News & Press

The nonpartisan advocacy group Business for America is on the Hill today and tomorrow to push for movement on the [bipartisan bill to overhaul the Electoral Count Act] before the House changes hands next year. Business leaders from Salesforce, Cummins, Hannon Armstrong, PepsiCo, Marriott, Bitwise Industries and the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce are set to meet with [members of Congress] about the bill.

There are real risks to developing deeper corporate civic responsibility; but, not supporting our representative democracy is even riskier. BFA Founder Sarah Bonk describes how companies can step up their efforts—and how the “fringe benefits” for culture and business climate make civic engagement an even more worthy investment.

“The future of our republic relies upon effective election administration, public trust in the results, and the peaceful transfer of power — and so do our markets and businesses. Our country cannot afford a constitutional crisis,” said Sarah Bonk, the founder and CEO of Business for America.

As a partner of National Voter Education Week, Business for America continues to encourage and mobilize companies to be an elections resource for their employees. "Any business can help create a more engaged citizenry who are better informed on the issues and able to spot mis- and disinformation... Everyone agrees it's a winning investment,” said Sarah Bonk, founder and CEO of Business for America.

The nonpartisan organization Business for America is mobilizing the business community with a sign-on letter to support the passage of the Electoral Count Reform Act. "The future of our republic relies upon effective election administration, public trust in the results, and the peaceful transfer of power — and so do our markets and businesses," Sarah Bonk, the founder and CEO of Business for America, said in a statement. "Our country cannot afford a constitutional crisis."

Business for America is mobilizing companies to sign a letter urging Congress to pass comprehensive bipartisan civics education legislation in 2022. The letter is open to the business community who will join a growing and diverse list of signatories including Allstate Insurance Company, American Sustainable Business Network, Aspen Skiing Company, Hannon Armstrong, Naturepedic, REI Co-op, Salesforce, and the San Francisco 49ers.

“An investment in civics education produces a more informed and engaged citizenry, which leads to a more educated workforce, greater market stability, and better economic outcomes,” said Sarah Bonk, founder of Business for America.

The legislation has backing from… some business groups hoping to build public confidences in the political and economic systems. “Continued neglect of civics education will further weaken both our democratic institutions and our economic competitiveness,” said Sarah Bonk, founder of Business for America.

“Continued neglect of civics education will further weaken both our democratic institutions and our economic competitiveness,” said Sarah Bonk, founder of Business for America. “An investment in civics education produces a more informed and engaged citizenry, which leads to a more educated workforce, greater market stability, and better economic outcomes.”

More than 60 businesses across Pennsylvania signed a letter to legislative leaders, calling on them to focus on improving the economic climate and abandon efforts making it harder for people to vote.

The movement is a part of a larger trend toward civic engagement and protecting our democracy… Sarah Bonk started the civic organization Business for America after realizing that business engagement would be essential to overcoming political partisanship.

"Research shows that companies with more women in leadership have better financial performance, more innovation, and less risk. When our public servants more closely resemble America’s diverse voices, our democracy will work better, too. It’s an honor every day to work with women from across the country fighting to make our democracy truly representative." —Sarah Bonk, Business for America

"Our business members and partners agree that a competitive economy functions best in a representative democracy backed by the rule of law and adherence to norms. The assault on democracy in Ukraine is a stark reminder that we must also protect our democratic institutions here at home."

Business for America, whose members include PayPal and Warby Parker, said it was not enough for employers to issue statements and encourage staff to vote. “We urge all companies to ensure their future donations go to those supporting free, fair, accessible, and secure elections that represent the will of the people,” it said.

While everyone acknowledges our division and the social and cultural isolation at its core, doing something about it takes effort. Be of good cheer. There are those dedicated to doing just that, including organizations such as Business for America…

“Many companies watched what the Georgia legislature threatened to do with Delta, or boycott Coca-Cola, and said, ‘The risk is too great,’ ” said Richard Eidlin, national policy director for Business for America, a nonprofit coalition that promotes democratic engagement by corporations. Instead, he said, they are taking the posture, “We’re just going to sign a letter about the principles of fair elections and voter access, but avoid for now getting into the specifics of particular legislation.”

“Businesses are understanding these issues better than ever before. They’re understanding the costs and the risks for their business when they don’t have election laws that support their employees,” Bonk said on Y’all-itics. “And so, their attitude towards democracy has changed.”

A corporate leader might get lost in the debates. Sarah Bonk, the CEO of Business for America, a coalition of tech executives and investors promoting civic engagement, told me that her organization is in an educational phase for corporate leaders because businesses are reluctant to step into issues like this until they “really understand it.”

Moved by the spectacle of people queuing during the primaries — and by a sense that “democracy was fraying” — corporations stepped up, said Richard Eidlin, national policy director of Business for America, which organized corporate help for election officials in 28 states.

As the health and resilience of our democracy takes center stage, more groups like Business for America are emerging to mobilize the business community in ensuring safe and secure elections. Whether your company decides to join as a member or engage ad hoc, these groups are providing useful resources to help you plan.