Bill Overview
Title: Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2022
Description: This bill expands the primary functions and additional duties of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to include (1) examining the role of small businesses in the international economy, and (2) representing the views and interests of small businesses before foreign governments and international entities to contribute to regulatory and trade initiatives that may affect small businesses.
Sponsors: Rep. Luetkemeyer, Blaine [R-MO-3]
Target Audience
Population: people representing and employed by small businesses worldwide
Estimated Size: 30700000
- The bill focuses on the Office of Advocacy, which deals with small businesses under the Small Business Administration (SBA).
- The key expansion involves examining small businesses' role in the international economy.
- It also involves representing small businesses' views and interests before foreign governments and international entities.
- The primary focus is small businesses both within the United States and those involved in international trade.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 30 million small businesses in the United States.
- Globally, the Small Business Association (SBA) does not directly manage international small businesses, but those interacting with the international market might be considered.
Reasoning
- The Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act targets small businesses, particularly those with international dealings.
- Not all small businesses will be affected immediately or significantly, particularly those not engaged internationally.
- The policy may have both direct effects on business owners and indirect effects on employees of small businesses.
- The budget proposed is modest relative to the number of small businesses, suggesting targeted rather than sweeping changes.
- Immediate impact may be low, with more pronounced effects over the longer term as international advocacy develops.
- Usage of funds will likely focus on research and advocacy rather than direct financial support.
- The interviews reflect a mix of perspectives, representing both those directly impacted and those marginally impacted or not at all.
Simulated Interviews
Owner of a small import-export business (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy will be helpful in the long term as it gives us a voice in international regulations.
- Right now, it's hard to compete with larger companies without representation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Co-owner of a local coffee shop chain (Austin, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While international advocacy is important, it doesn't seem relevant to my business now.
- I hope the domestic aspects of small business support aren't neglected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Tech startup founder (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Navigating international regulations is tough, anything that helps is a plus.
- Immediate benefits might be limited, but it could set the stage for better future conditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Marketing consultant for small businesses (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased advocacy can provide insights that help my clients succeed abroad.
- I anticipate incremental improvements over time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Owner of a small manufacturing firm (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a stronger voice internationally could help resolve some trade issues we face.
- I'm optimistic but cautious about the impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Owner of a local boutique (Boston, MA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The international focus doesn't directly affect local businesses like mine.
- I hope resources are also directed towards local small business challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Freelancer supporting small tech startups (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Facilitating international business is crucial in tech and this advocacy could make a long-term difference.
- Startups need all the help they can get in foreign markets.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
CEO of a small biotech company (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policymaking that smoothes international regulatory processes would be invaluable.
- It's crucial for our growth as we look to expand.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Employee in a small tech startup (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy supporting international role clarity is a potential boon for job security.
- Understanding foreign markets is key to our future efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Owner of a small online retail business (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this impacts my business at all right now.
- My focus is entirely on local markets.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $12500000 (Low: $10500000, High: $15500000)
Year 3: $13000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $16000000)
Year 5: $14000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $17000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $18000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The actual impact will heavily depend on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Office of Advocacy's expanded functions.
- International political and trade dynamics could affect the policy's success.
- The engagement level of small businesses in international trade activities will influence the overall economic impact.