Our Mission

As small business owners, we advocate for policies that promote responsible economic development, environmental stewardship, and investment in community. We are the backbone of Maine’s economy, and we help provide a political voice for Maine’s small business community. We believe that good economic policy works both for small business owners and the customers they serve.

Maine Small Business Coalition Statement on Trump Budget Proposal

  • Posted on: 13 February 2018
  • By: Will

From MSBC director Will Ikard:

"Once again, with this budget, the President has shown a desire to destroy the American programs that ensure a functioning society. Massive cuts to food assistance, health care, and student aid will make our communities less stable and do nothing to help our small businesses. Only when every American has their basic needs met - food, shelter, health, education - can they live up to their full potential as workers, consumers, or entrepreneurs. This budget takes us further in the wrong direction.

MSBC statement on Wall Street influence of tax votes

  • Posted on: 8 February 2018
  • By: Will

Last week, Fox Business reported that six Wall Street banks - Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo - spent a combined $4 million on lobbying during the run-up to passage of President Trump's tax break bill. Maine Republican Representative Bruce Poliquin and Senator Susan Collins voted for the law. Independent Senator Angus King and Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree voted against it.

Workers, small business owners oppose Gov. LePage's bill to cut minimum wage

  • Posted on: 24 January 2018
  • By: Will

Low-income workers, young people, labor advocates, small business owners and others argued before a packed legislative hearing on Wednesday that the bill backed by Governor Paul LePage to reduce Maine’s minimum wage is not only counter to the wishes of Maine voters but would severely impact their lives. Fair pay advocates also cited employment and wage statistics over the past year as proof that the first minimum wage increase in eight years in Maine has benefited the state’s economy.

Small business owners voice opposition to Rep. Poliquin’s continued efforts to undermine Mainers’ health care, give tax breaks to the wealthy

  • Posted on: 1 November 2017
  • By: Will

On Thursday, small business owners met at Fork and Spoon in Bangor to condemn Second District Congressman Bruce Poliquin’s vote earlier this month in support of the federal budget advanced by President Trump and Republican leaders in Congress.

Maine small business owners make the economic case for Question 2

  • Posted on: 4 October 2017
  • By: Will

This article originally appeared on Maine Beacon.

More than 150 Maine small businesses have now publicly endorsed a “Yes” vote on Question 2, the ballot measure to accept federal funding to expand Medicaid. Members of the Maine Small Business Coalition gathered at the Hyatt Place Portland hotel yesterday to announce their support for the referendum, which they say would create an economic boost for the state.

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