Probably the biggest economic news right now is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the pool of almost $350 billion in forgivable small business loans that is one of the main components of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Today's bulletin will be a little different as we do a deeper dive on this one topic - what the PPP is supposed to do, the hurdles and hiccups it has faced in its first week, and how the government and financial institutions are … [Read more...] about Payment Protection Program
Business
Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Halting Evictions For Small Businesses And Nonprofits
Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order halting evictions in the state for small businesses and nonprofits that are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The order also encourages commercial landlords to defer rent payments for small business tenants facing economic hardship due to COVID-19 and consider waiving all fees and interest associated with late payments. Under the order, evictions will be halted until May 31, 2020. “Arizona is … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Halting Evictions For Small Businesses And Nonprofits
Local First Arizona Launches Small Business Relief Fund
As Congress passes a federal pandemic relief package, Local First Arizona is launching a new initiative that will provide immediate financial relief to Arizona’s microenterprises with mini-grants to cover costs like employee payroll and rent. In a news release, the organization states, “immediate cash flow, not loans, will keep the backbone of the Arizona economy afloat and looking forward to a stronger tomorrow.” “It’s a devastating and uncertain time to be a small business owner in Arizona. … [Read more...] about Local First Arizona Launches Small Business Relief Fund
Huppy Bars Send River Runner on an Entrepreneurial Adventure
Marathon hours of river running and hiking in the Grand Canyon can stir up more than just endorphins. For field biologist and outdoorswoman Lyndsay Hupp, sweltering heat and canyon sweat inspired her to create a nutrition bar that is making a lot of people happy. The epiphany for nutritional fuel came when “I was out boating on the Colorado River and my trail mix melted into a clump. So, I started adjusting the recipe and friends liked it so much they named them ‘Huppy Bars,’” she … [Read more...] about Huppy Bars Send River Runner on an Entrepreneurial Adventure
Considering Cuomo, Cranberry Juice and COVID-19
Americans are creative and resourceful. Right now, I have no doubt there are novels being written, movies being imagined and start-ups being developed. Many individuals are using this time of uncertainty to re-assess, re-tool and re-invent themselves and their careers. I’ve talked to entrepreneurs who are filling the unexpected time they have now with online courses to improve their skills; some are refreshing their investment properties to make them more attractive for when the market … [Read more...] about Considering Cuomo, Cranberry Juice and COVID-19
The Golden Girls of Real Estate Know, Love, Grow Flagstaff
Freddi Paulsrud and Rosemary “Rosie” Lamberson are not naïve like Rose Nylund, intimidating like Dorothy Zbornak, or self-absorbed like Blanche Devereaux, but they are every bit as charismatic as “The Golden Girls” of 1980s television, with a real-life friendship, respect and love for one another. Rosie and Freddi are realtors with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Freddi also is an associate broker. The two of them have a combined 80 years of real estate experience in the Flagstaff … [Read more...] about The Golden Girls of Real Estate Know, Love, Grow Flagstaff
When Bad People Happen to Good Jobs
My mom once told me, “Nature’s laws are God’s laws, and they must be followed.” In her wisdom, she recognized the need to respect and adhere to the forces that aren’t going to change one iota – like gravity. One of my favorites is balance. This Law of Nature is demonstrated everywhere in the Universe: day and night, hills and valleys, good and evil, push and pull, plain and peanut. If there’s a depression, like a wash in the desert, at some point, it will fill with water. That’s just how it … [Read more...] about When Bad People Happen to Good Jobs
Making Space for Creations
Giving children the freedom to walk into a toy store and play freely with anything they choose is a good mental picture of what Tynkertopia is. Except, in this innovative setting, they create the toys. With shelves stocked with colorful materials and objects of various sizes and forms, Tynkertopia welcomes children of all ages to come to create inventions. Their parents, grandparents and siblings are also welcome. “Our mission at Tynkertopia is to empower children to cultivate skills, … [Read more...] about Making Space for Creations
Pet Sitting Isn’t Just About Dogs and Cats
Pet sitting is not exclusive to just dogs and cats anymore. Horses, pigs, chickens, steers and even snakes have made the non-traditional list of pet sitting, according to Teresa Green, owner of Duke’s Pet Lodge. With a staff of five and a vision to expand to Sedona and Prescott areas in the next two years, Duke’s Pet Lodge was bred out of need. “I’ve had the idea for quite some time,” said Green. “We do not have a facility, so pets get to stay in the comfort of their home. “While working … [Read more...] about Pet Sitting Isn’t Just About Dogs and Cats
Golden Dragon Restaurant Attracting New Attention
It had been at least 12 years since Kevan Hegg dropped into Golden Dragon for lunch, but upon urging from a friend and news that the restaurant had new ownership, he thought he would give it another try. “The place was buzzing with good energy,” said Hegg, of Hensley Beverage Company. “Most tables were taken and the phone was ringing off the hook with orders.” The first thing Hegg noticed was the full-service bar. “They have four taps, Sierra Nevada, Lumberyard Red (local), Blue Moon and … [Read more...] about Golden Dragon Restaurant Attracting New Attention