small business

How NYC’s Business Improvement Districts Are Helping Small Businesses Thrive

by Isna

NEW YORK, New York — In a major boost to local economies, Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim sat down with Vision Times on May 6 to talk about the exciting new initiatives that will bolster the city’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and communities -based organizations across the region.

With 75 BIDs scattered across the city’s five boroughs, Kim emphasized their importance in providing vital services to small businesses during an annual event at the Union Square Partnership, the city’s first BID partnership. “The way they help these businesses is by giving them extra sanitation cleaning services,” notes Kim,

…

Does Generative AI Level the Playing Field for Small Business?

by Isna

More US microbusinesses are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to grow and compete, with 50% of owners and operators recently surveyed indicating they have tried Gen AI tools in the past few months. The findings come from GoDaddy’s international research initiative, Venture Forward, which quantifies the economic impact of small businesses and explores their owners’ experiences, challenges and ambitions.

The Venture Forward 2024 US National Survey found that 44% of microbusinesses, which have 10 or fewer employees, a domain and an active website, agree that GenAI helps them compete with big businesses.

However, attitudes, long-term goals and use cases that

…

Free Grants and Programs for Small Business | CO

by Isna

Female business owner in restaurant — **There are many grant programs available to small businesses, depending on a variety of qualifying factors.** — Getty Images/ljubaphoto

Whether you’re starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking for a small business loan or grant, CO— is here to help.

Each week, we update this list of loans, small business grants, or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations that can help you with your business. Come back often to see the latest. And, if your organization has

…

Shapiro Administration Continues Pennsylvania’s Small Business Week Celebration with visit to Luzerne County, Highlights Importance of Strengthening Our Downtowns and Main Streets

by Isna

From Cumberland to Luzerne to Somerset counties, the Shapiro Administration is celebrating Small Business Week and encouraging Pennsylvanians to show their support for their local downtowns and Main Streets.

Supporting small businesses and Main Streets is an essential component of the Governor’s economic development strategy and 2024-25 budget proposal — which includes a total of $600 million in economic development investments.

Hazleton, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary for Technology and Entrepreneurship Jen Gilburg joined Senator David Argall, Representative Dane Watro, and other local leaders to tour downtown Hazleton in Luzerne County to emphasize

…