Election year politics may spur job growth initiatives

8/10/2011

The upcoming election season of 2012 may prove to be a boon for existing and startup small businesses.

Job creation and lowering unemployment has become the early hot topic for the next presidential race, and will likely frame many senate and congressional campaigns as well. The national unemployment rate has hovered around 9 percent since the beginning of the year, which is considerably better than a year ago, but job creation hasn't been strong enough to accommodate new members of the workforce.

As small businesses employ more than half of U.S. private sector workers, any focus on employment will revolve around the regulations and financial state of the sector. Political candidates have much to gain from offering plans for recovery and economic stimulation through creating jobs, and easing the financial strain on small businesses is a clear (and often used) campaign tool.

President Barack Obama has just over a year to prove his administration can meet the growing demand for employment initiatives. Any representatives or senate members up for reelection face the same hurdle, so from now through next summer, the nation may see a number of efforts made to that end. Small businesses, despite the state of the economy, may find commercial funding and taxes will begin to work in their favor.