Keep up with small business legislation

Government regulations and red tape can be a tremendous barrier to small business growth. Small businesses pay a regulatory compliance cost that is 36 percent higher than large businesses. With roughly 4,100 new regulations in the pipeline it should come as no surprise that government regulations and red tape consistently rank as top concerns of small business owners.

With so many new regulations, it is important for small businesses to be aware of what is coming and how to comply. More importantly, small businesses should realize that they have a voice in the rulemaking process.

Federal agencies publish proposed and final rules and other notices and documents in the Federal Register to provide notice to “interested persons” and an opportunity to comment. Regulations.gov is the federal government’s online portal that allows citizens to comment on regulatory actions.

Small Biz Reg Watch lists regulatory proposals that are open for comment that may have a significant economic impact on small businesses. The Committee on Small Business encourages entrepreneurs to get involved by letting federal agencies and departments know how their proposals will impact them. If you provide input to an agency, you can share your comments and concerns with the Committee through its Open Mic page.