In honor of National Small Business Week, Shop Talk reporter Virginia Bridges asked owners to share what federal, state or local government officials could do to make it easier for them to start or run a small business. This is what they said.
• “They need to partner with larger companies in an effort to provide local publishable events that are free for entrepreneurs and small businesses (and) are a catalyst for professional knowledge sharing, nonmonetary partnerships and education,” said Michael Georgiou, chief marketing officer and co-founder of Imaginovation, a website and software development and design firm in Raleigh. “In turn, this collaboration of talent and services will grow every business, even the large companies that government officials partner with for each event.”
• “Most small businesses have unique challenges that vary by industry and/or by revenue size but do not have the luxury of lobbyist support,” said Kimberly Lewey, co-owner of Lewey Landscaping LawnCare, a residential and commercial landscaping company in Raleigh. “A panel or committee of the typical North Carolina small-business owners meeting with local and/or state legislators would help keep the focus directed on small businesses rather than who is making the most noise.”
• “In 2012 and 2013, as a small business we were able to benefit greatly from the Small Business Tax credit,” said Danielle Thompson, chief executive officer of Thompson Digital Holdings, a short message marketing, mobile app and website development firm in Cary. “In 2014 this has expired and makes it harder for a small business to grow and invest based on the new tax changes. … Seeing this tax credit return in the future would greatly benefit us as a company.”
• “If North Carolina has a healthy arts budget, then my arts-based business is more likely to succeed. I’ll see more opportunities in programs, grants and services,” said Alice Osborn, owner of Write from the Inside Out, a Raleigh business that provides editing, writing and speaking services. “As an arts educator who works with many local and state nonprofits … it’s important that I advocate with local and state legislators for a fair N.C. Arts Council budget. After all, we are the ‘Creative State’ and strong arts funding produces smarter students, skilled jobs and cultural tourism.”
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