Current Issues

The Small Business Advisory Council is currently working on a variety of advocacy issues in support of small business. Below is a sampling of the current issues on the SBAC agenda.

Small Business Bill of Rights

The SBAC developed the nation’s first City Small Business Bill of Rights, which was passed by City Council in Nov, 2007. The Bill of Rights provides a framework by which policies, government actions, regulatory interpretations and the allocation of resources are considered. In 2008, the SBAC is working with both the business community and City bureaus to communicate and implement the Bill of Rights. Read the Small Business Bill of Rights. Cast your support for the Small Business Bill of Rights.

Business License Fee/Business Income Tax Reform

The latest step in Business License Fee/Business Income Tax reform came about in Aug 2008 as Council voted to support administering the fee as an “after-the-fact” charge rather than the current “before-the-fact” payment. The BLF/BIT reform effort seeks to ease the tax burden on small businesses and to improve the economic competitiveness of our city and county. This step follows the 2007 decision by City Council to double the annual gross receipts exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 and raise the owner’s compensation deduction by 30% to $80,000.  Read the 2007 resolution passed at Council.

Technical Assistance & Entrepreneurial Education

Following up on Mayor Potter’s proposed allocation of $250k for technical assistance to businesses, the SBAC is working with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to deliver a coordinated education effort using existing programs and organizations. The goal is to develop a collaborative citywide technical assistance model that targets early stage entrepreneurs.

Sustainability Efforts

Working with the Office of Sustainable Development (OSD), the SBAC reviewed three proposed commercial recycling plans in June 2007. The SBAC opposed the franchising option and supported the option to maintain the current open market system with additional incentives/programs for business. The SBAC is working in 2008 to formalize a relationship with the Sustainable Development Commission to assist integration of green business programs with economic development.