Technological innovation has made it easier than ever before to start a small business, become an entrepreneur, or engage in independent work. But with more and more Americans connecting to income in new and alternative ways, we must consider whether and how to upgrade our system of workplace benefits and protections to better meet the needs of a new generation of entrepreneurs and independent workers. Join Etsy and the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing Americans in the modern economy.

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) will provide introductory remarks.

Althea Erickson from Etsy will present a new paper that includes a set of public policy proposals and reforms to better meet the needs of Etsy sellers and other micro-entrepreneurs.

A panel will discuss these and other ideas for how to modernize our system of protections and benefits.Technological innovation has made it easier than ever before to start a small business, become an entrepreneur, or engage in independent work. But with more and more Americans connecting to income in new and alternative ways, we must consider whether and how to upgrade our system of workplace benefits and protections to better meet the needs of a new generation of entrepreneurs and independent workers. Join Etsy and the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing Americans in the modern economy.

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) will provide introductory remarks.

Althea Erickson from Etsy will present a new paper that includes a set of public policy proposals and reforms to better meet the needs of Etsy sellers and other micro-entrepreneurs.

A panel will discuss these and other ideas for how to modernize our system of protections and benefits.