How Regulations Protect Small Businesses
A sound system of regulatory safeguards is not only compatible with economic prosperity, innovation and entrepreneurship – it is essential to them.
First and foremost, regulation protects those who work hard and play by the rules. Standards and safeguards that hold bad actors accountable keep the playing field level for small businesses and entrepreneurs who are honest and responsible.
Strong regulation can restrain, prevent and punish anti-competitive behavior from industry incumbents — keeping markets open to competition from new entrants and startups. New rules can also create opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs to enter the market and out-compete established players, while encouraging incumbents to innovate and exceed even the highest standards.
In addition, there are many regulations that benefit small businesses directly. For example, some rules specify when businesses are small enough to qualify for special loans, assistance programs and other targeted protections.
Frank Knapp of ASBC Explains the Importance of Strong Regulations for Small Business to the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee
CSS Resources
House Majority Has It Backwards: Safeguards Protect Small Manufacturers and Their Workers
Press Release: March 17, 2015
Groups Oppose the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (SBRFIA) of 2015, H.R. 527
Letter to Members: February 4, 2015
Beware This Big Business Trojan Horse
Press Release: February 3, 2015
CSS Opposes the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (SBRFIA) of 2015, H.R. 527
Letter to Members: January 26, 2015
Multiple Surveys Show Regulations Not Major Concern to Small Business
Fact Sheet: October 31, 2011
Small Business Regulatory Reform in the 112th Congress is Unwarranted
Fact Sheet: June 22, 2011
Senate Should Reject Snowe-Coburn Amendment to Small Business Bill
Press Release: May 3, 2011
Resources from Partners and Affiliates
Regulations Benefit Our Economy, Create Jobs, Increase Wages and Protect Small Businesses
House Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law: February 24, 2016
Robert Weissman, Public Citizen
Industry Claims That Regulation Is Harming Job and Wage Growth Are Demonstrably Wrong
House Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law: February 24, 2016
Josh Bivens, Economic Policy Institute
Making the Business & Economic Case for Safer Chemistry
American Sustainable Business Council & Green Chemistry and Commerce Council: May 2015
The Importance of Regulation and Problems with the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy
House Committee on Small Business: March 18, 2015
James Goodwin, Center for Progressive Reform
Gaming the Rules: How Big Business Hijacks the Small Business Review Process to Weaken Public Protections
Center for Effective Government: November 2014
Small Businesses Support Strong Accountability for Financial Industry
Small Business Majority: January 2013
Small Businesses, Public Health, and Scientific Integrity: Whose Interests Does the Office of Advocacy at the Small Business Administration Serve?
Center for Effective Government: January 2013
Small Business Owners’ Opinions on Regulation and Job Creation | Summary of Findings
American Sustainable Business Council & Main Street Alliance & Small Business Majority: February 2012
Regulation: The Unsung Hero in American Innovation
Public Citizen: September 2011
Press Coverage
To Disrupt Is to Know the Rules
Washington Post: February 29, 2016
Finding a Regulatory Framework for Social Enterprise
RegBlog: April 16, 2015
‘Fast Track’ Trade Authority Is a Mistake for Most Businesses
The Hill: April 16, 2015