Policy Priorities
Fair and Strategic Trade
Small businesses are already battling high costs and shrinking margins. Add in tariffs and de minimis restrictions, and the financial pressure intensifies—stifling growth, innovation, and survival.
Small Business Challenges: Tariffs are driving up costs, with some small businesses facing up to $630,000 in added annual expenses, forcing price hikes, pay cuts, and reduced growth plans.
*March 2025-
Tariffs = A Tax on All Americans
Sharp tariff hikes could raise consumer prices by 5%, costing households an extra $1,900 to $7,600 per year. Essentials like groceries, electronics, clothing, and vehicles will become more expensive, hitting Americans where it hurts most. -
The Domino Effect
When businesses pay more, consumers do too. -
What We Need
We need policies that protect access to affordable goods, safeguard American jobs in import-reliant industries, and empower small businesses to thrive, not just survive.
Fair and Strategic Trade
Policy Priorities
Affordable Cost Of Living
Soaring inflation is hitting families and businesses alike. Essentials like groceries, housing, and gas remain significantly more expensive than before the pandemic. This isn’t just about economic policy; it’s about ensuring that families can put food on the table and that small businesses can continue to be the lifeblood of our communities.
35% of small businesses report revenue as a significant challenge, the highest level in four years.
*March 2025Affordable Cost Of Living
Advocating for Policies That Drive Small Business Growth and National Prosperity
The leading voice for the Hispanic business community, the United States Hispanic Business Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for all American small businesses.
We work to ensure fair representation, expanded opportunity, and a strong voice in public and private sector policy. Through strategic advocacy, media outreach, and national partnerships, we’re shaping a landscape where every small business can thrive.
The Roadmap to a Prosperous America outlines the core policy priorities we advocate for, priorities we believe should guide any serious legislative agenda or political campaign committed to American economic leadership and small business advancement.
As we look ahead, the active participation of the small business community is essential in shaping a legislative environment that fosters economic growth. Policies that provide stability, encourage investment, promote fair competition, and strengthen our national unity will pave the way for a more prosperous future.
Political cooperation and economic success go hand in hand. It’s not about partisanship — it’s about ensuring our economy thrives through practical, forward-thinking solutions.
Small businesses must remain at the forefront of legislative priorities. From economic stability and healthcare to immigration, tax policy, energy, and domestic production, addressing these challenges will determine our nation’s long-term success.
The United States Hispanic Business Council is committed to collaborating with leaders across the political spectrum who are serious about tackling these issues. Together, we can build a future of opportunity, resilience, and shared prosperity for all Americans.
page break
Roadmap to a Prosperous America Policy Priorities
Roadmap to a Prosperous America
Strengthening Small Businesses, Expanding Opportunity, and Securing America’s Future
The United States thrives when small businesses succeed. Our Roadmap to a Prosperous America details the policies we advocate for and believe should guide any serious legislative agenda or political campaign, ensuring that small businesses remain at the heart of our nation’s economic growth.
Small businesses are the backbone of America, generating $12 trillion in output and employing 60 million Americans.
Hispanic entrepreneurs and their businesses are the fastest-growing segment of small businesses, with over 4.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses contributing nearly $3 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.
More than just business owners, we are job creators, taxpayers, and proud Americans driving economic growth.
-
Small Business in Crisis
Rising inflation means higher costs for materials, wages, and loans. With shrinking margins and limited financing options, many small businesses are fighting to survive — threatening local economies and the communities they sustain. -
What's at Stake?
The American family and American small business are the beating heart of our economy. If they falter, so does the nation’s prosperity -
What We Need
We call on elected officials to offer clear, actionable solutions to reduce the cost of living. This is more than policy—it’s about putting food on the table and keeping the doors of Main Street America open.
