North Columbus News

Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and Greg Landsman (OH-1) have introduced the bipartisan New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency (NO BOSS) Act. The legislation aims to support individuals pursuing small business ownership by improving the underutilized Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Program, making state participation less burdensome and encouraging broader involvement.

“Small businesses are the engine of our economy, but making the leap from unemployment to self-employment is risky,” said Carey. “Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between unemployment insurance and working on the next big idea. We’re proud to join Rep. Landsman on this bill to improve the support available to aspiring entrepreneurs.”

"This unique opportunity allows those who are unemployed to build a business with dignity,” added Landsman. "As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I believe these reforms empower entrepreneurship and could benefit many folks who have a passion but doubt they can make it a reality."

The bill has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders in the small business community.

“Entrepreneurship is challenging, and we know that finding the support to take the leap is often the hardest part of getting started,” said Shopify Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Alex Clark. “This policy is a great example of how the government can come to the table to support, enable, and foster more entrepreneurship in a way that can really make a significant difference.”

Luke Hogg from Foundation for American Innovation commented, “Emerging technologies are making it easier than ever for individuals to strike out on their own... The NO BOSS Act will help ease restrictions that are inhibiting people from seizing new innovations.”

Eli Lehrer of R Street Institute stated, “The NO BOSS Act is a commonsense proposal that empowers workers, improves our social safety net, and creates new opportunities... This proposal can help continue this positive momentum [of increased post-pandemic entrepreneurship].”

Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO of Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), emphasized: “Encouraging business ownership needs to be embedded within government policy where it makes sense... SBE Council applauds Rep. Mike Carey and Rep. Greg Landsman for their bipartisan work in identifying a policy path that will turn layoffs into entrepreneurial opportunities.”

Al Ko, CEO at Auctane expressed gratitude towards Carey and Landsman’s leadership: “We are proud to support this legislation which expands SEA programs transforming aspiring entrepreneurs’ dreams into thriving businesses... By supporting this Act, we can unleash new entrepreneurs [and] invigorate local economies.”

John Dearie from Center for American Entrepreneurship highlighted historical context: “Our nation’s Unemployment Insurance system has been an important tool during economic downturns... More recently research shows entrepreneurs drive economic growth… The New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency Act will improve UI by leveraging entrepreneurship.”

The SEA Program encourages unemployed individuals to start their own businesses by allowing them weekly payments while launching their ventures. Currently offered in eight states as of 2022—Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island—the program sees its largest participation in Oregon and New York.

The NO BOSS Act proposes several changes inspired by Oregon's successful implementation: removing restrictive provisions preventing participation; allowing business plans or market feasibility studies as alternatives; ensuring integrity through deadlines; increasing participation caps from five percent to ten percent.