Imagine if every time you tried to start a lemonade stand as a kid, there were a dozen different permits you needed just to set up your sign. That’s what it feels like for many entrepreneurs today trying to launch businesses in urban areas.

The latest data from the Small Business Administration (SBA) shows that small business formation has dropped significantly since 2019. In major cities, where regulatory burdens are heaviest, new startups are being choked out by red tape and compliance costs.

“It’s like trying to squeeze through a keyhole with an elephant,” says local entrepreneur John Smith, who recently gave up on opening a restaurant in his hometown after months of battling federal regulations. “Every time I turn around, there’s another form or certification needed.”

The problem is not just the number of rules but also their complexity and unpredictability. Each new regulation seems to require more specialized knowledge and deeper pockets than many small business owners possess.

To understand this on a personal level, think about your household budget. Imagine if every time you wanted to spend money — say, buying groceries or fixing the car — there were government forms to fill out first. The paperwork alone could take hours, maybe days, and cost more than the item itself. That’s what small business owners are facing today.

This isn’t just about older businesses either. Younger entrepreneurs who might have a fresh idea for an app or service can’t get off the ground without navigating this regulatory labyrinth first. I worry deeply about my grandchildren who may want to start their own ventures someday but find themselves locked out by these rules before they even begin.

What’s worse is that many of these regulations seem to have no direct benefit for consumers or communities, yet they impose huge costs on those trying to serve them.

I stayed up last night thinking about what this means. When I taught school, we used to talk a lot about the American Dream: anyone could build a better life through hard work and ingenuity. But how do you dream when every step forward feels like a mountain?

Let’s not let these rules strangle our economy any further. Take a moment to read more about this issue and share it with others who care.