Small businesses face big challenges — starting with child care

Op-Ed by Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

In a recent national survey of small-business owners, a majority report insufficient high-quality, affordable child care programs in their communities.

As the general election in November approaches, we’re already bombarded with ads, tailored messaging and constant campaign rhetoric. On Main Streets across the country, however, America’s small business owners are waiting for a message that hasn’t come — a framework that prioritizes and supports them as catalysts of the nation’s economy.

This framework shouldn’t just be about dollars and cents or profit margins. It should be centered around the issues that affect everyday Americans — issues that matter to both Republicans and Democrats.

Small businesses employ roughly 45% of the Texas’ workforce, and the Houston metropolitan area led the nation in small business job growth last year. Small businesses play a huge role in our local economy, but many — especially minority-owned businesses — face considerable challenges.

Affordable child care is a small business issue. In a recent survey of small business owners by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, a majority report insufficient high-quality, affordable child care programs in their communities. This is worthy of attention because 58% said that they’re continuing to hire, but 80% said they’re finding it difficult to recruit qualified candidates for open positions. Over one-third said that their current employees have been forced to cut their work hours or forgo work entirely because of these child care challenges. This issue is felt more acutely in minority communities which, in a city like Houston, represent a significant share of the small business ecosystem.

Policymakers should unite behind the bipartisan Child Care Availability and Affordability Act, which would increase the tax credit available to businesses that seek to locate or provide child care for their workers, raising it from $150,000 to $500,000 — a policy that 70% of small business owners surveyed said that they support.

Another important part of supporting small business would be simplifying government procurement processes. Many small business owners can’t even begin to seek government work because the contracting process is too burdensome.

Let’s start by simplifying the certification process so it’s easier for us small businesses to get our foot in the door. Next, provide more technical assistance to small business owners trying to navigate the contracting process.

In 2025, lawmakers will also need to address tax policy. We should encourage elected leaders to pass a tax code that supports small business growth while also reviewing and sunsetting burdensome regulations.

Both political parties agree that small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy: Small businesses create jobs, invest in local communities and make commercial corridors vibrant. Many Americans hope that elected officials in both parties can work together to pass policy that will positively impact their communities. A good place to start would be by passing a small business policy playbook. Reaching across the partisan divide to support Main Street is something everyone can endorse.

Dr. Laura Murillo is president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

As published by the Houston Chronicle Small businesses face big challenges --- starting with child care (houstonchronicle.com)