Growing our Neighborhoods: Supporting our Small Businesses

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the 44th District.  They employ nearly 60% of our workforce and they are responsible for creating two-thirds of all new jobs.  But from our restaurants to our corner barbershops to our neighborhood grocery stores, our small businesses are struggling.  In Annapolis, I will push for common sense solutions to aiding and growing our small businesses, including help to forge partnerships between our financial community and small businesses needed to support their success, particularly those owned by minority businessmen and women.

1. Cut red tape for small businesses.

Once entrepreneurs do obtain financing, they face unnecessary red tape.  Entrepreneurs who wish to start a new business or renew a license in Maryland are drowning in applications for permits.  According to the Director of Assessments and Taxation’s webpage, there are ten independent steps, each of which includes a host of different forms and checklists of licenses that businesses have to apply for in certain circumstances.  Small businesses stand to benefit from the implementation of a single, online “masterform.”  As Delegate, I will submit legislation to make sure we create that form and make it possible for small businesses to avoid the death by red tape that too frequently plagues our entrepreneurs.

2. Put state government to work for you.

The private employers that create jobs in our city – the majority of which are small and/or minority-owned businesses – deserve the full support and cooperation of our state government. State government’s role in economic development should primarily be that of a facilitator.  As delegate, I will reach out to all members of the business community, backing their efforts to make the 44th District prosper and asking for their input in improving our state’s business climate.