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WSMA 2010 Policy Priorities
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Self-employment and small business are touted by economists,
historians, policy advisors and the private sector as the vehicle that will
move us out of our current recession.
Historically and statistically the greatest job creation mechanisms have
been the creation of new business and the growth of small business. Unfortunately decision makers are electing to
step away from funding initiatives that truly reach down and target the
self-employed, the micro-businesses sector, and the organizations in place to
uplift them. Washington is no
exception. The state's current budget
recommends elimination of support for such an effort.
Please take a moment to review our policy priorities. Ask questions. And most importantly support strategies that
truly bring economic opportunity to those who really need it.
Sincerely,
Teresa Lemmons, Executive Director
Washington State Microenterprise Association
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Priority #1: Reinstate Microenterprise Development Program funding in the state budget.
Microenterprise Development Program:
The Microenterprise Development Program supports a statewide network of
small business assistance providers and their capacity to aid
entrepreneurs and small enterprises to create businesses and jobs.
These organizations provide comprehensive training and technical
assistance along with capital to help businesses start and grow.
RCW 43.330.290 Budget: $250,000 in Department of Commerce
Priority #2: Include
Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) and Microenterprise
Development Organizations (MDOs) in all state economic development coordination
and recognition.
Name WSMA and MDOs in all economic development legislation
regarding: small business training/technical assistance; small business
capital and lending; entrepreneurship; self-employment; and job
creation.
Name WSMA and MDOs in all legislation regarding: economic
development coordination activities, representation on related boards
and commissions, and business assistance award opportunities.
Priority #3: Add
Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) and those whose principal work
is assisting start-up businesses as recipients of the Business Assistance
Account funds (RCW 28B.30.531).
MDO's have assisted small scale businesses and entrepreneurs in
Washington for more than 15 years by providing comprehensive business
assistance through all phases of business start-up. MDO's work with
individuals and micro-businesses to create and advance their business
plans, both before and after licensing. Business assistance activities
include structured entrepreneurial training, business counseling and
access to capital (microloans), business development, marketing
assistance and much more. There are 22 existing MDO's in Washington.
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Small Business Owners Vote on Top Policy Concerns
 Small business owners, legislators, and policymakers from all over
Washington discussed the state's business climate
at Washington Policy Center's 2009 Small Business Conference. During
several interactive issue breakout sessions, business owners suggested
and discussed solutions to improve the climate for small businesses in
Washington.
The Washington Policy Center published a detailed analysis of the
conference results in a report, Lead the Way: Small Business & The Road to Recovery written by Carl Gipson for the current Legislative Session.
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