skip to Main Content

How Family Time During Remote Work Can Improve Your Business Strategy

  • Having family members present while working remotely can significantly distract you from your workflow, but there are advantages to this setup as well
  • Spouses, children, and others in the household can be a surprisingly valuable resource in brainstorming and creativity
  • Spending some time with family can be a good way to spend a much-needed break
Read more

What Small Business Loans Are Available After the Expiration of PPP?

  • The Paycheck Protection Program has expired, and banks have been more reluctant to approve loans to small businesses
  • Businesses have cut back on investments and expenses, but also worry about survival if economic conditions do not improve in the near future
  • Certain loan programs, including options through the Small Business Administration and Federal Reserve, provide continued avenues of support
Read more

Innovative Methods Emerging Among Utilities to Ensure Resiliency During Disruptions

  • Llewellyn King, who helped shape President Richard Nixon’s energy policy, says utilities are ripe for innovative change in the wake of COVID-19
  • Prolonged power outages after Tropical Storm Isaias also highlight the need for improved resiliency
  • Improved communications, decentralized power generation, and more battery solutions among the potential changes
Read more

Icebreakers, Team-Building, and Other Alternatives to Zoom Happy Hour

  • Building employee camaraderie should go beyond a drink or two shared virtually once a week
  • Specialized apps allow team-building, icebreakers, trivia, and other activities to encourage co-workers to meet up remotely while social distancing
  • Efforts can help improve work-related collaboration and communication
Read more

Diminished Supply and Demand Cause Tighter Loan Market for Small Businesses

  • The Paycheck Protection Program gave out billions in loans to small businesses suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but other business loans are becoming scarcer
  • Less than one in four loans were approved in July, compared to pre-pandemic levels of around 50 percent
  • Banks are less willing to take on the risk of lending to businesses, while companies have also held off on investment plans
Read more

Businesses Prepare For The Waiting Game As PPP Forgiveness Process Opens

  • SBA opens forgiveness portal for PPP this week, but applicants have been advised to bide their time as further guidance emerges
  • Partial forgiveness options available, and low interest rates can also be attractive to those who need to pay the loan back
  • Questions remain on issues such as tax deductions
Read more

Small Business Optimism Index Falls as Owners Reign In Expectations

  • National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) monthly survey finds small business owners tempering expectations as effects of COVID-19 continue
  • About half of survey respondents report capital outlays, and owners continue to express interest in hiring
  • Business owners less likely to expect conditions to improve in the next six months
Read more

Stress Management for Stressful Times: Supporting Your Employees’ Mental Health

  • Social distancing, an uncertain economy, and other factors have all been detrimental to the mental health of many employees
  • Eight ways managers can help reduce stress and anxiety among their workers
  • Regular communications, flexible work schedules, and other tips for a healthier workplace
Read more

Simon Property Group Reportedly Exploring Amazon Distribution Center Partnership

  • Partnership between Simon Property Group and Amazon would allow vacant “anchor” stores to be converted to Amazon distribution centers
  • Arrangement would guarantee steady rental income for malls while assisting with “last mile” delivery for the e-commerce giant
  • Simon reports stable second quarter income despite COVID-19 shutdowns
Read more

Keeping Your Customers by Refusing Their Cash

  • Survey finds that a large share of small businesses have stopped accepting cash and transitioned to contactless payments during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Younger customers are more likely to accept cashless transactions and favor companies that require no direct interaction for payment
  • Two-thirds of businesses try a new approach during the pandemic, primarily involving a pivot to digital
Read more