Fair and Strategic Trade
Strong Immigrant Workforce And Secure Borders
Strong Immigrant Workforce And Secure Borders
Immigrants aren’t just part of America’s past—they’re powering its future. With key players in healthcare, STEM, AI, manufacturing, and transportation, they make up critical portions of the workforce across industries that keep our country running:
Hospitality
30%
Agriculture
70%
Construction
25%
-
Economic Impact: $7 Trillion in Growth
Immigrants are projected to add $7 trillion to U.S. GDP and $1 trillion in tax revenue over the next decade, driving job creation, wage growth, inflation control, and innovation. They’re not just part of the workforce — they’re fueling America’s economy. -
Powering Economic Growth and Strengthening America
It is imperative to protect immigrants like DACA recipients and others who came through legal channels and are contributing to our society and our economy. -
Security and Infrastructure Concerns Are Real
The border crisis isn’t just about national security. It’s also about community strain. From education and healthcare to housing and public safety, our border towns and cities are being stretched beyond their limits. -
What We Need
America’s outdated immigration system is hurting businesses, communities, and families. To restore order and drive economic growth, we need reform that will:Secure Our Borders
Modernize Legal Immigration
Reduce Backlogs
Support Border Communities
Fair Tax Policies with Incentives for Innovation
Fair Tax Policies with Incentives for Innovation
Taxes should be simple, fair, and growth-oriented. But today’s tax code is anything but. Recent changes have increased the burden on small businesses—especially those driving innovation.
Larger corporations can absorb tax hikes more easily, small firms cannot.
Even a 7% increase in operational costs can be devastating for a small business.
-
R&D Limitations Are Driving Innovation Abroad
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) took away the ability for businesses to fully deduct research and development (R&D) costs. That means some small businesses saw a 400% increase in tax liability—practically overnight. -
Innovation Is Being Penalized
Instead of encouraging bold ideas and breakthrough technologies, the current tax structure penalizes companies for investing in them—especially small firms, which are often the most agile and inventive.We must restore R&D tax incentives to keep America competitive.
-
Why Innovation Matters for America’s Future
Innovation is the engine of economic prosperity. If we continue to discourage it, we risk falling behind—economically and strategically.Currently, China leads in annual patent filings, surpassing the combined totals of the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, India, and the UK.
-
Businesses Feel Every Percentage
Large corporations can weather tax hikes with vast resources and legal teams. But for small businesses, even a 7% increase in costs can be the difference between growth and closure.
This imbalance slows business development and stifles long-term tax revenue. -
What We Need
We need policies that incentivize businesses to invest in new ideas, technologies and methods, not penalize them for doing so. This is especially important for small businesses, which are often the most innovative and dynamic part of our economy.Incentivize Innovation. Empower Small Business.
Affordable Energy
Affordable Enery
Energy isn’t just about powering cars—it’s the foundation of countless industries. In fact, less than half of U.S. oil is used for transportation. The rest is used in products including: Fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Plastics & Rubber, Asphalt, and Cosmetics.
When energy costs rise, small businesses and families bear the brunt. Keeping energy affordable means supporting both our economy and everyday livelihoods.
U.S. electricity demand is projected to rise 9% by 2028 and 18% by 2033, putting pressure on grid reliability and infrastructure
-
Permitting Delays Are Holding Us Back
The outdated permitting system is stalling critical infrastructure. Current laws delay projects for years:• Average of 4.5 years for energy project approvals
• 6.5 years or more for transmission lines
• Some projects wait over a decade
This = $100 billion in lost investment and missed opportunities, slowing both traditional and renewable energy growth.
-
Streamline the Permitting Process
Streamlining the permitting process will maintain our nation’s energy security and promote a strategic transition to clean energy without jeopardizing environmental protections, ultimately delivering affordable, reliable power to more American families and small businesses across the country. -
Clean Energy Can Thrive with Smart Policy
Investing in emerging technologies will drive energy independence and job creation. Positive examples include:• Hydrogen Hubs: The Inflation Reduction Act’s regional hubs are set to generate billions in wages and economic activity.
• Nuclear Energy: Providing a reliable, low-carbon power source.
• Liquid Natural Gas (LNG): Offering a stable energy supply while supporting U.S. exports.
-
What We Need
We need an energy strategy that works for everyone—from the clean tech entrepreneur to the agricultural worker. That means:• Bipartisan Permitting Reform: Streamline approvals to reduce delays and unlock investments.
• Energy Innovation Support: Encourage investment in hydrogen, nuclear, and LNG technologies.
• Balanced Regulations: Avoid rushed policies that harm small businesses and energy-reliant industries.
• Energy Security Investment: Build infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.
Bolster American Production, Innovation, and Jobs
Economic Growth and Financial Equity
Bolster American Production, Innovation, and Jobs
The Pillars of Our Prosperity
Patriotism. Law and order. Family. Respect for community.
