By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌ ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌ Next week, after more than a year, California is expected to lift the majority of its COVID-19 related restrictions and reopen its economy at almost-full capacity. But as the state prepares for a long-anticipated comeback, many Black businessowners say enterprises across the state that African Americans own face ...

By Dianne Anderson California businesses – those left standing – may pick up speed as the state soon reopens without the outdoor mask mandate, and a promise of more money for those that apply through May 31 for round two of PPP loans. Robert “Bobby” McDonald, Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County President, said ...

Orange County District 2 Supervisor Katrina Foley has announced the appointment of Debbie E. Lumpkin as her Chief of Staff. “I’m delighted to welcome Ms. Lumpkin as our new chief of staff,” confirmed Supervisor Foley (District Two). “She brings a wealth of experience into the Second District, particularly around workforce development, and contracting and support for ...

By Dianne Anderson Pivot took on a whole new meaning this past year. Businesses have closed up shop across the nation, leaving those remaining in survival mode hoping for enough to hold them over until their customers return. Some are now slowly starting to reopen their doors, although limited to 25% capacity. If next month ...

By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌ ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌ Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he had appointed Tara Lynn Gray, 57, of Fresno, as Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). In that role, Gray, who is African American, replaces Isabella Casillas Guzman, who President Biden appointed the 27th Administrator of ...

By Tanu Henry California Black Media Most small businesses in California are very small. A whopping 95 % of them are companies with less than 50 employees, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Yet these businesses employ a majority of workers in the state – up to an estimated 75 % of the labor force. But, for most official purposes, California defines ...

By Quinci LeGardye California Black Media  Gov. Newsom says he wants to help small businesses. Combined, they are a major economic engine in the state. He wants them to get online quicker and expand their markets to reach new customers in cyberspace. This is as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hammer their bottom lines and ...

Applications must be received before June 19 The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved $45 million in grant funding to aid small businesses enduring hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic. The program is open to small businesses based in cities and unincorporated communities of Riverside County. These businesses must apply online by June 19. The ...

By Dianne Anderson Given the choice, most people wouldn’t want to chase after bad money, but it happens. Michelle Skiljan has heard about the worst that can happen when predatory lenders lure small business into high-interest loans. The merchant loan advance industry promises fast money for small businesses that have problems securing traditional loans, trapping ...