What support should small businesses expect from governments.
Should businesses owned by women, Indigenous and racialized entrepreneurs receive special treatment?
Libertarians defend and protect individual persons (their mind, body and efforts) and their property from intentional and unwanted harm and aggression imposed by others including those employed by the state or associated with any “collective” organization that acts to sway government policies to favour its own self-serving special interests at the cost to others. Such organizations may include a church, cartel, activist NGO or any state-privileged ‘for-profit’ corporation such as a labour union.
The above statement explains what Libertarians believe according to the Non-Aggression Principle and it’s defence of Individual Person and Property Rights. As such, the Ontario Libertarian Party opposes discrimination in all of its forms. We believe the Fairness and mutual Respect are essential values for a Civil Society. We define Fairness as the application of unbiased laws applied equally to everyone and that Respect is earned by treating others as you would have then treat yourself.
All forms of discrimination violate not only the OLP’s own Constitution, but they also violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which was signed into Constitutional law in 1982 by the Prime Minister and 9 provincial premiers. All forms of discrimination makes for a fractured, divided society. This is not acceptable to Libertarians.
As potential MPPs, we see our role as facilitating the market conditions so that ALL entrepreneurs can succeed based on the merits of their chosen business model and their efforts regardless of race, gender or any other demographic.
The reality of Entrepreneurial Success
Every person who starts a small business understands that they must face risks and unexpected challenges. They know that they must make many sacrifices in order to succeed and there are no guarantees of success in starting or sustaining any business. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs succeed only after learning the painful lessons from past business failures.
As a past business owner myself and a former board member for 6 years, I have learned that all entrepreneurs must depend on many things to succeed, and none should expect or depend on government aid. Some of my own lessons include, but are not limited to:
The entrepreneur’s business judgement in choosing a promising market niche should be at least partially based on a business domain for which he or she is well prepared (ie knowledgeable, skilled) to serve.
The ability and willingness to read and adapt to the ever-shifting market “signals”.
Planning and making the frequently-needed adjustments in pricing, resource levels and capital commitments in order to achieve and/or remain profitable.
Being aware of government legislation and regulations so as not to run afoul of their mandates. This is one of many business risks that must be monitored.
Identifying and exploiting the best media channels to reach the appropriate market niche. This is a fickle, dynamic and rapidly changing space requiring specific expertise.
Ensuring that customer service is a high priority (Note: if takes 7x the effort to win back a disgruntled lost customer).
What can an MPP realistically offer to help the small business entrepreneur?
For 36 years, I worked as a former professional recruiter. I have interviewed over 10,000 job candidates and served managers in virtually every sector of the economy to help them to hire highly-qualified personnel who could provide timely skills and knowledge to meet pressing business objectives. From this experience and the many stories told to me, I understand that the challenges facing entrepreneurs can be quite intimidating.
In addition, by experience as a business owner and board members gave me a valuable perspective from the executive level of a median size company.
Based on my business past, I would expect my MPP to focus on repealing all provincial legislation, associated red tape and taxes that serve as unnecessary obstacles to my success.
Beyond that, I consider that it is the responsibility of every entrepreneur to access the information, training, financing and human resources he or she may need to navigate the road to success.
