A People First Economy Requires Systems Change
People First Policy empowers business leaders to engage civically and advocate for transformative change. Striving for a People First Economy means going beyond adopting people-first company policies—it requires bold, systemic action driven by businesses committed to making a lasting impact.
Local and state policies shape the foundation of our economic systems, influencing businesses, workers, and communities alike. Elected officials depend on the voices of business leaders—alongside grassroots advocates—to advance solutions that benefit everyone. Businesses are not just stakeholders in this process; they are essential partners in driving equitable, community-centered change.
People First Policy empowers business leaders to engage in civic advocacy and become champions for policies that strengthen their businesses, the environment, and the communities they serve. By understanding policy proposals, evaluating their impact, and speaking up, businesses can play a key role in advancing a People First Economy.
Our Focus Areas For Change
INVEST IN CARE, INVEST IN GROWTH: A SMART INVESTMENT FOR SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS
The Care Economy plays a pivotal role in the success of small businesses and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Many small business owners, particularly women and people of color, balance caregiving responsibilities with the demands of running their businesses. Without accessible childcare, eldercare, and paid family leave, these entrepreneurs face reduced productivity, missed growth opportunities, and difficult decisions that impact their livelihoods and communities. A strong care infrastructure is not just a moral imperative; it is a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and workforce resilience.
Why Supporting the Care Economy Through Policy Advocacy is Essential for Small Businesses
- High Costs Hinder Workforce and Business Growth:
- Childcare costs consume an average of 11–36% of household income, depending on region and family structure. For many entrepreneurs, this limits their ability to reinvest in their businesses or hire new talent. (Economic Policy Institute, 2023)
- Women and BIPOC-Owned Businesses Are Disproportionately Impacted:
- Women-owned businesses, which make up nearly 42% of all U.S. businesses, are disproportionately affected by caregiving responsibilities. (American Express, 2022)
- Entrepreneurs of color often face systemic barriers, and caregiving burdens further stretch already limited resources, stifling opportunities for growth and equity. (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2023)
- Workforce Participation and Productivity Decline Without Care Support:
- Lack of affordable childcare and eldercare keeps 20% of the workforce out of employment, directly reducing the talent pool available to small businesses. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 2023)
- The U.S. economy loses $13 billion annually in productivity due to inadequate caregiving solutions, impacting businesses of all sizes. (ReadyNation, 2022)
- Improved Retention and Loyalty:
- Businesses offering caregiving support, such as paid family leave, report increased employee retention and satisfaction, reducing costly turnover. (Society for Human Resource Management, 2023)
- Care Economy Investments Boost Local Economies:
- Every dollar invested in childcare generates up to $8 in economic returns, as parents rejoin the workforce, contribute to local spending, and grow community wealth. (Committee for Economic Development, 2023)
- Policy Advocacy Aligns with Economic Justice:
- Advocating for affordable care infrastructure helps small businesses support thriving communities while addressing systemic inequities, particularly for women and marginalized groups. (Urban Institute, 2023)
- Eases the Dual Burden on Entrepreneurs:
- Entrepreneurs with access to affordable care services can focus on growth, innovation, and sustainability instead of being forced to choose between caregiving and business success. (Center for American Progress, 2023)
Supporting Care Economy policies is a smart business decision for small business owners and entrepreneurs. By advocating for affordable childcare, eldercare, and paid leave, small business leaders invest in their own growth, the strength of their workforce, and the long-term prosperity of their communities. Let’s ensure the backbone of our economy—small businesses—has the infrastructure they need to thrive.
THE ENVIRONMENT: A FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND RESILIENCE
Protecting Michigan’s natural resources is critical to sustaining small businesses, fostering community well-being, and ensuring long-term economic stability. From the Great Lakes to clean energy opportunities, environmental policies directly impact Michigan’s economy across the state. Investing in sustainable practices and protecting natural assets supports small businesses by creating cost savings, reducing risks, and building resilient communities that can thrive in a changing economic landscape.
