State Democrats' Plan Would Offer Help To Small Biz

DETROIT (WWJ) - State House Democrats have rolled out a new proposal creating tax incentives for small businesses owners to hire Michigan's unemployed while expanding their operations.

Speaking in southwest Detroit on Monday, House Representative Phil Cavanaugh of Redford said the bill would also increase access to capital and provide the know-how for business owners to be successful.

"I believe the governor and the new tax plan that was rolled out earlier this year by the Republicans concentrates on major corporations and bit busniess," said Cavanaugh. "This is actually to give small business a break."

Along with tax credits for hiring the unemployed, House representative Rashida Tlaib said the program would provide more access and educational support for small business owners who have an idea but don't know how to take the next step.

"I had a woman who just didn't understand the zoning or a woman who gets a little bit of help in putting a business plan together. Those are the kinds of things that we need to be doing to support our smal businesses," Tlaib said.

Tlaib said thousand of Michigan families would benefit from small business given the incentive to hire and expand.

Tammmi Alfaro-Koehler, co-owner of the Honey Bee Market in Mexicantown, a neighborhood grocery store, said the plan would help fledgling businesses move forward.

"If they're undecided, it would push them to hire someone that's unemployed so that we can get this economy going. That's our desire ... try to help other businesses grow," she said.

Michigan has over 180,000 small business, most of which employ fewer than 20 people.