Cutting through the noise in 2025 to work for small businesses

These are contentious political times driven by corrosive rhetoric and a lack of empathy for people with differing views.

Social media certainly has not helped, as some politicians attempt to increase their profile and influence by posting and sharing inflammatory content.

However, many small business owners are fighting the same battles, regardless of political affiliation, and over-the-top hyperbole does not pay the bills. Small business owners and advocates are looking for solutions that will help them sustain their businesses and thrive.

The small business community needs a common sense, meaningful, and robust agenda and we will deliver in 2025.

We will start by reintroducing legislation that paves the way for small businesses to have greater access to state tax incentives, pushing for the reinstatement of the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit program. These tax credits, which provide incentives to small businesses that create net new jobs, proved extremely popular before they were inexplicably phased out. Another compelling thing about this program is it should be revenue positive in the long-term.

We also are highly committed to the implementation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which will ensure state agencies better analyze and consider the impact new rules will have on small businesses. Halting overly burdensome red tape in its tracks will support small businesses, create jobs, and foster economic growth.

The implementation of this legislation will allow small businesses to focus on creating revenue as opposed to navigating rules with unanticipated consequences. This legislation passed with resounding bipartisan support for a good reason and should be fully embraced in short order.

Illinois also can support entrepreneurs who have lost their jobs and want to start a business by allowing them to receive the same unemployment benefits available to folks looking for jobs with other companies. These opportunities exist in New York, Oregan and other states.

Illinois politicians should provide the fuel motivated and innovative entrepreneurs need to launch a business that could create jobs and foster economic development. There will also be no revenue loss to the state, simply more flexibility in the way individuals qualify for unemployment.

Our agenda also will include occupational licensing reforms focused on ensuring legislators have useful and pertinent information before new licenses are established. We will look to bring added transparency to government contracting as well, so small businesses that traditionally struggle to procure government contracts have a better chance to compete on a level playing field. We will continue searching for solutions to rising property taxes because of their impact on the small businesses.

The small business community is full of thoughtful, practical, and innovative people. I am confident that together, we can push through the divisiveness and noise to advocate for meaningful policies that will support small businesses. Here is to the work we will do together in 2025!

• Elliot Richardson is co-founder and president of the Small Business Advocacy Council.