My take: The challenge of scaling up a small enterprise

One example is paid parental leave legislation and recent news of a portal where employers can opt out of the system – if they have comparable benefits or are exempt from its provisions.

The portal is a step in the right direction. Still, it illustrates a  hurdle for employers without human resources or other support staff.

There’s an argument to be made for parental leave being a plus for businesses.  But the road in the short term will be bumpy for some.

All of this brought to mind thoughts of expanding this modest enterprise a decade ago. 

Taking the plunge later in life in an uncertain media environment as a business journal entered the scene led to a decision to remain a micro-enterprise. It was the right call for many reasons. In 2023, the same choice would have been easier to make.

Many larger companies already offer paid leave for caring for sick family members or new parents and will remain exempt if benefits are comparable to those in the state system. 

However, small businesses can lose key staff that are difficult to replace during that period. The cost of temporary staff can be sizable. Some wiggle room is allowed in the legislation, but more is needed.

Backers of paid leave listened to business community members and agreed to compromises, including time to get a system in place that will require an employer dollar contribution.

Paid leave is not the only regulatory and financial hurdle facing businesses that can run afoul of county and state ordinances, laws, and regulations. 

Moreover, the qualities of doggedness and imagination that lead to business growth sometimes come with costly blind spots.

One partial solution is to fund an education and marketing effort that can help emerging businesses and nonprofits navigate these treacherous waters. We are seeing some efforts in this area with family leave. 

Several entities provide such assistance.

However, an adequately funded and promoted one-stop shop, website, or toll-free assistance intake system would be an excellent starting point. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer.