Small Businesses

The Federal Government Will Now Give PPP Loans to Borrowers in Bankruptcy

Thousands of companies working their way out of bankruptcy are now eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program after ProPublica reported that the Small Business Administration had been excluding them.

  • By Lydia DePillis, ProPublica

Small Business Owners Can’t Find Qualified Workers, Survey Finds

The National Federation of Independent Business says the pandemic and increased unemployment benefits are keeping people out of the labor market.

  • By Brent Woodie

The Wide Gaps Between Minority and White Business Ownership in America’s Cities

A new data tool offers ways to gauge the disparities with businesses in the nation’s largest metro areas. It also includes information on women-owned firms.

  • By Bill Lucia

States are About to See a Historic Infusion of Funding to Help Entrepreneurs

COMMENTARY | The federal stimulus package provides $10 billion for states to boost the capital available to new businesses. If they don’t invest the money carefully, it will be a missed opportunity.

  • By Victor Hwang

How a Federal Agency Excluded Thousands of Viable Businesses From Pandemic Relief

The Small Business Administration refuses to give pandemic relief loans to people who have filed for bankruptcy, even if their businesses can survive.

  • By Lydia DePillis, ProPublica

How the Pandemic Economy Could Wipe Out a Generation of Black-Owned Businesses

Danette Wilder spent years building up her company. Now it has to survive an existential threat to Black entrepreneurs.

  • By Lydia DePillis, ProPublica

'It’s Putting Us in The Firing Line': Some Small Business Owners Worry About Gov. Greg Abbott Lifting Coronavirus Restrictions

Abbott’s order will leave it to business owners to decide whether to require customers wear masks inside their establishments. Some say they will keep coronavirus restrictions in place, but some business owners worry those decisions could anger potential customers.

  • By Mitchell Ferman, Megan Menchaca and Duncan Agnew, The Texas Tribune

Smallest Businesses Will Get Special Window to Apply for Federal Relief Funds

The Biden administration announced the change to the Paycheck Protection Program on Monday, along with other measures to improve access to funding for minority-owned businesses.

  • By Andrea Noble

Covid Caused Cities to Rework Rules for Restaurants. Which Changes Will Stick?

Over the past year, cities have taken action that’s ranged from streamlining permits for outdoor dining, to providing benches for restaurants to use for seating.

  • By Andrea Noble

Congressional Leaders Reach Deal on $900 Billion Covid Relief Package

The agreement reached Sunday does not include direct funding for state and local governments but does extend the amount of time they have to spend previously appropriated federal funds.

  • By Andrea Noble

Nearly 1-in-6 Restaurants Are Closed, Some Permanently, Industry Group Says

The National Restaurant Association estimates there are now over 110,000 closures and says the industry badly needs government aid to get through the pandemic.

  • By Bill Lucia

To Create A Strong Government Technology Ecosystem, Increase Inclusivity

COMMENTARY | It’s time we did more to support underrepresented entrepreneurs to improve local government services and increase inclusivity.

  • By Anthony Jamison
Featured eBooks
Government Tech & Innovation
Management in City and County Government
The Outlook for State CIOS in 2021

Governors Announce Small Business Aid Alongside Restrictions

States hope the money will help businesses survive public health orders.

  • By Sophie Quinton, Stateline

States Go After Small Businesses on Amazon—and Sometimes Amazon—for Millions in Back Sales Taxes

The Supreme Court in 2018 gave states the power to make new rules for collecting sales taxes online. But back taxes on products sold by small businesses on Amazon’s marketplace are still a major point of dispute.

  • By Liz Farmer

Local and State Governments Spent $9 Billion on Small Business Aid

As the economy cratered during the pandemic, local and state governments offered an important financial lifeline for small businesses, according to a new report.

  • By Andrea Noble

In a Bid to Save Local Restaurants, Cities Open Streets and Parking Lots to Outdoor Dining

The popular "Streatery" program in Madison, Wisconsin could extend beyond its current October end date.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Businesses Want a Shield Against COVID-19 Lawsuits. But What About Customer Safety?

As Congress debates liability protections, states step up.

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

State Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Reimburse Restaurants for Costs of Stalled Reopening

Legislation before the New Jersey legislature would use federal coronavirus relief funds to reimburse restaurants, caterers and bars for preparations to resume in-person dining before it was canceled by the governor.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Thousands of Small Business Owners Have Not Gotten Disaster Loans the Government Promised Them

A top official said 99% of funds were paid, but only 55% of small business owners reported receiving the money. Borrowers were told there was a technical glitch, but the Small Business Administration would not answer questions about it.

  • By Isaac Arnsdorf, ProPublica

Bars Are ‘One of the Worst Environments’ for the Spread of Covid-19. Is It Time for Governors to Shut Them Down?

If you go to a bar in a pandemic, you might get more than a cocktail.

  • By Emma Coleman

Court Strikes Down Restrictions on Pandemic Aid for Small Business Owners with Criminal Records

The Small Business Administration has changed the rules following a lawsuit from small business owners with criminal records.

  • By Emma Coleman