Small Business Rundown National Federation of Independent Business

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.