These invisible pillars are the foundation for a strong and growing economy. They are the reason why America not only attracts the world’s most successful corporations, but has allowed immigrants to create thriving companies like: Google, eBay, Verizon, AT&T, Kohl’s, Nordstrom and Bank of America.
But these pillars are eroding. To restore and protect the foundation of our economy, we must identify and address the challenges facing our nation.
American Small Businesses:
Represent 99% Of All U.S. Businesses
Create
70%
Of New Jobs
-
The Consequences of Outsourcing
For decades, American jobs have been sent overseas — from manufacturing to IT, STEM, and advanced tech. The impact has been severe:
• A Hollowed-Out Heartland: Once-thriving manufacturing hubs now face economic decline.
• Reliance on Imports: Small businesses depend on foreign-made products.
• Weakened Supply Chains: Critical industries are exposed to global disruptions.
• Falling Behind in Innovation: China surpasses the U.S. in 37 of 44 advanced technologies.
-
Empowering Small Businesses
Small businesses create 70% of new jobs and represent 99% of all U.S. businesses.
To rebuild America’s economic strength, we need policies that:
• Invest in Domestic Innovation: Support the industries that will define our future.
• Reshore American Jobs: Incentivize businesses to bring manufacturing and tech jobs home.
• Encourage Entrepreneurship: Provide resources and opportunities for small businesses to grow.
-
What We Need
When we prioritize American production and innovation, we secure a prosperous future for all. Strengthening our economy means empowering small businesses, restoring jobs, and fostering new technological advancements right here at home.
It’s time to rebuild the foundation of American success.
Economic Growth and Financial Equity
Small businesses are still recovering from economic challenges. From record-high inflation to broken supply chains and rising interest rates, the obstacles are mounting. On top of this, the national debt grows by $8.5 billion per day, placing a further strain on businesses and limiting economic opportunity.
American Small Businesses:
Generate 70% Of All New Jobs
Make Up 99% Of Employer Businesses
Produce $13.3 Trillion In Annual Revenue
Small Businesses Are Essential To America’s Economy
-
A Broken Financial System
Despite their contributions, small businesses, especially Hispanic-owned ones, face significant challenges in accessing capital:
• 90% of small business owners report difficulty securing funding.
• Less than 25% of Hispanic-owned businesses receive funding over $100,000 from traditional banks, compared to 50% of white-owned businesses.
• Even with faster revenue growth and strong credit performance, equitable funding remains out of reach.
-
Hispanic-Owned Businesses Are Leading the Way
With nearly 5 million businesses contributing more than $800 billion to the economy each year, Hispanic Americans are starting new ventures at three times the rate of the general market.
Yet Hispanic entrepreneurs remain vastly underserved in the world of finance and access to capital.
-
What We Need
• Ensure Equal Access to Capital for all American businesses and entrepreneurs
• Stabilize the Regulatory Framework to reduce uncertainty and encourage small business growth.
• Address High Interest Rates to ease borrowing costs and support expansion.
• Tackle the National Debt to reduce the fiscal burden on small businesses and prevent future economic crises.
• Promote Transparent Lending practices
By removing financial barriers, we can unlock the full potential of small businesses, drive innovation, and build a stronger, more prosperous America.
Affordable Health and Accessible Child Care
Affordable Health and Accessible Child Care
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but rising healthcare and child care costs are holding them back. Without relief, these challenges make it harder to hire, retain employees, and grow.
84%
84% of Small Business Owners say high-quality child care is unaffordable for working parents
-
Rising Healthcare Costs Are Squeezing Small Businesses
• Healthcare costs are increasing by 5-10% annually.
• Prescription prices alone are climbing by 15% each year.
• On average, small businesses pay over $6,000 per employee annually for health benefits.The Impact:
• Higher operational costs.
• Reduced ability to offer competitive benefits.
• Difficulty attracting and retaining top talent. -
Child Care Is Imperative For Small Business Growth
According to the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business survey• 84% of Small Business Owners say high-quality child care is unaffordable for working parents.
• 57% operate in areas with limited or no access to affordable child care.
• 38% report employee absences or reduced work hours due to lack of child care.The Impact:
• Limited workforce participation.
• Increased employee turnover.
• Lower productivity and business growth. -
What We Need
We need policies that:• Lower healthcare premiums and prescription drug costs
• Expand access to high-quality, affordable child care
• Provide targeted tax relief for working parents and small businessesBecause when families are supported and businesses can thrive, America’s economy prospers.