State-level occupational licenses are a major barrier to minority entrepreneurship. These licenses prevent many minorities from starting their own businesses in fields across the economic spectrum.
The beauty industry is perhaps the most egregious example of a field whose occupational licensing requirements prevent minority entrepreneurship, but these licenses are also found in many other industries popular with minority entrepreneurs, including construction, childcare, and pest control.
Cosmetology licenses are often far more difficult to get than licenses for professions that deal with life and death. In Massachusetts, for instance, cosmetologists must complete one thousand hours of coursework and two years of apprenticeship before they are allowed to ply their trade in the beauty industry. Emergency medical technicians, by contrast, must only take 150 hours of courses to be allowed to work.
sj_zero@lotide.fbxl.net 1 year ago
I tend to agree. Voluntary certification is one thing, mandatory licensure is quite another. It isn't like licensure makes it so frauds don't exist.
admin@exploding-heads.com 1 year ago
Exactly. Apart from being a barrier to entry, state and local governments gave so many nickel and dime licences and certificates required, it makes life as a small business person unpleasant.
Often the cost attached is miniscule, $10, $20, $50 etc - it would not cover the admin cost for the government - but keeping track and complying with all the unnecessary paperwork just chews through a small business persons time.
sj_zero@lotide.fbxl.net 1 year ago
I know a couple of my licenses are just to keep my name on a list. 100-200 bucks a year to keep your name on a list. It's absurd, just a money grab for no good reason.