Small Business Rundown

Small business owner Bonnie Roerig, NFIB State Director in Colorado Tony Gagliardi, and Vice President for State Government Relations Tim Goodrich discuss a key issue in Colorado that was on the ballot this past election day. Prop HH impacts small businesses in the future by jeopardizing the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.  Bonnie shares the long-term impacts Prop HH would have had on her small business and others if it had passed. Tony and Tim explain NFIB’s advocacy campaign work to defeat the ballot measure, and the importance of this win for small businesses across the country.  To submit your questions or requests for future podcast topics or guests, please email podcast@nfib.org.  While Proposition HH was effectively defeated, your lawmakers need to hear your voice on other state and federal issues. You can take action on important small business issues today at NFIB.com/advocacy. 

Jim Ellis of The Ellis Insight and Sharon Sussin, NFIB’s Senior National Director, give insights on the recent elections and emerging trends going into the 2024 election year. Jim discusses how the results of the Nov. 7 elections could impact small business, and Sharon explains some of the ways that NFIB’s political team helped educate and engage voters leading up to the election. They also analyzed what was learned from these elections that may apply to the 2024 election cycle. Get more information on small business issues and NFIB PAC-endorsed candidates this election season at NFIB.com/elections. To submit your questions or requests for future podcast topics or guests, please email podcast@nfib.org. Looking to make your voice heard? If you’re an NFIB member, your latest NFIB Member Ballot on federal issues is now available! Vote now at NFIB.com/VoteMyBallot.  

NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg and NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade talk about the small business economy as NFIB’s Small Business Economic Trends (SBET) report reaches its 50th anniversary. The economic report results from a monthly survey of a random sample of NFIB members and is used by news media, lawmakers, financial analysts, and academic scholars to understand the small business economic climate and shape federal and state policies. Learn more about the biggest changes and trends the report has shown over the last 50 years. The October report is now available at NFIB.com/SBET and the 50th anniversary report will be released November 14, at 6 a.m. Eastern. To submit your questions or requests for future podcast topics or guests, please email podcast@nfib.org.  Looking to make your voice heard? If you’re an NFIB member, your latest NFIB Member Ballot on federal issues is now available! Vote now at NFIB.com/VoteMyBallot.  

U.S. Senator Mike Braun and NFIB experts join this episode to explain new U.S. Department of Labor regulatory proposals. NFIB Small Business Legal Center Executive Director Elizabeth Milito and Federal Government Relations Director Jeff Brabant break down regulations being considered, including the independent contractor and overtime rules, which would impact small businesses. Senator Braun shares his experience dealing with burdensome regulations as a small business owner and gives his perspective on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. with problematic small business regulations.  TAKE ACTION: Share how burdensome regulations have impacted your small business and submit your comments on the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed overtime rule before November 7, 2023. To submit your questions or requests for future podcast topics or guests, please email podcast@nfib.org. 

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, but what does that really mean? NFIB’s National Grassroots Strategies Director Jessica Cooper and Senior National Political Director Sharon Sussin break down how NFIB advocates for small businesses and make it easy for small business owners to get involved and take meaningful action in the fight for pro-small business laws and regulations. Jessica dives into the first steps for getting involved with issues that matter to your small business. Sharon explains the importance of having pro-small business candidates run for office, the process of endorsing candidates, and the programs NFIB offers to ensure small business owners vote in every election. Take action on alerts and surveys that apply to your small business here: NFIB.com/advocacy/now. Visit NFIB’s Election Center for resources to run for office, NFIB’s political action guide, learn about early voting, and register to vote: NFIB.com/elections. 

Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center Elizabeth Milito discusses recent U.S. Supreme Court cases that affected small business and looked ahead to the new term that starts in October. She shares how the Legal Center chooses which cases to pursue, breaks down the Supreme Court’s decisions in last term’s cases, and explains upcoming cases that are a concern for small businesses. Find resources and more information about the work of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center and cases that affect the rights of small business owners at NFIB.com/Legal and submit your small business questions at info@NFIB.org. 

NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade discusses results from a recent survey on small business banking. The survey asked small business owners about their banking activities and experience accessing credit. Wade compares the findings to a previous survey, explains the impact of the March banking crisis, and discusses the economic outlook of small business owners.  Take Action: Participate in NFIB’s latest surveys and calls to action on issues that affect small businesses: https://www.nfib.com/advocacy/now/

In this episode, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and NFIB President Brad Close discuss the importance of making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent. A new campaign launched by NFIB advocates for its permanency by sharing how small business owners use the deduction to reinvest in their businesses and plan for the future. Rep. Cuellar, one of the leaders in the U.S. House who introduced the Main Street Tax Certainty Act in July, explains the benefits of the legislation and its impact on small business owners in his district.   Take Action: If you want to make your voice heard, let your Senators and Representatives know you support making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent by signing NFIB’s petition.  

