LANSING – New statistics released by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration show a substantial increase in the number of Michigan small businesses. The Office estimates that Michigan had 822,000 total small businesses in 2005, compared to 765,000 in 2004.
?I believe we?re seeing the silver lining in the dark cloud of layoffs from big businesses like the auto companies,? said SBAM spokesman Michael Rogers. ?This report is clear evidence that at least some of these released workers are launching their own firms. Despite Michigan?s dismal economy and the continuing tax and regulatory hurdles to self-employment, thousands of men and women across the state are taking the leap and becoming small business owners.?
Rogers said SBAM has been getting more and more inquires the past year from people wanting to start their own small businesses.
?It?s not easy launching your own firm,?? he said. ?People need help in all kinds of areas, from accounting to legal to human resources. Our growing membership reflects the fact that entrepreneurs want to band together and share resources.?
The growing number of small businesses in Michigan should be a wakeup call to political candidates, Rogers said.
?Small business owners want pro-growth economic strategies and a tax climate that supports innovation and risk taking. They?ll support candidates who will fight for those kinds of policies.?
