October 9, 2023- Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and State Senator Doris Turner toured Black-owned small businesses in Decatur to learn more about how state and federal government policies can better support locally owned and operated businesses.
“This was an opportunity for me to just hear directly from them on what some of the opportunities and challenges are for Black small business owners,” Congresswoman Budzinski said. “Some of the unique barriers they often face sometimes relate to capital access. How there could be opportunities for me in Congress to help create more opportunities in communities of color for entrepreneurship and specifically small business incubation.”
The tour included:
- SugaFix
- All Things Beautiful
- J. Morris Enterprises
- Waterfront Cafe
Dr. Jeremy Morris and his wife Juanita Morris are co-owners of J. Morris Enterprises, a minority and family owned service provider.
Dr. Jeremy Morris believes that Congresswoman Budzinski’s commitment to Decatur and the district will lead to changes on the legislative level.
“I am happy to have had the opportunity to meet with Representative Budzinski today,” Dr. Jeremy Morris said. “I believe she has a commitment to Decatur and this district. Even more so, I am excited to see how this commitment is reflected in the legislation introduced and passed to support our communities, entrepreneurs and business owners. I am confident that she will do well in making our district and Illinois a priority.”
Congresswoman Budzinski expects to use the info she learned from the small business owners to find opportunities to small business tax credit and break down barriers to capital access.
“The first bill I introduced was called the Leap Act,” Congresswoman Budzinski said. “It would be a small business tax credit for small business owners that actually hire community college people, people who have been through apprenticeship programs. So how are we looking for future opportunities to address the labor shortages which is something I heard about from some of the small business owners to help them identify staff they need to stay operational. I think the other things are finding opportunities to break down barriers to capital access for these small business owners. Something I heard pretty consistently at most of the businesses I visited.”
