International trade loan program

Authorized as part of the latest coronavirus relief package in December, round two of the PPP is being rolled out incrementally in response to criticism that the loans were not fairly disbursed the first time around. Many smaller businesses in underserved communities—and minority-owned businesses in particular—were left with nothing after the program ran out of money. … [Read more...] about Paycheck Protection Program loan portal opens to larger lenders soon: Here’s the latest

The protests after the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others ignited a wave of companies actively seeking to diversify and commit to becoming anti-racist. Hiring for all levels of diversity, equity, and inclusion professionals increased more than 90% over this last year. … [Read more...] about These 15 jobs are on the rise, according to LinkedIn

Save Our Stages found bipartisan support in Congress and was incorporated into the new relief package in the form of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, which authorizes the SBA to make grants of up to $10 million apiece for theaters, performing arts venues, movie theaters, and other event spaces. … [Read more...] about Shuttered theaters, cinemas, and performing arts venues can soon apply for ‘Save Our Stages’ grants

Again, this is a challenge that requires many parts and levels of government to work toward the same goal. It will require expanding carbon-free transportation, including more electric vehicles, charging stations, better battery technology, and clean energy. That involves regulations and funding for research and development from multiple departments, as well as trade agreements, tax incentives for electric vehicles, and a shift in how government agencies buy vehicles. The EPA can facilitate these efforts or hamstring them, as happened when the Trump EPA revoked California’s ability to set higher emissions standards—something the Biden administration is likely to quickly restore. … [Read more...] about Biden plans to fight climate change in a way no U.S. president has before

For now, I’m enthusiastic about walk-through virtual store shopping. Even with its limited floor plan and inventory (World of Joy), or ads taunting me about a world of human behavior that’s currently on hold (Ralph Lauren), wandering anywhere outside of the house during this final lockdown push offers a bit of a desperately needed change of scenery. For the dark winter of 2020, being able to wander and connect with the marketplace outside the home in a somewhat familiar way is a holiday shopping winner. … [Read more...] about These virtual stores are a joyful twist on e-commerce