labor mandates on small business, the government-appointed “Small Business Czar” or “Director of Small Business” and the “Board of Small Business” would likely end up trying to convince the media and the public that small business supports those policies when they may not. Opponents of a government-appointed spokesperson for small business point out that these positions would not be directly accountable to the tens of thousands of small business owners in the state, as is now the case with the numerous membership-based trade and business organizations that already exist and represent and advocate for small business.
Supporters of creating these special small business positions say that times have changed, and small businesses need government help to navigate the complexity of tax and regulatory policies and rules that exist today. As an example, they claim that it is easier for a small business to get a federal government contract than a state contract. Supporters of government-appointed small business advocates contend that many small business owners find themselves competing with out-of-state businesses who receive incentives when they bid for jobs in their own states. They say that a government-appointed advocate could help Michigan small businesses win more state contracts that are now going to out-of-state-firms. Supporters believe that creating a cabinet-level employee within state government to focus on small business is something that small business owners are interested in supporting and could help them navigate the labyrinth of government regulations and programs with specialized points of contact in each government department.
Should Michigan create a “Director of Small Business” and a “Small Business Board” to be appointed by the governor, and other elected officials, to represent small business interests?
