March 24, 2008
Maria Shriver’s WE Connect Campaign Partners with Small Businesses in California
Today First Lady Maria Shriver’s WE Connect Campaign, in partnership with Intuit Inc. and the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) of California kicked-off one of two WE Connect community events with particular focus on reaching out to California small business owners. The event in Long Beach today and in Fresno on March 21, will bring small business owners together in an effort to help them become aware of programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that can put up to $4,700 in the pockets of working families. The events will help small business owners notify their employees of the EITC and other valuable credits and programs at no cost to them.
In 2005, there were about 6 million small businesses in California. Many of these small business owners are unaware that California state law now requires all employers to inform their employees of the EITC.
“Today, we are now reaching families where they work, which is a huge step for California and the nation. For many parents who are working two or more jobs, the workplace is a vital way to inform them about programs like the EITC and so many others that can put money back into their pockets. I’m so thrilled that thousands of small businesses across the state are stepping up and serving as “Connectors” for families who need it most.”
Through Intuit Inc. and the SBDCs, the WE Connect campaign will provide resources to networks of small businesses, (i.e., business associations and small business development centers) across the state to educate employers and engage them in educating their employees. Materials available will include “Connector” tool kits, workplace posters, brochures, payroll inserts and email blasts.
California’s SBDCs have also agreed to incorporate WE Connect and EITC notification into their everyday work. This includes making WE Connect an important part of their outreach, training and counseling, which works together to help small businesses grow and thrive throughout the state.
“Each year, the Small Business Development Centers counsel thousands of small business owners who are required to advise employees who may be eligible for the EITC,” said Sheneui Sloan, Director of the Regional SBDC Network. “By including EITC training into our on-going outreach efforts, we will dramatically increase the number of employees who could be eligible for up to $4,700 annually.”
“Intuit and its Financial Freedom Foundation are proud sponsors of California First Lady Maria Shriver's “WE Connect” campaign and we see this as an important opportunity to educate small businesses about valuable tools, so that they can share that information with their employees,” said Rick Jensen, senior vice president, Intuit small business group. “It’s about connecting real people with real resources—and getting real dollars in the hands of people who are working hard to create a better, brighter future.”
Launched last month, Maria Shriver’s WE Connect campaign is a pioneering public/private partnership designed to help California’s working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources. Several of these programs, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), are available and accessible to working families but many are not taking full advantage of them. This leaves over a billion dollars on the table each year that could have been used by working families right here in California. This statewide effort will connect families with the information and tools they need to take full advantage of these valuable resources, empowering them to live their dreams.
