Small businesses in Sarasota County can apply for a loan
Low-interest loans will be made available for small businesses directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in Sarasota County.
Low-interest loans will be made available for small businesses directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in Sarasota County.
Clearwater sign shop making ready-to-install dividers to keep retail workers, customers safe
Many small businesses are adapting during these tough economic times, trying to keep the doors open and paychecks moving.
Many small businesses are adapting during these tough economic times, trying to keep the doors open and paychecks moving.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse owner to return $20M in small business loans
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse owner, Ruth’s Hospitality Group, announced Thursday that it is repaying $20 million in coronavirus aid received under the Paycheck Protection Program after the Treasury Department asked publicly traded companies to return the funds meant for small businesses.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse owner, Ruth’s Hospitality Group, announced Thursday that it is repaying $20 million in coronavirus aid received under the Paycheck Protection Program after the Treasury Department asked publicly traded companies to return the funds meant for small businesses.
Walmart begins mandating one-way aisles
In order to encourage social distancing while shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, Walmart stores are updating their policy by creating one-way aisles.
In order to encourage social distancing while shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, Walmart stores are updating their policy by creating one-way aisles.
St. Pete boat upholstery company converts production to PPE
The team at Island Nautical in St. Petersburg is usually hard at work making cushions and fabrics for boats and other outdoor uses, but now they're glad to be busy making gear that helps essential workers on the front lines of COVID-19.
The team at Island Nautical in St. Petersburg is usually hard at work making cushions and fabrics for boats and other outdoor uses, but now they're glad to be busy making gear that helps essential workers on the front lines of COVID-19.
Senate approves $483B virus aid deal, sends it to House
Passage was swift and unanimous, according to the Associated Press.
Passage was swift and unanimous, according to the Associated Press.
Wells Fargo, Chase sued over handling of Paycheck Protection Program loans
A series of lawsuits filed on Sunday on behalf of small business owners accuses some of the nation’s biggest banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, of unfairly allocating government-backed loans to certain small businesses.
A series of lawsuits filed on Sunday on behalf of small business owners accuses some of the nation’s biggest banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, of unfairly allocating government-backed loans to certain small businesses.
Shake Shack to return $10M government loan
Shake Shack Inc will return the small business loan it received from the U.S. government, the burger chain's chief executive said on Monday, making it the first major firm to hand back money aimed at helping small businesses ride out the coronavirus impact.
Shake Shack Inc will return the small business loan it received from the U.S. government, the burger chain's chief executive said on Monday, making it the first major firm to hand back money aimed at helping small businesses ride out the coronavirus impact.
Armature Works starts online ordering, curbside pickup Thursday
Armature Works, one of Tampa’s weekend hotspots, has been closed due to COVID-19, but this week, they're offering online orders and curbside pickup for some vendors.
Armature Works, one of Tampa’s weekend hotspots, has been closed due to COVID-19, but this week, they're offering online orders and curbside pickup for some vendors.
Tampa-based online plant retailer sees boom in houseplant business
Two years ago, the folks at plantz.com, just east of Tampa, decided to step up their online retail game. Now they're seeing a record boom in business as folks seek to bring nature inside during pandemic shut downs.
Two years ago, the folks at plantz.com, just east of Tampa, decided to step up their online retail game. Now they're seeing a record boom in business as folks seek to bring nature inside during pandemic shut downs.
Small businesses desperate faster processing of Paycheck Protection Program loans
The federal government has promised funds for small businesses to make their payrolls, in an effort to keep people employed amid mass closures due to the novel coronavirus. But when you own a business -- or you rely on that paycheck to make rent -- it feels like the wheels of government have all but stopped.
The federal government has promised funds for small businesses to make their payrolls, in an effort to keep people employed amid mass closures due to the novel coronavirus. But when you own a business -- or you rely on that paycheck to make rent -- it feels like the wheels of government have all but stopped.
USPS announces new policies to keep customers, carriers safe during pandemic
The United States Postal Service has taken additional precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United States Postal Service has taken additional precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Progressive will credit policy holders 20% of April, May premiums since there are less drivers on the road
Progressive joined a list of insurance companies offering refunds to policyholders since less people are driving due to social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Progressive joined a list of insurance companies offering refunds to policyholders since less people are driving due to social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Costco gives priority store access to health care workers, first responders in COVID-19 fight
Costco says it is giving priority store access to first responders and health care workers as the company rolls out new initiatives aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Costco says it is giving priority store access to first responders and health care workers as the company rolls out new initiatives aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Small businesses struggle to find banks still offering Paycheck Protection Plan loans
It’s the continued uncertainty that keeps Dr. Jacqueline Royce up at night. She runs a small practice in Sarasota, where she performs reconstructive surgery.
It’s the continued uncertainty that keeps Dr. Jacqueline Royce up at night. She runs a small practice in Sarasota, where she performs reconstructive surgery.
Auto insurers refunding millions due to stay-at-home policies
Allstate and American Family Insurance have begun discounting car insurance premiums since many drivers aren’t using their cars as much due to stay-at-home policies aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Allstate and American Family Insurance have begun discounting car insurance premiums since many drivers aren’t using their cars as much due to stay-at-home policies aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Handful of non-essential businesses open after 'stay at home' order
Most businesses closed when they were ordered to, but a few in Pinellas County needed a tap on the shoulder from the sheriff's office to finally close their doors.
Most businesses closed when they were ordered to, but a few in Pinellas County needed a tap on the shoulder from the sheriff's office to finally close their doors.
Small businesses, shuttered by statewide order, hope federal program keeps them afloat
The federal government's Paycheck Protection Program gives businesses two-and-a-half times their monthly payroll if they keep workers employed for eight weeks, but business owners aren't sure if it will be enough.
The federal government's Paycheck Protection Program gives businesses two-and-a-half times their monthly payroll if they keep workers employed for eight weeks, but business owners aren't sure if it will be enough.
Tampa Bay Times to print only twice a week, announces furloughs
One of Florida’s largest newspapers announced Monday that it would temporarily change it’s print frequency to two days a week.
One of Florida’s largest newspapers announced Monday that it would temporarily change it’s print frequency to two days a week.
Florida's jobless claims spike, tourism and hospitality industries hit hard
As thousands of Floridians are laid off due to the coronavirus, state and local unemployment resource centers are working overtime to get them the help they need and get them back on the job.
As thousands of Floridians are laid off due to the coronavirus, state and local unemployment resource centers are working overtime to get them the help they need and get them back on the job.