businesses

Business Opportunities

Umpqua Bank 2022 Economic Outlook for Businesses Shows Growth Opportunities Ahead, but Adaptability Remains Critical for Success

By Dorothea 1 month ago

Report taps economists and bank leaders for insights to help small and middle market companies navigate disruptions, be ready for opportunities

Published: Dec. 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM EST|Updated: 20 hours ago

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Umpqua Bank today released its 2022 economic outlook report for small and middle market companies, “Headwinds & Opportunities: Economic Trends & Predictions for Businesses in 2022.” The bank tapped prominent West Coast economists and Umpqua Bank thought leaders to examine key issues that will shape the 2022 economic landscape, their impact on decision-making, and what businesses can do to meet both challenges and opportunities with confidence.

There’s tremendous growth opportunity for those businesses that remain nimble and prioritize adaptability.

Issues explored in-depth in the report include the COVID pandemic, inflation, supply chain and labor challenges, as well as opportunities in automation,

Business Opportunities

COVID-19 relief available for small businesses in Richland Co.

By Dorothea 2 months ago

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Richland County businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have a new opportunity to receive financial assistance.

The COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant program can offer up to $15,000 in reimbursable expenses around Richland County.

The program will be managed by Richland County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity and Community Planning.

“OSBO is very excited about the opportunity to offer financial assistance to small businesses that were affected by COVID-19,” OSBO manager Erica Wade said.

Wade says the OSBO thrives on sustainability and capacity building, and this is an advantage to obtain both.

The application and guidelines are available online: https://richlandcountysc.gov/cv19grant.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $300,000 for the grant.

Businesses in Richland County with 50 or fewer employees that demonstrate revenue loss because of COVID-19 can qualify for the assistance.

Businesses must also have been in operation a year before March

Business Opportunities

Downtown businesses asking for tourism kiosk

By Dorothea 2 months ago

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Business owners feel the city isn’t putting its best foot forward to welcome thousands of people into downtown and they want to change that. For decades, Albuquerque has been a stop for train passengers along the southwest. Videos of the 1950s train service show passengers hopping off and shopping.

However, today it looks a little different. Albuqeurque is now a service stop for Amtrak with passengers having layovers in the city for nearly an hour, according to Amtrak.

“That is a gift to the city. It’s a gift that they never opened,” said Patricia Hoech, owner of Patricia Designs. She is a long-time downtown business owner but for her, today’s stopover doesn’t offer what it once did.

“You get off at the train and it’s this barren, unwelcoming, uninviting,” Hoech said. She and other downtown businesses want to welcome Amtrak passengers. Some are looking for something

Business Opportunities

Six Black-owned businesses to shop on Black Friday (and the amazing deals they’re offering)

By Dorothea 2 months ago

With Black Friday approaching, shoppers across the Rochester area will be eager to find the best deals heading into the holiday season.

While traditional businesses offer deals and discounts on their inventory, local Black-owned companies will also look to take advantage of the unofficial shoppers’ holiday.

Check out these deals from local merchants offering their goods and services in special packaged deals.