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Upcoming Election Deadlines
- October 25 – Last Day to Request an Early Ballot
- October 29 – Last Day to Mail Back your Ballot
Check your Voting Ballot Status
Now that voters have successfully participated in the July 30 Primary Election and ballots are being tabulated, voters can check their status at BeBallotReady.Vote. Voters can track their ballot every step of the way and see that it is counted at BeBallotReady.Vote or by texting “JOIN” to 628-683. Stay informed on upcoming elections and how you can participate at Elections.Maricopa.Gov.
CSI BRINGS YOU THE FACTS IN THE ARIZONA 2024 BALLOT GUIDE
Arizona ballots drop next week and Common Sense Institute (CSI) Arizona has been hard at work putting together the Arizona 2024 Ballot Guide to bring you the facts about local and statewide measures you will see on the ballot this election.
Get the facts before you cast your ballot by reading our 2024 Ballot Guide now!
Be Prepared for a 2 page ballot
For the first time since 2006, voters are being asked to vote a 2-page ballot for the November 5 General Election. The length of the ballot is due to several statewide citizen initiatives and legislative referrals, along with local, state and federal contests. The addition of a second page means there are a greater number of items to vote on and this will take voters longer to complete their ballot. Each voter should take their time and be thoughtful when voting. Voters can view a sample ballot at BeBallotReady.Vote to be prepared for this election. Voters can also find information about contests on their ballot at CandidateList.Maricopa.Vote.
Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting impacts you
Through the Growth and Opportunity Imperative the Chamber has been calling on candidates and elected officials to support policies that achieve at least 3% annual economic growth over the next decade.
- "Small businesses are pivotal in this growth, but they need access to capital and support from favorable policies to thrive,” Chamber Vice President for Small Business Policy Tom Sullivan told America’s Small Business Network.
Why it matters: “At 3% growth, a baby born today will see the economy double in their early 20s, as opposed to 2% growth,” Sullivan explained. At “one percentage less, they won't see the economy double until their 30s.”
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The Corporate Transparency Act requires that you file a BOI Report with FinCEN.
As of January 1, 2024, the primary federal business registration requirement is to file a "Beneficial Ownership Information" report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which mandates that most businesses disclose information about their owners and controllers to combat money laundering and other criminal activities; this essentially means registering the individuals who ultimately own or control a company with the government.
Key points about this registration:
- Who needs to file: Most businesses operating in the United States, including small businesses, are required to file this report.
- What information is needed: Details about the individuals who own or control a significant portion of the company, including names, addresses, and identifying documents.
- Where to file: The report is filed with FinCEN, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury
You can GO HERE to file your report. Don't wait until the end of the year!
Top 5 Things Small Businesses should know about the BOI Filing Video
A Complete Guide to Starting a B Corp
A B Corp is a for-profit corporation recognized by the majority of U.S. states that is driven by both mission and profit.
The U.S. Small Business Administration defines a B Corp as a for-profit corporation that is driven by both mission and profit. In this legal structure, which is recognized by the majority of U.S. states, shareholders hold the company accountable to produce a financial profit as well as some sort of public benefit.
Becoming a B corp allows companies to hold on to their social mission while helping them to scale the business through revenue and profit-driving activities. Here’s what you need to know about B corps and how to become one.
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Small Business Is All-In on AI
This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce unveiled a comprehensive nationwide analysis examining the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology platforms by small businesses, and their impact on operations, key business metrics, and the broader economy.
Why it matters: AI is rapidly reshaping the landscape for small businesses. Amid pressing challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and a challenging job market, AI enables small businesses to compete more effectively, driving economic growth.
By the numbers:
- AI usage: 98% of small businesses use AI tools, with 40% using generative AI tools like chatbots and image creation.
- Growth potential: 91% of small businesses using AI believe it will help them grow—additionally, 77% plan to adopt more emerging technologies.
- Inflation Management: 79% of small businesses report that technology has helped them avoid increasing prices.
- Regulatory impact: 86% of small business owners are concerned that proposed technology regulations could hinder their growth.
What it means: In the report, the Chamber provided recommendations for policymakers to promote technological development and create an environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish, benefiting employees, consumers, and local communities. They include:
- Enacting smart, national data privacy legislation that protects all Americans equally and preserves the benefits of a modern digital economy.
- Establishing a national risk-based regulatory framework that enables the responsible and ethical deployment of AI.
Our take: “Small businesses that are all-in on adopting AI and other emerging technologies are growing, competing, and achieving success on a larger scale,” said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center.
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2025 Minimum Wage Will Be $14.70
The Arizona minimum wage is set by the Industrial Commission of Arizona. They take the Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation rate and add it to last year’s minimum wage. This year’s rate 2.5%. Adding the increase into the current $14.35 comes out to nearly 35.9 cents. However, the Industrial Commission of Arizona rounds to the nearest nickel, resulting in $14.70 an hour minimum wage for the upcoming calendar year.
A 2024 Report Reveals Small Business Marketing Challenges (Forbes)
Despite an improving economy and record-setting consumer spending (The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor shows total retail sales in the first quarter up 2.65% over 2023’s record-breaking sales totals), small businesses are struggling to effectively market their goods and services, according to the latest report from Constant Contact: Small Business Now: The Current State of SMB Marketing.
The report reveals what Constant Contact calls “a concerning trend”—many small business owners are overwhelmed by marketing, and 73% aren’t confident that their current strategy is contributing to their business goals.
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How Higher Corporate Taxes Would Affect Your Local Economy
See how a higher corporate tax rate would affect your local economy in our interactive state map.
A competitive corporate tax rate is crucial for fostering economic growth and attracting investment. When businesses face lower tax burdens, they have more capital to invest in operations, innovation, and expansion, leading to job creation and increased productivity.
Higher tax rates have the opposite effect on business growth and innovation. As such, proposals to raise the corporate tax rate not only jeopardize America’s global economic competitiveness but also deal a blow to American workers and families in the form of lower wages and higher prices.
SEE THE TAX RATE
88% of small businesses urge Congress to avoid business tax hikes.
US Chamber
TSmall businesses report having their highest levels of confidence in years, but many are voicing concerns about Washington's gridlock and potential tax hikes.
Eyes on November: According to the MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, 71% of small business owners are more focused on this year's election than previous cycles, with many calling for America's leaders to work together to get things done.
Why it matters: Main Street businesses understand the decisions made in Washington directly impact their operations and bottom line.
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This includes taxes. Unless Congress and the White House act, the corporate tax rate will dramatically increase at the end of 2025. Such inaction would have real consequences for businesses, workers, and communities nationwide.
Small biz speaks: Small business owners are unwavering in their priorities, calling for policies that support the essential role they play to many local economies:
Prioritize the economy: 78% want the next president and Congress to prioritize the economy and inflation.
Fight tax hikes: 88% say preventing tax increases on businesses should be a top priority for the next Congress.
Tackle inflation: 56% cite inflation as their biggest challenge, a figure that has remained steady since 2022.
Work together: 84% believe partisan gridlock is a major obstacle and call for bipartisan compromise
Bright spot: Despite concerns about what’s happening in Washington, small businesses report their highest confidence since early 2020, fueled by optimistic revenue expectations and plans to increase headcount next year.
- 73% expect revenue to increase next year
- 44% anticipate increasing staff in the next year—near a 2023 high of 47%
MORE INSIGHTS
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