The COVID-19 era has put a financial strain on businesses across the country, with company leaders scrambling to come up with funds to cover the cost of operations, including paying employees. One major source of funding for companies – including several in Northern Arizona – has been the United States Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program. On Sept. 9, two SBA officials visited several Flagstaff recipients of SBA funding to follow up on the effectiveness and potential … [Read more...] about SBA Visits Flagstaff Businesses Served Through the Paycheck Protection Program
Business
Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Arizona’s economy posted strong gains in August, adding nearly 80,000 jobs over the month. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.9%, down from 10.7% in July and lower than the U.S. overall rate of 8.4%. During August, the private sector in Arizona recorded a gain of 30,400 jobs, which is 12,200 more jobs than the ten year average for the month. Gains were posted across ten private sectors, with ‘education and health services’ and ‘trade, transportation and utilities’ at the top. “This … [Read more...] about Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Encouraging Yourself: Can You Go Three More Feet?
Kyle Maynard and his long-time friend and business partner, Joey Leonardo, know all about failure. Before becoming world-class mountaineers, they weren’t even campers. “We didn’t know how to put up a tent,” said Leonardo. Today, they have over-the-top memories of viewing the world from some of the highest peaks. But, getting there took a rocky path and a mountain of challenges. Their climb in every endeavor is strewn with seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Their success across slippery … [Read more...] about Encouraging Yourself: Can You Go Three More Feet?
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
Exploring Opportunities to Finance, Start, Expand Your Business
The year 2020 can be a year of economic change for people who have dreamed of owning a small business or expanding a current business. Starting or expanding a small business takes courage and the willingness to accept new challenges. It takes planning to overcome those challenges and to take risks to achieve the rewards of a growing business. It also requires access to financing. These are two challenges with which our local non-profit community-focused business development partners can help. … [Read more...] about Exploring Opportunities to Finance, Start, Expand Your Business
Flagstaff Ranks High for Startups
How important is it for a city to have widespread access to fast internet service? Very important if you are trying to attract start-up business, says BroadbandNow, which ranks Flagstaff eighth in the nation for locations to create a new business. The company considered cost, speed and availability of internet services in cities across the nation, along with other factors to determine its list. City of Flagstaff officials are not surprised that Flagstaff scored high. John Stigmon, president … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Ranks High for Startups
On the Grid Podcast – Trending Travel Destinations
Trending Travel Destinations https://soundcloud.com/user-559986867/on-the-grid-podcast-volume-11 Whether you want to see Japan off the beaten path, go ATV-ing on glaciers in Iceland, explore ancient churches in Africa, island hop in the Caribbean, discover ancient ruins in Peru, ski the Matterhorn or hike in New Zealand, Avenues of the World Travel co-owner Monika Leuenberger can arrange your adventure, offer insight, save you money and be your resource when the unexpected happens. Hear … [Read more...] about On the Grid Podcast – Trending Travel Destinations
On the Grid – Local Inventor Building a Unique Personal Flying Machine
Local Inventor Building a Unique Personal Flying Machine https://soundcloud.com/user-559986867/on-the-grid-podcast-volume-10 Flagstaff engineer, inventor, and pilot Jim Corning is building a personal aircraft. The FanFlyer is designed to take-off and land vertically, fit in a parking space, cruise quietly at 80 knots and get into places that helicopters can’t. It’s something he’s wanted to build for years, but a Boeing challenge with a $1 million prize attached has been all the … [Read more...] about On the Grid – Local Inventor Building a Unique Personal Flying Machine
On the Grid – Timberline Firearms & Training to Fill a Niche
Timberline Firearms & Training to Fill a Niche https://soundcloud.com/user-559986867/on-the-grid-podcast-volume-9 A new Flagstaff business is creating jobs and filling a void in the local landscape. Timberline Firearms & Training is Flagstaff’s first indoor shooting range. Co-owner Elise Willson joins On the Grid host Bonnie Stevens to talk about the new facility, gun safety, classes and the fastest growing demographic for the sport, women. Listen on … [Read more...] about On the Grid – Timberline Firearms & Training to Fill a Niche
On the Grid – Airport Taking Off
Airport Taking Off https://soundcloud.com/user-559986867/on-the-grid-podcast-volume-7 Efforts by the City of Flagstaff to increase service at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport are starting to pay off. Direct flights to Los Angeles and Dallas are scheduled to debut later this spring as the number of annual passengers, including business people and vacationers, continues to increase. The city’s Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Manager Barney Helmick join On the … [Read more...] about On the Grid – Airport Taking Off