Small Business Is the Heart of the American Dream

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Small businesses don't need more lectures from Washington. They need lower costs, fewer barriers, and a government that gets out of the way. 

Tony will fight for tax relief, regulatory reform, access to capital, and policies that help local businesses hire, grow, and compete.

Northern Virginia, they deserve a system that works for them—not against them.

Cut the Red Tape That’s Killing Growth

Problem:

Small businesses in Northern Virginia face:

• Complex permitting processes
• Overlapping federal, state, and local regulations
• Compliance costs that large corporations can absorb—but small businesses cannot

Plan:

Federal Small Business Regulatory Relief Initiative

• Require a “Small Business Impact Test” for all new federal regulations
• Mandate sunset reviews of existing regulations every 5 years
• Create a single federal compliance portal for small businesses

Northern VA Focus:

• Streamline permitting for:
  • Restaurants
  • Construction / trades
  • Home-based and startup businesses

 “If you need a lawyer just to open your doors, the system is broken.” 

Build a Local Job Ecosystem (Less Dependent on Federal Volatility)

Problem:

• Northern VA economy overly tied to federal spending cycles
• Shutdowns = economic shockwaves

Plan:

Northern Virginia Economic Diversification Strategy

Focus:

• Grow:
  • Small business sectors
  • Skilled trades
  • Local entrepreneurship

Incentives for:

• Private-sector job creation
• Tech + trades + service industries
• Local supply chain development

“We need an economy that doesn’t rise and fall based on Washington dysfunction.”

1. Small Business Tax Relief & Growth Act

Problem:

• High operating costs
• Thin margins
• Inflation + labor costs squeezing owners

Targeted Tax Relief & Growth Incentives

Small businesses don’t need more bureaucracy—they need room to grow.

• Expand and simplify the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction
• Immediate expensing for equipment, technology, and expansion costs
• Mandate sunset reviews of existing regulations every 5 years
• Create a single federal compliance portal for small businesses
• Payroll tax credits for:
  • Hiring locally
  • Hiring first-time workers

Startup & Expansion Incentives

• 3-year tax relief window for new businesses
• Tax credits for:
  • Expanding locations
  • Hiring additional employees
  • Investing in workforce training

Northern VA Focus:

• Streamline permitting for:
  • Restaurants
  • Construction / trades
  • Home-based and startup businesses

“We should reward businesses for growing—not punish them for it.”

2. Workforce Apprenticeship & Partnership Act

Problem:

• Businesses can’t find skilled workers
• Workforce development disconnected from real needs

 Northern Virginia Workforce Partnership Initiative 

• Federal incentives for small businesses that:
  • Create apprenticeship programs
  • Partner with:
    • Trade schools
    • Community colleges
    • High schools

Employer-Led Training Model

• Shift power from bureaucracy → business-led training programs
• Tax credits for:
  • On-the-job training
  • Skills certification programs

“Let businesses help build the workforce they actually need.”

3. Small Business Continuity Protection Act

Protecting Small Businesses from Washington Dysfunction

Northern Virginia is uniquely impacted by federal government shutdowns. When Washington fails, our small businesses pay the price.

• Federal workers eventually receive backpay
• Small businesses lose revenue permanently
• Federal shutdowns devastate Northern VA small businesses

Small Business Protection During Government Shutdowns

Key Components:

Emergency Revenue Bridge Program

• Short-term federal relief (low-interest / forgivable loans)
• Triggered automatically during shutdowns

Tax Relief During Shutdown Periods

• Temporary:
  • Payroll tax deferrals
  • Business tax credits for revenue loss

Local Economic Stabilization Fund

• Protect:
  • Restaurants
  • Retail
  • Service businesses

“No Politics, No Penalty” Rule

• If the federal government shuts down:
  • Small businesses are automatically eligible for relief
  • No waiting, no bureaucracy

“When Washington plays games, Northern Virginia shouldn’t pay the price.”