Big Government – Small Business

Felena Hanson considers the impact of Obama’s presidency on small business owners and the lessons we can learn from event that have occurred during his eventful time in office. 

Whether you’re for or against his legislation, Obama and his big government has had a powerful impact on entrepreneurship and small business.  As a small business owner and franchisor of Hera Hub, I am surrounded by hundreds of entrepreneurial women.  This allows me to have my finger on the pulse of the small business community, keeping me savvy and well-informed on trends, news, and how political power plays affect my daily operations.

I am not a political correspondent, nor will I ever be so, this blog isn’t meant to side with any political party or agenda, it’s my perspective on how the U.S. government has impacted the small business community.  We just signed our first franchise agreement in D.C. and since I have Washington on the brain, I wanted to share 3 lessons learned from 3 big decisions made by the White House.

1.    Obamacare frees those in job lock. 

My business is all about getting people to start.  Start a project, idea, or a full-fledged business.  So I am used to dealing with the opposition and fear that comes from starting something new and venturing out on your own.  “One of the largest factors that deters people from pursuing the entrepreneurial path is the cost of healthcare.”  Job lock is an employee’s inability to leave or pursue another position/company because the cost of healthcare is too high.  For adults, especially parents, the cost of healthcare is far too lofty to foot the bill (the very big bill) on their own.  For some time, being an entrepreneur meant taking a break from healthcare.

The only “insurance” plan entrepreneurs could afford would be the act of “crossing fingers” to protect someone from a moderate to severe health condition.  The Obamacare act has made healthcare something transparent, affordable, and mandatory.  For many, insurance was the only thread binding them to a traditional J-O-B and Obamacare has resurrected the option of “I can do it on my own”?  Check out our video on Obamacare and entrepreneurship.

2.    The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act shows big government cares for small business. 

Created to help the American economy bounce back after the recession.  Obama has been pushing for small business owners to have access to greater amounts of capital.  According to the Small Business Administrator Karen Mills, “Since the SBA has supported more than 33,000 loans for a total of almost $13 billion in small business lending.  This has helped save or create tens of thousands of jobs.  “It’s clear that Obama recognizes the economic power of small business.”  Read more here.

3.    Government’s shutdown teaches there is no consistency. 

I have a dear friend who works for the local government, a job he has had for over 10 years, an influential position for a very deserving and trustworthy person.  I recall having a discussion with him regarding the perks of a government job, the greatest being the “stability.”  The shutdown demonstrated about all else, that it’s not as omnipotent as it may seem.  The shutdown reminded me and the 29 million small businesses around the country that our destiny and paycheck is not in the hands of anyone other than ourselves.

The President’s last term has been an interesting one.  Tumultuous, hopeful, and at times frustrating.  Government can seem like such a massive entity and we have sometimes fail to understand the ramification of decisions, because we have as though it doesn’t “impact” us or our businesses.  However my wallet, motivations, and operations have certainly been touched by the domino effect that is government decision making.

Felena Hanson is the Founder of Hera Hub, a collaborative co-working space for women which has three locations in San Diego.  With the goal of franchising over 200 locations by 2015, Hera Hub is the first coworking space to franchise.  Felena’s vision and mission is to create an empowering space for women entrepreneurs to find fellowship, community, resources, and development.
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Felena is a long-time entrepreneur and marketing maven.  Her latest venture, Hera Hub, is a spa-inspired shared workspace for female entrepreneurs. This as-needed, flexible work and meeting space provides a productive environment for women who primarily work from home.  Hera Hub members have access to a professional space to meet with clients and to connect and collaborate with like-minded business owners, thus giving them the support they need to be prosperous.  Cost-effective monthly membership options are suited for freelancers, independent consultants, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and authors.

Hera Hub is much more than just a shared workspace; it’s a community of like-minded entrepreneurial women who find the additional resources, such as special classes, workshops, and one-on-one support essential for their business growth. The first San Diego location is conveniently located in Sorrento Valley.  By the end of 2012 Hera Hub will have additional locations in Mission Valley & Carlsbad.

Felena is passionate about education, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of San Diego and her MBA from California State University Dominguez Hills.  She taught Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and at California State University Dominguez Hills for the MBA online program for eight years. Felena was most recently rewarded for community efforts, as she was awarded the “Women Business Owner of the Year Award” by the local chapter of the National Organization of Women Business Owners.