If you are a small business owner, you may want to view Senator Levin's Small Business Resource Guide. This resource guide of useful small business websites is intended to assist small business owners find resources and help establish and run successful enterprises.

Senator Levin has always been a strong advocate for the interests of Michigan small businesses. As a senior member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, he understands that small business is the heart of America’s economic strength and job creation.

Small business is vital to Michigan and an important source of new jobs in our state. Ninety-eight percent of Michigan businesses are small businesses. Small businesses employ over 50 percent of Michigan’s 3.9 million non-farm employees.

Senator Levin has supported tax legislation that is favorable to small businesses. This year he supported a provision that would have tripled the amount of investments that small businesses can immediately write-off; and he introduced an amendment that would have increased that amount by an additional $7,500. Senator Levin also supported a provision that would have provided small businesses with a 50 percent tax credit to help them maintain health coverage for their workers.

Small businesses rely on the Small Business Administration's guaranteed loan programs to obtain the credit they need to start or expand their business. There has been tremendous growth in both the SBA 7(a) and the 504 Guaranteed Loan Programs, especially during this economic downturn, when credit availability for small businesses is tighter than ever.

The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee passed a three-year reauthorization bill that over time increases SBA's lending programs to meet the growing demand. Senator Levin authored a provision included in the bill establishing a Small Business Intermediary Lending Pilot Program to address the needs of expanding small businesses.

This pilot lending program is aimed at businesses that need loans larger than those available under the SBA Microloan Program, but for a variety of reasons – including lack of sufficient or conventional collateral – are unable to secure through conventional lenders the credit they need at the terms they need. Senator Levin’s proposal helps start-up and expanding small businesses create jobs, including jobs for low-income individuals.

Senator Levin also authored a provision for disaster relief for small business concerns damaged by drought, including those small businesses hurt by low-water levels on the Great Lakes, which was included in the bill. It also contains the Childcare Lending Pilot Program to allow affordable and low interest SBA 504 loans for non-profit child care centers, which will hopefully spur the establishment and expansion of childcare providers.

Visit the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Republican website >

Visit the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Democratic website >