Small Business Association of Michigan

LANSING - In a recent SBAM Barometer survey, 56 percent of Michigan small business owners said that increased financing opportunities would be very important in helping them increase their level of participation in the world economy. In a related development, a U.S. government agency is launching a new project to improve availability of financing for

LANSING ? The Small Business Association of Michigan urged state lawmakers to approve legislation that creates incentives for small business employers and employees to participate in Health Savings Accounts. Scott Lyon, vice president of small business services for SBAM, presented testimony to the Senate Health Policy Committee in favor of SB 197 and SB 198.

LANSING ? The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) announced its support for a business tax reform package introduced Tuesday in Lansing. ?The package of legislation addresses many of the tax reform principles that we have endorsed over the years,? said SBAM Chairman Chris Holman. ?It represents the beginning point of an important tax policy

LANSING - The U.S. Small Business Administration has created a Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to help non-profit, grassroots organizations learn about and access SBA-backed programs and loans. As part of the initiative, all current technical assistance grant recipients - including SCORE, Women's Business Centers, and Small Business Development Centers - have extended their

LANSING ? The Small Business Association of Michigan supports legislation, introduced by Rep. Tim Moore (R-Farwell), to completely remove all health-care costs from a company?s Single Business Tax liability in 2006. ?We do not believe that health insurance premiums should be taxed at any level, so this measure goes a long way in helping small

LANSING ? Paul Bukowski has joined the Small Business Association of Michigan as Political Involvement Director. He will manage SBAM?s grassroots member lobbying program and assist in political fundraising. Bukowski has been involved in government and politics in Michigan for more than ten years. He has worked in numerous legislative and political positions for leadership

LANSING ? Small Business Association of Michigan Board member Doyle Hayes of Battle Creek and past SBAM Board member Frank Lopez of Pinckney have been appointed by Gov. Granholm to the new Council for Labor and Economic Growth, which focuses on developing strategies to prepare Michigan?s workers for the 21st century. Hayes is president and

LANSING - President Bush signed legislation making more than $21 billion, some $5 billion more than last year, for two small businesses loan programs administered through the SBA. The legislation also provides the SBA with a $580 million budget for fiscal year 2005. The SBA?s flagship 7(a) loan guarantee program was boosted to a $16

LANSING ? Barry Cargill, Vice President for Government Relations at the Small Business Association of Michigan, gave the 2004 Michigan Legislature a grade of C for its failure to restore Michigan?s fiscal solvency. ?And that?s probably being generous,? Cargill said. ?They evaded the tough decisions on cutting the budget and instead served up a stew

LANSING ? In the past 25 years, self-employment rates have increased 33 percent for women, 37 percent for blacks, and 15 percent for Latinos ? compared with a 10 percent increase for white self-employment and a 2.5 percent increase for male self-employment. The study was prepared by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small