A variety of emerging trends that present new opportunities for entrepreneurs, an increase in municipal borrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses’ struggles with insurers, a debate over state credit, and plans for new vaccine distribution are among the items in today’s business roundup.
Business Trends
The new prevalence and popularity of remote work is fueling startups in the real estate sector, according to the Wall Street Journal. With more people opting to set up their home office outside of urban areas, demand has increased for furnished short-term housing and new companies are seeking to meet that demand.
Companies are increasingly hiring professionals to oversee relocation and remote work during the pandemic, and several other trends are creating increased demand for workers in transportation, logistics, and other sectors. Fast Company has more.
The pandemic has fueled a major shift to online shopping platforms while also driving down travel and tourism. A Council Post on Forbes offers advice on how companies can rethink their advertising spending and other strategies in this new climate.
National
Municipal bonding has reached a 10-year high as cities and states face tight budgets and interest rates remain low. The Wall Street Journal reports on how this situation came to be and what it might mean for the future.
Insurance companies have generally been successful in rejecting businesses’ claims that pandemic-related shutdowns qualify them for payouts. The Hartford Courant notes how about two-thirds of these claims have been thrown out, usually because policies require physical damage to occur.
Connecticut
State lawmakers are debating whether to adhere to the “debt diet” advocated at the start of Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration or to borrow more in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hartford Business Journal reports that legislators may rely on bonding to help provide further assistance to businesses and residents.
Connecticut will begin signing up residents ages 75 years and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Associated Press reports how this process be by appointment and will have a tentative start date of Jan. 18.