You have the power to shape our nation’s future.

94% of Americans agree on how to make the country better. It’s time to tell our leaders.

What We’re Fighting For

Entrepreneurship is a rare issue that unites us. Right to Start is nonpartisan, because more entrepreneurship in our nation lifts up every citizen and every community, no matter their background. In fact, our bipartisan poll revealed that 94% of Americans believe every citizen should have a fair opportunity to start and grow a business. Yet, our elections often highlight divisions rather than elevate our shared dreams as a nation.

Entrepreneurs create the majority of new jobs, higher incomes in their communities, and more wealth throughout our nation. But they need more support to start, grow, and thrive.

The Statement of Principles is our collective voice, a declaration of what truly matters to Americans this election season. We must come together to make it easier for everyone to realize their entrepreneurial dreams.

This means getting more benefits to people who start businesses, including more contracts, deferred income taxes, one-stop assistance programs, and health insurance for workers who want to start new businesses.

  • 62% of Americans have a dream business in mind, 41% would start it within 6 months if they could, but less than 2% do.

  • It's more expensive to start a business in the U.S. ($725) than in many other countries.

  • Many workers are stuck in dead-end jobs due to a lack of resources to start their own businesses.

Why This Petition Matters

Did you know that over 15 million Americans haven’t started their businesses? That means fewer jobs, less wealth, and lower incomes for your community. Even for those who have, building a business is much harder than it should be.

❗Ask the food truck owner in Fayetteville, who saved $20,000 to buy his truck but had to spend a year cutting through red tape.

❗Ask the worker in Detroit, who didn’t start her landscaping business because she was afraid to lose her health insurance if she left her job.

❗Ask the town resident in Covington, who struggled to find resources to start their business and create new jobs after a major employer moved away.

 There has to be a better way. We call on our leaders to make it easier for new and young businesses to start and grow. We demand an easier path to build our dreams.

Demand change from our leaders!

It’s too hard to start a business in America. But we can change that. 

Sign the Statement of Principles below! You’ll send a clear message. You’ll join thousands of fellow citizens nationwide calling for their Right to Start.

Together, we can break barriers for everyone to start businesses, create jobs, and build wealth. #BuildYourDreams

We are gathering thousands of signatures across all 50 states to demand change for aspiring entrepreneurs. These principles are the foundation of our fight to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for all.

After you sign the Statement, your first name and last initial (or organization) and location will periodically appear on our website to encourage others to sign.

Join others who have signed the Statement of Principles, including:

More Ways to Take Action

  • Key Points

    Learn why entrepreneurial opportunity is so important to the health of our communities. And, why we are fighting for better policies.

  • Field Guide for Policymakers

    Our Field Guide for Policymakers outlines specific steps for policymakers to support entrepreneurs, create jobs, grow economies.

  • Policy Guide

    To date, 14 state legislatures have introduced more than 35 pieces of legislation inspired by Right to Start’s policy recommendations. Download our 10 policy recommendations here and help us make change.

  • America's New Business Plan

    A comprehensive policy roadmap to energize America’s entrepreneurial economy, backed by the Start Us Up coalition of over 200 organizations.