Presidential Candidates Vie For SMB Love

After the big conventions, look for small focus from Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton – with an eye on small business.

The New York Times reported Wednesday (July 20) that the candidates will shift focus to include issues that are among those that are the most important to small business owners, such as regulations and taxes, and among the key issues that impact bottom lines. The race is on to win the hearts and minds of the SMBs. But, as The Times notes, the jury is still out as to whether Trump’s business stories or Clinton’s relatively light private sector resume will lure voters.

The breakdown of voters in data compiled by the National Small Business Association shows that half of SMB owners are Republicans, and another 21 percent show allegiance to Democrats. Another 19 percent are independents, as they self-identify.

As for the candidates themselves, Trump is about taxes and regulations, and reducing both. Clinton speaks about easing the path toward SMB financing and opening up potential for women and minority-owned business creation. She has also come out in support of tax relief for SMBs. Clinton has yet to say to what rate she would cut taxes, while Trump has stated that rates should stand at about 15 percent.

Looking ahead, Timothy Hagle, a political science professor at the University of Iowa, told The NYT in an interview that Clinton will have to generate support among small businesses, with a dual audience of owners and also union members (where she is viewed as being pro labor). As for Trump, the professor stated that the brash candidate is liked due to the perception of “that willingness to fight.”