Here's How the Next President Can Help Small Businesses Grow

With a week to go before election day, the candidates should focus on issues small businesses care about, says one group.

Whether it's Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, the next president needs to eliminate uncertainty regarding taxes and regulation, according to the head of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.  Karen Kerrigan, president and CEO of the organization, says small business owners are also concerned about increasing healthcare costs and access to capital. According to the group, there were fewer small businesses in 2014, according to the latest Census Bureau data, than there were in 2007. "There really hasn't been the traction in the economy necessary that has made small business owners confident and comfortable,' explained Kerrigan. She says while both candidates have discussed fallout on small business lending from the Dodd-Frank law, neither have addressed another key issue related to small business finance. "I think another issue is the new way entrepreneurs are raising capital, (through) online platforms, crowdfunding." She says the next president should allow that market to develop without heavy regulatory burdens, and some current business regulation needs a second look. Kerrigan also says an increasing number of business owners want access to global markets, and they are concerned about what they are hearing from both candidates regarding trade, fearing a move toward protectionism. TheStreet's Rhonda Schaffler has details from Wall Street.