A call for solutions for Small Business in Oregon – Caroline Cummings RAIN
“The entrepreneurs shared several suggestions for how state policymakers in Oregon could help to reduce barriers holding back starting and scaling businesses within the state. These are:
• Move away from the “first-come first-serve” approach to loan and grant applications, because some populations, including Hispanic entrepreneurs, need more time to find and navigate assistance.
• Provide necessary funding to communities to help update rural spaces, such as granges, libraries, empty and abandoned buildings, and make them usable for entrepreneurs and innovators.
• Create a checklist for policymakers to review prior to passing laws regarding how those laws could affect startups and small businesses, especially those with fewer than 20 workers and those in rural communities. A good example of this is America’s New Business Plan, a bipartisan plan for policymakers that is focused on creating new jobs and leveling the playing field for startups and small businesses. “
“After all, nine out of 10 private-sector firms in Oregon have fewer than 20 employees and six out of 10 employ fewer than five, according to the Oregon Employment Department (March 2019).”
