It's not that damn simple. If they could, they probally would. The fact is that small businesses are facing very tough competition from places like Wal-Mart and Wegmans and Rite Aid.
If they can't compete they shouldn't be in business. We shouldn't put small businesses on some pedastal and attempt to protect them from reality.
If you can't afford to raise the wages when needed and pay for sick leave you have no business in the market place.