Why Supporting Environmental Policies is Essential for Small Businesses
- The Great Lakes Fuel Michigan’s Economy:
- The Great Lakes support 1.3 million jobs and generate over $82 billion annually in wages through industries like tourism, shipping, and fishing. Protecting this resource ensures sustainable growth for businesses that depend on these economic drivers. (Great Lakes Commission, 2023)
- Access to Clean Water is Vital for Businesses:
- Clean, affordable water is critical for business operations, from breweries in Grand Rapids to manufacturing plants in Detroit. Policies that safeguard Michigan’s water supply protect businesses from rising costs due to contamination or scarcity. (Michigan Environmental Council, 2023)
- Line 5 Threatens Michigan’s Economy and Ecosystem:
- The aging Line 5 pipeline poses a significant environmental and economic risk. A spill in the Great Lakes could cost the region $6 billion in damages and disrupt critical industries. Supporting a transition to alternative energy infrastructure reduces these risks while creating jobs. (National Wildlife Federation, 2023)
- Clean Energy Drives Small Business Growth:
- Michigan’s clean energy sector is one of the fastest-growing job markets, with over 125,000 clean energy jobs as of 2023. Transitioning to renewable energy helps small businesses lower operating costs while contributing to statewide economic development. (Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, 2023)
- Growing Regional Momentum for Sustainability:
- Traverse City and the Upper Peninsula are leading the way in renewable energy adoption and sustainable practices. Statewide policy alignment ensures that businesses across Michigan benefit from these advancements, fostering equitable growth. (Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, 2023)
- Outdoor Recreation Boosts Economic Development:
- Michigan’s abundant natural resources position it as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, an industry generating over $10 billion annually and supporting 130,000 jobs statewide. Protecting the environment ensures that this sector continues to thrive, drawing tourism dollars and boosting local economies. (Outdoor Industry Association, 2023)
- Environmental Stewardship Attracts Talent and Customers:
- Consumers and employees increasingly value companies committed to sustainability. Businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices and support environmental policies gain a competitive advantage in attracting talent and customers. (Pew Research Center, 2023)
- Resilient Communities Are Economically Stronger:
- Investing in infrastructure to combat flooding, water contamination, and energy disruptions ensures that communities and the businesses within them can recover faster and thrive. (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, 2023)
By supporting environmental policies that protect natural resources, promote clean energy, and mitigate risks, small business leaders can drive Michigan toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. Advocating for these policies is not just about preserving the environment—it’s about ensuring economic stability, attracting talent, and building stronger communities across our great state. Let’s harness Michigan’s natural advantages to empower small businesses and create a thriving economy for generations to come.
ACCESSIBLE VOTING: BUILDING STRONGER ECONOMIES AND COMMUNITIES
Accessible voting is vital for fostering economic growth, reducing inequities, and ensuring robust local economies. Policies that restrict voting—such as stringent voter ID laws, limits on mail-in ballots, and barriers to voter registration—disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color, undermining their economic potential. A thriving economy depends on an inclusive democracy where all voices are heard, enabling the creation of equitable policies that support small businesses, attract investment, and drive long-term economic development.
Why Supporting Accessible Voting is Critical for Economic Development and Small Businesses
- Voter Turnout Drives Local Investment:
- Communities with higher voter turnout often secure more significant public investments in infrastructure, education, and services. For example, counties in the top quartile of voter turnout receive 15–20% more federal funding per capita, benefiting small businesses reliant on strong local economies. (Brookings Institution, 2023)
- Voter Restrictions Are Unnecessary:
- Studies have consistently shown that voter fraud is extremely rare. A comprehensive analysis found only 0.000003% of votes cast between 2000 and 2020 were fraudulent. Policies aimed at addressing this “problem” create undue barriers for voters while offering no measurable benefit. (Brennan Center for Justice, 2023)
- Inclusive Voting Promotes Equitable Policies:
- States with higher voter participation rates tend to implement policies that reduce income inequality, such as livable minimum wages and small business tax incentives. Regions with restrictive voting laws see slower economic growth, widening income gaps, and reduced consumer spending power, directly harming small businesses. (Economic Policy Institute, 2023)
- Barriers to Voting Exacerbate Workforce Challenges:
- Nearly 40% of eligible voters in low-income communities cite job inflexibility and lack of paid time off as reasons for not voting. These barriers often overlap with industries critical to local economies, such as retail and hospitality, where small businesses rely on a stable and engaged workforce. (Urban Institute, 2023)
- Accessible Voting Improves Legislative Representation:
- Increased voter turnout ensures that legislative bodies represent diverse economic and social needs. States with more representative legislatures are 20% more likely to pass bipartisan measures that support small businesses, such as access to affordable healthcare, workforce training programs, and infrastructure investments. (Center for Public Policy Priorities, 2023)
- Economic Stability Depends on Inclusive Governance:
- When voter restrictions create inequitable representation, policy decisions often favor the interests of wealthier communities at the expense of broader economic growth. Regions with inclusive voting policies experience higher GDP growth rates and lower unemployment, benefiting businesses across all sectors. (American Economic Association, 2023)
- Voting Accessibility Strengthens Business Ecosystems:
- A fair voting system fosters civic trust and community engagement, which directly impacts local economic vitality. Businesses in high-trust communities report 12% higher customer loyalty and 8% higher revenue growth, correlating with strong voter turnout and representation. (Pew Research Center, 2023)
Advocating for accessible voting policies is a smart economic development strategy. When all voices are heard, communities benefit from more equitable and forward-thinking policies that strengthen small businesses, support local investments, and drive long-term growth. Small business leaders have a critical role in championing these efforts, recognizing that an inclusive democracy is the foundation of a thriving economy.
