Don't Forget About Nonemployer Small Businesses

SELF EMPLOYED OR WHAT EVER we are called

We own our own business in the State of Washington as well as Bruce Baker in the previous comment. We too have found that as a small employer-we actually have 4 family memebers and 2 to 3 other employees-that we are left out when it comes to any consideration by the government. But, you do not see us trying to get a bailout, we just figure out how to keep going and tighten our belts and make do. really a pity that we have come to this with all those "big, publicly traded, inter-country" companies. Yes, Washington State is not a business friendly state anymore-high taxes and regulations are killing us all. Maybe it is time for the government/s to realize just what we do add to this great country and cut us some slack.

Joye of WA @ Nov 20, 2008 20:41:12 PM

Nonemployer

I would qualify myself as a nonemployer. And indeed when it comes to pooling all small business I suffer from identity crisis. The small business pie is large; small businesses are said to be the source of the majority of employees. Yet, for those of us who sustain ourselves through small business, prefer not to be an employee of anyone, and pay our own way every step of the way do not always get a slice of the overall business pie. I like the term nonemployer and think it could be a catagory in and of itself. Perhaps if our numbers warrant it, we may be able to vie for legislation that supports and encourages us in business.That means we have to identify ourselves rather than waiting for someone else to finally recognize us.

Michele of CT @ Nov 20, 2008 18:08:03 PM

small business (or not?)

In the state of Washington on the west coast the government does not recegnize businesses with less than 50 employees as small business. All the federal assistance is provided for businesses with 50 or more employees. The rest of us and there are thousands of us are not recignized period. We all pay our taxes B&O etc. and collect sales tax to give to the state at our own expence. I am a 51 year old self employed service provider, and I have been for 5 years now. I love my job and working for my self to provide for my family. I provide myself with medical insurance and pay alot of insurance. I built my business to provide good quality service and give people what they pay for and then some. I have a 90% customer return rate,and I am proud of it. Now after 5 years the local county government wants to charge me a permitt fee to stay in business on top of my taxes and business licence etc. this is how they treat the nonemployer businesses in my state.

Bruce Baker of WA @ Nov 20, 2008 15:42:30 PM

Nonemployer is a precise term, but everytime I use it around nonemployers they immediately say "we aren't a nonemployer business - I'm the employee!"

So I use personal business when talking to most people and nonemployer business when talking to small business data wonks:)

Steve of CA @ Nov 20, 2008 12:02:53 PM