In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Government has quickly reacted to put funds into the economy to sustain small businesses. Some things proposed for small businesses include providing low-interest disaster business loans, emergency family and sick leave for employees, and additional funding to states for unemployment insurance.
However, there is still a gap that is not being addressed. Not all businesses have employees. Some businesses are operated by solopreneurs, who are self-employed individuals. Some business owners are home-based solopreneurs. Some business owners provide products and services that depend heavily on human contact (i.e. Consultants, Realtors, Beauty, Speakers, etc.). With the restrictions on human contact, many self-employed individuals are experiencing loss of revenue. Some business owners do not have the credit or meet the revenue requirements to obtain business loans and other forms of business credit.
We are asking the Government and states to also consider other viable options for ALL business owners, including the self-employed solopreneurs.
1. Consider allowing self-employed individuals to apply for unemployment benefits, if the need arises.
2. Consider other funding options that do not require specific credit or revenue factors. One option is that federal and state agencies could offer contracts, without competition, to self-employed individuals to maintain continuous cash flows in their businesses.
3. Set up a central commercial website where self-employed individuals can set up free profiles for their businesses. Companies, agencies, and other organizations can go to this website to find services and products needed and hire these individuals remotely.
Note: The Government could contract with a self-employed individual to create this website and contract with another self-employed individual to do the marketing and business development for the website.
Please sign this petition to show the Government that more needs to be done to sustain ALL small business owners. Please share this petition with your entire network. Thank you in advance!
Updates
March 27, 2020
The petition has now reached one thousand signatures. This demonstrates a clear consensus regarding the economic needs of the self-employed community. I intend to use this momentum to ensure our proposed solutions receive proper attention from the relevant federal offices.
Reached 1,000 supporters
March 26, 2020
March 25, 2020
The momentum behind this petition is increasing as we approach our target of one thousand signatures. Please encourage your professional network to sign this proposal so we can present a unified position to the necessary agencies.
March 24, 2020
The stories shared in the comments illustrate the precarious nature of self-employment during this economic downturn. I am currently compiling these experiences to present to policy makers who need to understand the limitations of current relief programs. Your participation provides the necessary evidence to demonstrate that solopreneurs require more equitable support.
Reached 100 supporters
March 23, 2020
446 Comments
I am a selfemployed salon owner with other self employed and are concerned like many how to mainly pay my landlord , I have a pretty high rent an although my landlord is helping me for April I am the only income as well for my household so need serious help as well
I have been a self employed automotive tool salesman for 42 years and never have had an economic event like this. My business is declining every day and don't know how I will survive. Please Government Don't Leave Us Out of this Horrific time.
I am self employed and believe something needs to be done to help those of us who do not qualify for unemployment but are unable to work or are experiencing a decrease in available work due to COVID-19. We still have bills to pay and basic necessities to buy.
I am self employed and will surely lose much of everything that I have by receiving no help from the relief package. Why are 1099 employees so mistreated? From employers like Uber and Postmates, to the government, nobody is looking out for us.
Stay at home dad and creative freelancer who was struggling before. 75% of my business is gone and the rest is likely to follow. I am teaching my three kids now and not able to hunt down new work which was scarce to begin with. Not looking for handouts but need help.
Thanks so much
My family photography studio and even our ability to do destination photos and weddings has all, but vanished. We are in need of assistance.
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Government has quickly reacted to put funds into the economy to sustain small businesses. Some things proposed for small businesses include providing low-interest disaster business loans, emergency family and sick leave for employees, and additional funding to states for unemployment insurance.
However, there is still a gap that is not being addressed. Not all businesses have employees. Some businesses are operated by solopreneurs, who are self-employed individuals. Some business owners are home-based solopreneurs. Some business owners provide products and services that depend heavily on human contact (i.e. Consultants, Realtors, Beauty, Speakers, etc.). With the restrictions on human contact, many self-employed individuals are experiencing loss of revenue. Some business owners do not have the credit or meet the revenue requirements to obtain business loans and other forms of business credit.
We are asking the Government and states to also consider other viable options for ALL business owners, including the self-employed solopreneurs.
1. Consider allowing self-employed individuals to apply for unemployment benefits, if the need arises.
2. Consider other funding options that do not require specific credit or revenue factors. One option is that federal and state agencies could offer contracts, without competition, to self-employed individuals to maintain continuous cash flows in their businesses.
3. Set up a central commercial website where self-employed individuals can set up free profiles for their businesses. Companies, agencies, and other organizations can go to this website to find services and products needed and hire these individuals remotely.
Note: The Government could contract with a self-employed individual to create this website and contract with another self-employed individual to do the marketing and business development for the website.
Please sign this petition to show the Government that more needs to be done to sustain ALL small business owners. Please share this petition with your entire network. Thank you in advance!
Updates
March 27, 2020
The petition has now reached one thousand signatures. This demonstrates a clear consensus regarding the economic needs of the self-employed community. I intend to use this momentum to ensure our proposed solutions receive proper attention from the relevant federal offices.
Reached 1,000 supporters
March 26, 2020
March 25, 2020
The momentum behind this petition is increasing as we approach our target of one thousand signatures. Please encourage your professional network to sign this proposal so we can present a unified position to the necessary agencies.
March 24, 2020
The stories shared in the comments illustrate the precarious nature of self-employment during this economic downturn. I am currently compiling these experiences to present to policy makers who need to understand the limitations of current relief programs. Your participation provides the necessary evidence to demonstrate that solopreneurs require more equitable support.
Reached 100 supporters
March 23, 2020
446 Comments
I am a trainer in the Affordable Housing Industry. This medical situation has eliminated my ability to travel throughout the United States and provide training to companies and agencies. I am self Employed and could use any possible assistance
I am a selfemployed salon owner with other self employed and are concerned like many how to mainly pay my landlord , I have a pretty high rent an although my landlord is helping me for April I am the only income as well for my household so need serious help as well
I have been a self employed automotive tool salesman for 42 years and never have had an economic event like this. My business is declining every day and don't know how I will survive. Please Government Don't Leave Us Out of this Horrific time.
I am self employed and believe something needs to be done to help those of us who do not qualify for unemployment but are unable to work or are experiencing a decrease in available work due to COVID-19. We still have bills to pay and basic necessities to buy.
I am self employed and will surely lose much of everything that I have by receiving no help from the relief package. Why are 1099 employees so mistreated? From employers like Uber and Postmates, to the government, nobody is looking out for us.
Stay at home dad and creative freelancer who was struggling before. 75% of my business is gone and the rest is likely to follow. I am teaching my three kids now and not able to hunt down new work which was scarce to begin with. Not looking for handouts but need help.
Thanks so much
My family photography studio and even our ability to do destination photos and weddings has all, but vanished. We are in need of assistance.
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I am a trainer in the Affordable Housing Industry. This medical situation has eliminated my ability to travel throughout the United States and provide training to companies and agencies. I am self Employed and could use any possible assistance