Linkedin Facebook Twitter
InnovatorsLINK

News

Senate Proposal Seeks to Make SBA Programs More Equitable

  • Three senators propose Unlocking Opportunities in Emerging Markets Act to improve capital access to underserved communities
  • Bill looks to create an office within the U.S. Small Business Administration to develop strategies and programs related to emerging markets
  • Sponsors say the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted pre-existing challenges that woman, minorities, and veterans face in starting a business
Read more

Connecticut Paid Leave Authority Urges Businesses to Register For Payroll Deductions by Feb. 1

  • Only about 40 percent of eligible Connecticut businesses have registered for payroll deductions for the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program
  • Connecticut Paid Leave Authority warns that employers face greater financial challenges and paperwork headaches if they do not register by Feb. 1
  • Any business with at least one employee is required to withhold 0.5 percent of employee wages and make quarterly contributions to the program’s benefits pool
Read more

Lamont Pitches Legislation Aimed at Expanding Broadband Access in Connecticut

  • Governor Ned Lamont says he will propose legislation aimed at expanding broadband access in Connecticut
  • Initiatives include streamlined permitting for equipment installation on utility poles, allowing a requirement for internet service providers to provide access where they have video licenses, and setting broadband access goals by September 2022
  • Lamont says a 2018 survey finds that 23 percent of Connecticut residents lack internet access
Read more

SBA Promises Assistance on Anomalies Affecting Second Draw PPP Borrowers

  • Nearly a quarter-million borrowers who received loans in the first round of Paycheck Protection Program have been flagged for anomalies, inhibiting their ability to apply for a second loan
  • Small Business Administration is pledging rapid assistance to address these issues and giving priority to applications where issues have been resolved
  • Newly revived program has approved more than 400,000 loans totaling about $35 billion
Read more

Business News Roundup, January 27, 2021

Biden's vaccine distribution strategy, a CDC recommendation on a tradeoff in COVID-19 safety protocols, an uptick in consumer confidence, a surge in clean energy funding, and the latest on Connecticut's COVID-19 response are among the main items in business news…

Read more

Small Business Reaction Mixed on $15 an Hour Minimum Wage Proposal

  • President Joe Biden has called for the federal minimum wage to be raised to $15 an hour, and a Democratic proposal introduced in Congress seeks to phase this in by 2025
  • Several states already pay above the federal minimum wage, and some have established their own $15 an hour targets
  • Critics contend that a higher minimum wage puts a disproportionate burden on small businesses
Read more

Gyms Contemplate Hybrid Model to Strengthen Operations Post-Pandemic

  • Gyms likely to adopt hybrid models in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
  • Customers have increasingly turned to exercise alternatives, such as virtual classes, due to restrictions and stay-at-home orders
  • In-person exercise maintains appeal, but offering additional services to supplement home exercise could help stabilize revenues
Read more

UPDATED: Lamont Extends Emergency Authority Until April 20

  • Governor Ned Lamont extends his emergency powers through April 20
  • Lamont has held emergency powers due to the COVID-19 pandemic since last spring, with an extension granted in September
  • Republican leaders ask for shorter extensions subject to full vote of Connecticut legislature
Read more

Business News Roundup, January 26, 2021

Global growth expectations, the confirmation of Biden's Treasury Secretary, expected actions on China trade and climate change, and Connecticut job losses are some of the key items in business news this morning. Global The International Monetary Fund has released an…

Read more
[um_loggedout]

Join with Free InnovatorsLINK Account

Start accessing all the free member benefits and valuable content on the InnovatorsLINK platform. Create a BizLINK listing to boost brand exposure, receive the weekly Main Street Journal newsletter, engage in forums, get full access to free content, and more.
Sign Up
[/um_loggedout]
il-logo-white

Connecting Connecticut businesses with resources and like-minded entrepreneurs.

InnovatorsLINK is a Benefit Corporation
Contact Us
Linkedin Facebook-f Twitter
Resources
Community
User Account
About
Help