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North Carolina Small Business Owners Speak Out on the Importance of a Strong Democracy to a Strong Economy

Eighty-nine percent of small business owners say a well-functioning democracy is very important to a strong small business economy, and 78% are very concerned with the current state of our democracy   

Raleigh, N.C., Oct. 25, 2022—As Election Day approaches, North Carolina small business owners are voicing their concerns about the state of our democracy, which they say is a pillar of a strong economy, and are becoming increasingly vocal about ensuring the process is fair, inclusive and accessible. 

In a recent survey of the Small Business for America’s Future  network, 89% of small business owners surveyed said a well-functioning democracy is very important to a strong small business economy, and 78% are very concerned with the current state of our democracy.   

“North Carolina’s million small businesses employ nearly half the state’s workers and bring economic vitality to all our communities. Small business leaders are invested in ensuring we have the economic environment they need to thrive, and that includes a strong democracy,” said Jim Duffett, Director of Small Business for America’s Future North Carolina. “As trusted members of their communities, small business owners have the opportunity now to help people participate in the democratic process through education and outreach on ways to vote.” 

With early voting open in North Carolina, Small Business for America’s Future North Carolina has been engaging the business community and their employees on the issue  by providing educational opportunities about how to register to vote and removing barriers to voting such as allowing time off to vote. 

Here’s what North Carolina small business leaders are saying about strengthening our democracy and the economy

“No matter what your zip code, who you vote for, or whether you are our customers, one thing is clear: small businesses value the right to vote and believe that all eligible Americans should have fair and safe access to this fundamental right.”
Reginald Cottrell
Keep It Clean LLC, Harrisburg, North Carolina 

“Strengthening our democracy doesn’t just ensure the stability of our current economy, it fuels economic growth and helps communities build wealth.”
David Meeker
Trophy Brewery, Raleigh, North Carolina

“Without a strong democracy and leaders who are accountable to their constituents, small businesses will not be able to advocate for the issues that matter most to their prosperity: a level playing field with large corporations.”
Sam Ratto
Founder-Head Chocolate Maker at Videri, Chocolate Factory, Raleigh, North Carolina 

“Businesses like ours rely on the foundations of a strong democracy: stable markets, appropriate regulatory oversight, ethical and accountable leadership, and the rule of law. Without those elements, no business can navigate today’s economic and social challenges.  Replacements, Ltd. supports a democracy that reflects the values of the diverse communities we serve and does not pick economic winners and losers based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious or political beliefs. We expect that same commitment from our elected leaders.”

Bob Page
Founder & CEO, Replacements, Ltd., Greensboro, North Carolina

“Small businesses support offering voting options and making voting more accessible and secure so their employees can participate in our democracy while supporting our economy.”
CJ Scarlet
CJ Scarlet LLC, Clayton, North Carolina 

“As a small business owner, I see daily the importance of being actively involved when it comes to laws and regulations affecting entrepreneurs. A strong democracy provides us the freedom to elect officials who listen and act according to the voices of small businesses. It is imperative that every voter, not just entrepreneurs, speak out in support of a fair and equitable democracy. Unfortunately, there are efforts to undermine our democracy and not honor free, fair, and secure elections. If these efforts succeed, candidates will win not by listening to voter input, but by manipulating election rules. When that happens, the voice of small businesses will be muted. We are calling on our elected officials to legislate a fair and equitable formula for small businesses.”

John J. Martin
Martin Sloane International, Concord, North Carolina 

“Creating many jobs and providing 43.5 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, the small business owner deserves not only to be acknowledged and appreciated but also deserve to be supported and heard. Only a strong democracy can make this happen. While 81 percent of us do it alone without employees, we are still very instrumental in the continuation of a thriving U.S. economy, making us one of the greatest U.S. investments.”

Trudi B. Parson
Fortify & The Business Launch Firm, Greensboro, North Carolina

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About Small Business for America’s Future North Carolina
Small Business for America’s Future North Carolina  is a coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the state’s small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.