The proposed 50 percent budget cut to the State’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program (TAP) has been met with strong opposition from the National Small Business Advocacy Council (NSBAC). TAP has been a critical support in helping small businesses owners survive in today’s competitive market.
The potential budget cut, if given the go-ahead, would dramatically limit small business owners from receiving no-cost or low-cost assistance in business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and regulatory compliance assistance, among other services. The small business community was hit hard by the pandemic and is just starting to see signs of recovery.
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“California celebrates its innovation and entrepreneurship as key factors in its global economic success. Programs like TAP are a lifeline for California’s entrepreneurs. Making such a drastic cut has far-reaching implications,” said NSBAC President Allison Allain. “As a state, we’re either for small business survival and success or we’re not. We need safeguards for small businesses, not slashed budgets.”
The NSBAC is calling on small business owners, advocacy groups, and elected officials, to voice their opposition to the proposed budget cut.
Small businesses create 2 out of 3 net new jobs and employ over 7 million in California. Last year, TAP played a crucial role in the formation of over 3,000 businesses and served over 150,000 business owners, with services provided free of charge. Many of these businesses are minority-owned, women-owned or located in rural areas.
