Industry News – November 12, 2020

Judge Orders the Release of Data on Emergency Loans for Small Businesses

After a monthslong legal fight over the transparency of one of the federal government’s largest coronavirus relief programs, a judge in Washington required the disclosure of data on thousands of smaller business loan recipients.

Source: ProPublica

 

COVID-19 Causing Disruptions to Small Businesses in Food Supply System

Food supply chain disruptions and how to reduce them in future disease outbreaks were front-and-center recently at the House Small Business Committee. The National Farmers Union chief told the panel that the pandemic has shown why the food system needs structural reform which includes more competition and more processing plants.

Source: KMAland

 

October Brings Boost In Small Business Hiring

The CBIZ Small Business Employment Index tracks payroll and hiring trends for over 3,500 companies that have 300 or fewer employees. The CBIZ SBEI reported a seasonally adjusted gain of 1.18% for October despite mounting uncertainty for small businesses on multiple fronts, including the surge in COVID-19 cases and the U.S. election. Historically, small business hiring decreases in October.

Source: Aithourity 

 

American Express Survey Says More Small Businesses Are Prepared for Crisis

The ‘Entrepreneurial Spirit in the United States Remains Strong’ report surveyed 1,000 small to mid-sized business owners. It also reached out to 1,000 consumers.nDespite the economic downturn and the huge disruption to industries, small businesses are expressing optimism about recovery. Not only do they feel optimistic about the future but 82% of entrepreneurs now feel better prepared to handle a crisis.

Source: Small Business Trends

 

Marketing Company Fluent Helps BIPOC and Women-owned Small Business

Fluent will leverage its proprietary platform and performance marketing solutions to help traditionally disenfranchised businesses. Fluent’s Business Empowerment Program will help businesses to reach more customers, deliver custom offers all while growing their businesses. Applicants can apply until December 15, 2020, selected recipients will be announced on January 15, 2021

Source: Small Business Trends