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DQ News: WIPP Small Business Roundup Edition

Women Impacting Public Policy is a non-profit, non-partisan group advocating for women-owned small businesses. WIPP regularly puts out updates for the benefit of small businesses owned and operated by women. In this roundup, we look at some of the latest issues being focused on by WIPP hopefully helpful to any small business owner. Enjoy!

Outlook

Cautious optimism for 2011. You’ve heard some polls both positive and negative about the future of small business growth throughout the rest of 2011. While here at Small Business Trends we strive to provide small business owners with the latest information, positive and negative, to better run their companies, we have always remained optimistic about the ability of small business owners to chart their own destiny. We’re happy to see WIPP feels the same. WIPP.org

Taxes

New tax reform legislation will benefit business. WIPP announced early last week anticipated tax reforms aimed at job creation but which will ultimately benefit businesses small and large alike. That legislation has since been unveiled including plans to limit some government regulations and cut government spending, two moves seen as positive in many business circles as an important step toward promoting growth. Eric Cantor Blog

Recognitions

WIPP president wins SBA’s Women in Business Advocate of the Year.  The Small Business Administration announced Barbara Kasoff, President, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) as winner of the Local 2010 Small Business Week award in April. See the full list of WIPP National Small Business Week winners by following the WIPP.org link above for more details. BusinessWire

Federal Contracts

New executive order would highlight contributions. WIPP membership last week turned a spotlight on President Barack Obama’s plan to require federal contractors to disclosure political contributions in excess of $5000 as a part of the bidding process. Opponents fear the disclosure requirement will further politicize the awarding of federal contracts, a process also important to small business. WIPP.org

GOP claims order will hurt small business. Here is the hearing on the President’s executive order which critics worry will politicize the federal contracting process and in turn effect small contractors who currently bid for federal projects. In the first hearing, Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, claims the order will both curb free speech and hurt business interests. What’s your opinion? Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Security

Ten steps to improve cybersecurity. The FCC as taken steps with a new Website designed to aid small businesses in cybersecurity specifically, according to the federal agency, to protect themselves. customers and data from cybercriminals. Here, shared through an update by WIPP, is a look at ten tips for preventing your business from being a victim. FCC.org

Legislative

Small business progress? This update from U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, chairwoman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, outlines moves made by Washington to benefit small business, but also acknowledges the long road ahead. Landrieu insists that small business optimism is increasing but concedes concerns about tax regulations, government spending and budget deficits top the list of small business concerns. WIPP.org

Could you use a bit less regulation? U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe thinks so. Recently, Snowe again introduced legislation aimed at curbing “excessive” regulation in an effort to help small businesses. Snowe is a ranking member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Thanks again to WIPP for bringing this important legislation to light. U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Small business grants can boost economy. To wrap up this legislative briefing, here is a post by Rep. Renee Ellmerson on the topic of small business grants and whether they can be used to grow the economy. Ellmerson is chairwoman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology. What do you think about small business grants? How could they best benefit your small business? House Committee on Small Business

Get Involved

WIPP celebrates 10th anniversary. Women Impacting Public Policy is celebrating its 10th anniversary and would like the help of members sharing a history with the organization to tell their stories about WIPP and how it has affected them. Looking for a small business organization that will help you make a difference? Consider getting involved with WIPP today! WIPP.org

From Small Business Trends

WIPP Small Business Roundup Edition

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