In this episode, NFIB’s Federal Government Relations team gives an update on key legislative issues affecting small business. Their discussion focused on legislative developments coming out of the U.S. House and Senate, top legislative priorities, and advocacy efforts this summer. Topics covered include taxes, financial services policies, labor law, and healthcare. They also provide expectations on the future of current legislation that will affect small businesses such as the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, Credit Card Competition Act, submitting small business owners’ information to the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement (FinCEN) bureau, and the CHOICE Arrangement Act. You can also watch a webinar on-demand to gain a more in-depth understanding of these issues. Take Action: Share how you have used the money from the 20% Small Business Deduction to invest in your small business or reach out to members of Congress about how swipe fees affect your small business.

Small business owner Laura Lucia and the Executive Director of NFIB’s Research Center Holly Wade discuss a toolkit of essential tips for owners looking to expand their small businesses. Holly shares key takeaways from the recent NFIB Small Business Legal Center webinar titled Toolkit Essentials to Grow Your Small Business. Laura, the owner of Lucia Specialized Hauling, plans to expand her small business from locations in New York and Virginia into North Carolina and explains how she’s putting several crucial tips into action. She also discusses some of her expectations for the expansion process and offers advice for other small business owners thinking of expanding.   Visit NFIB.com/webinars to watch a webinar on this topic on-demand. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) also has templates available to update your business plan and grow your business. Have a question for NFIB’s Legal or Research Center? Send it it to info@nfib.org. 

This week's episode of the Small Business Rundown features Michelle Smith, an NFIB member and Florida small business owner, Bill Herrle, NFIB's Florida Executive Director, and Tim Goodrich, Vice President of NFIB State Government Relations. They delve into the topic of lawsuit abuse and its impact on small business owners. Bill sheds light on the progress made in Florida with the passage of landmark lawsuit abuse reform, highlighting the instrumental role played by NFIB members like Michelle. Listen in as Michelle shares her firsthand experience and how NFIB's support, including access to legislators, contributed to successful advocacy efforts. The conversation also encompasses national trends in predatory lawsuit abuse behaviors. Tim underscores the importance of small business owners getting actively involved in their state legislatures and Congress to share their stories and champion lawsuit abuse reform (also known as tort reform) in their states.  NFIB’s Advocacy Center has numerous resources for how small business owners can get involved and share their stories at every level of government. To learn more about the Florida Lawsuit Abuse victory, go to NFIB.com/StopFloridaLawsuitAbuse.  

Over 150 small business owners descended on Capitol Hill June 12-14 to advocate for pro-small business policies, with a focus on preventing a scheduled tax increase for small businesses and injecting real competition to reduce credit card processing “swipe fees.” In this episode, you’ll hear from a few small business owners who attended the NFIB D.C. Fly-In, NFIB President Brad Close, and VP of NFIB Federal Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman about the advocacy event and its impact in Congress.At NFIB.com/flyinissues, you can learn more about these two crucial Main Street legislative issues and take the opportunity to send a personalized message to your lawmakers in Congress.If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast!

In this episode of the Small Business Rundown, Beth Milito, Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center, goes over how to determine whether your small business’ workers are considered employees or independent contractors by the IRS. This seemingly simple distinction is actually extremely complex—and can cost small business owners who misclassify thousands of dollars in penalties. Beth covers the difference between independent contractors and employees, the different tests used to determine classification, and common exceptions. The Small Business Legal Center also offers a printable Independent Contractor guide which can be downloaded here: https://strgnfibcom.blob.core.windows.net/nfibcom/Guide-to-Independent-Contractors-2022.pdf  

On this week’s episode of the Small Business Rundown, NFIB member David Henrich joins expert NFIB staff to discuss the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). They talk about how federal agencies often fail to abide by it and what it means for small businesses. The RFA is meant to address the disproportionate impact of federal regulations on small businesses by requiring the agencies to consider, and take into account, the needs and resources of small business when making procedures. They discuss the timeline of the RFA since it went into effect in 1981, why lack of compliance leads to one-size-fits-all regulations, and how these regulations hurt small businesses on a daily basis.  To learn more about legislation in Congress that would protect small businesses by enforcing the RFA take action here: https://www.nfib.com/advocacy/now/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f105282%2fRespond  If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast! 

