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Michigan’s small business landscape is always evolving – and SBAM is here to keep you ahead of the curve. In our latest Small Business Briefing, Sarah Miller and Kelli Saunders deliver timely updates, actionable insights, and practical resources for business owners across the state.
Advocacy Victory: Protecting Small Businesses from Tax Hikes
SBAM and its coalition partners scored a major win last week by helping halt the Invest in MI Kids ballot proposal. This initiative would have imposed a graduated income tax surcharge, potentially making Michigan one of the highest-taxed states in the Midwest. Thanks to persistent advocacy, coalition-building, and education efforts, the proposal failed to gather enough signatures and will not appear on the ballot this year. While the group plans to revisit the issue in 2028, SBAM is committed to ongoing public education and policy engagement to keep Michigan competitive.
Survey Results: Staffing Challenges, Rising Costs, and Optimism
SBAM’s quarterly member survey reveals the pulse of Michigan’s small business ecosystem:
- Staffing Pressures: 66% of owners report difficulty staying fully staffed, but 68% are responding by raising wages, expanding benefits, and increasing time off.
- Rising Costs: 87% are seeing higher overall costs, with 84% facing health insurance premium increases—up to $2,000 per employee in the past year.
- Recession Readiness: 60% are actively preparing for a potential recession.
- Training & Upskilling: 93% are maintaining or increasing investment in staff development.
- AI Adoption: 62% are exploring or implementing AI solutions.
- Earned Sick Time Act Impact: 59% say ESTA requirements have negatively affected their business.
- Long-Term Optimism: Despite challenges, 63% remain optimistic about their business’s future.
These insights help SBAM shape advocacy and support efforts, ensuring your voice is heard in Lansing and beyond.
Disaster Relief and Legislative Updates
- Disaster Relief: After Governor Whitmer’s advocacy, federal aid is now available for permanent repairs to northern Michigan’s power infrastructure damaged by last year’s ice storm. Additional tax relief is offered to businesses and individuals affected by recent tornadoes in Branch, Cass, and Saint Joseph counties.
- Legal Reform: The House passed a bill restoring the “open and obvious” doctrine, protecting property owners from liability for hazards that are clearly avoidable. SBAM, as part of the Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, supports this move to reduce legal uncertainty and rising liability costs.
- Energy Policy: New bills aim to revise Michigan’s clean energy standards, focusing on affordability and reliability. SBAM’s policy council is reviewing the proposals to ensure they align with small business interests.
Stay Connected and Informed
SBAM is your partner in navigating policy changes, economic challenges, and new opportunities. Join us for upcoming events, including our Election Watch 2026 Candidate Series, and stay tuned for more updates.
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