Great list. I’d like to see more money go to community colleges to retrain the unemployed for the many, many good jobs that are open – not enough skilled people to fill them.

Phyllis

From my perspective, #2 and #3 are intimately tied and are the greatest source of angst for many small businesses who wish they had half of the breaks given to big businesses. Since boot-strapping my business in 1997 it’s been clear that in most cases, one has to have money to make money. The business model (service vs widgets) may impact how far $100,000 will go but the real point is that many solo-preneurs will not become boutiques and boutiques may never become mid-sized businesses without the resources. I still wistfully recall the years when as a corporate exec, I had the budget and support to breathe life into a new idea. That fruits of the idea justified the headcount that created new jobs that made the company more competitive. The $100,000 that you propose for each proven entrepreneur would surely create new jobs; a return-on-investment no-brainer rather than simply keeping people afloat.

That said, I’ll pick a few to chat about: #10 re: “Don’t demoralize business … celebrate the people who have made it work fairly, honestly, humbly, and unselfishly.”

Many of us grew up in humble, hard-working environments, and though we sometimes slip into the heat of competition and divulge a bit of ego, at the core, we want ‘good’ and we want ‘honest’ and ‘ethical.’ We aspire to contribute and to make-good on our promise to not only reap what we sow but to provide value to others in the community, locally and abroad with or without direct credit and fanfare.

As well, items #3, #4 and #9 resonate! There is so much traction happening among small businesses that should be encouraged and fueled (versus tamping it down with rules, regulations and disincentives). Create a rising tide to lift small businesses (versus a consistent drumbeat of gloom and regulatory wet blanket).

Thanks again, GL, for piping up with rich and resonating words and insight!

Jacqui

This post was mentioned on Twitter by workfanatic: What Would Dad Say: Jobs Summit: Disconnected Messages: read more http://bit.ly/65Bqv1…

(2) Repeal the estate taxes.

(3) Kill the FED.

(4) Sell the gooferment lands to retire the debt.

(5) Return to gold / silver as money.

(6) Cut the income tax to a flat 10% (no deductions).

(7) Nuke the Department of Education, Agriculture, etc. etc.

That’s for starters!