This episode of the Small Business Rundown features U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and NFIB member Lucas Gjovig discussing energy legislation. Under Scalise’s leadership, the Lower Energy Costs Act, or H.R. 1, was introduced earlier this year and he provides a detailed look at the legislation’s benefits. Lucas Gjovig is a small business owner who works in the energy production industry and explains how H.R. 1 will help small businesses, gives his perspective on the permitting process, and explains how it impacts small businesses. Gjovig also describes his experience testifying before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains and why it’s crucial for small business owners to engage with their U.S. Senators and Representatives.  H.R. 1 passed the U.S. House, and the bill is now waiting on action from the Senate. Urge your Senators to pass the Lower Energy Costs Act here: https://www.nfib.com/advocacy/now/ If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast!

On this week’s episode of the Small Business Rundown, host Adam Temple was joined by NFIB’s Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg and NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade for a conversation about the U.S. debt limit. They explain the debt ceiling, the difference between debt and deficit, debt cliffs, what it means for the U.S. debt to be higher than the limit, and what the Small Business Optimism Index shows owners expect in the next six months.   For the latest Small Business Economic Trends report, you can visit NFIB.com/SBET. Learn more about the U.S. debt, how long until the U.S. hits the debt cliff, and what that means in NFIB’s debt limit fact sheet: https://strgnfibcom.blob.core.windows.net/nfibcom/The-U.S.-Debt-and-Debt-Limit-Explained.pdf. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast!

Hear from NFIB President Brad Close about Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans for expanded enforcement, and The Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act currently with the U.S. Senate. The IRS recently released a plan for how they’ll spend the $80 billion added to their budget, but they left many questions unanswered. Small businesses owner Warren Hudak also joined host Adam Temple to discuss his experience dealing with the IRS. Small businesses are the low-hanging fruit when the IRS hires more staff and increases its enforcement activities. That’s why legislation in Congress that seeks to direct the IRS to prioritize serving taxpayers rather than overwhelmingly focusing on expanded enforcement is crucial for small businesses. Take Action: Learn more and take a few minutes to encourage your U.S. Senators to pass The Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act: https://www.nfib.com/content/analysis/national/how-expanded-irs-enforcement-will-hurt-main-street/ If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast!

In this episode of the Small Business Rundown, Holly Wade, Executive Director of the NFIB Research Center, explains the results of NFIB’s new Small Business Health Insurance Survey. Ever-rising health insurance costs are a significant burden for America’s small businesses, and the data reveals that small businesses are facing a substantial affordability crisis in providing health insurance for their employees. The episode also features an interview with NFIB Member Kelly Moore of Ohio, who answers questions about how her small business has struggled with health insurance costs in a conversation with NFIB Government Relations Manager Josselin Castillo. The Research Center’s Small Business Health Insurance Survey can be read here:  https://www.nfib.com/content/press-release/healthcare/new-nfib-survey-health-insurance-costs-remain-a-significant-challenge-for-small-businesses/  You can learn more about how to get involved in NFIB’s healthcare advocacy efforts at: www.nfib.com/healthcare  And tell us about your small business’ experiences with health insurance costs here: https://www.votervoice.net/NFIB/Surveys/3586/RespondIf you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast!

In this episode of the Small Business Rundown, hear small business owners Wylie McDade and Tina Miller’s Congressional testimonies on the state of small business economy and the benefits of the Small Business Deduction – a federal tax deduction that allows small businesses organized as pass-through entities like Sole Proprietorships, S-Corporations, Partnerships, and LLCs, to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. Next, U.S. Representative John Duarte speaks about the importance of making the Small Business Deduction permanent and NFIB’s Director of Government Relations, Courtney Titus Brooks, joins host Adam Temple to explain how small business owners use the deduction and where it stands in Congress.  For more information on the small business deduction ad campaign click here to read an article and watch the ad.If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast!

In this episode of the Small Business Rundown, NFIB's Senior Vice President of Advocacy Adam Temple interviews Beth Milito, Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center, about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its impact on small business owners. Beth goes in-depth on various aspects of FLSA compliance, such as: Distinguishing between employees and independent contractors Minimum wage Tipped employees Overtime pay guidelines Child labor rules Record keeping and notice posting Milito provides useful information on these topics and warns listeners of the penalties for non-compliance.  The Small Business Legal Center also offers a printable Wage and Hour Guide on this topic, which can be read here. NFIB members can also receive a free federal labor law poster that includes the FLSA requirements by calling (800) 552-NFIB or emailing info@NFIB.org.If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share. Also, check out the NFIB California podcast!