North Columbus News

Washington, D.C. — Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and Greg Landsman (OH-1) introduced the bipartisan New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency (NO BOSS) Act today. The bill aims to support individuals pursuing small business ownership by making improvements to the underutilized Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Program, reducing state participation barriers, 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,” said 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 significant support from various stakeholders in the small business community.

“Entrepreneurship is challenging, and we know that finding support 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 remarked on emerging technologies: “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 inhibit people from seizing new innovations.”

Eli Lehrer of R Street Institute commented on self-employment trends: "The NO BOSS Act is a commonsense proposal that empowers workers... This proposal can help continue this positive momentum."

Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), praised the bill’s pragmatic approach: “Encouraging business ownership needs to be embedded within government policy... 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, highlighted ecommerce opportunities: "We thank Congressmen Mike Carey (R-OH) and Greg Landsman (D-OH)... By supporting this Act, we can unleash new entrepreneurs."

John Dearie from Center for American Entrepreneurship noted historical context: “Our nation’s Unemployment Insurance system has been an important policy tool... The New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency Act will improve UI by leveraging entrepreneurship.”

Background:

The SEA Program encourages unemployed individuals to start their own businesses by allowing them to receive weekly payments while establishing their ventures. As of 2022, only eight states offer SEA programs for UC claimants.

The NO BOSS Act seeks to enhance SEA program utilization through several changes inspired by Oregon's successful implementation. These include removing restrictive provisions like "likely to exhaust benefits," allowing alternative requirements such as business plans or market feasibility studies instead of mandatory training, ensuring integrity guardrails for compliance deadlines, and increasing participation caps.

Full text of the NO BOSS Act is available here.

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