November 2022 Advocacy Updates
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader:
– Federal Support: Vice President Harris Announces New Public and Private-Sector Efforts to Advance Racial Equity at Freedman’s Bank Forum / Plans announced will deliver capital and resources to underserved small businesses and the community lenders who serve them.
– From CHSToday: “The City of Charleston is expected to make weekend parking rules on King Street permanent following a year-long pilot program. Street parking will be prohibited on King Street, between Calhoun + Spring streets, from 6 p.m. – 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday nights. New signage will be placed beginning October 17.”
– From Live5 News: Qualified Charleston County small businesses could receive up to $25K in additional funds via American Rescue Plan Act.
– Small Business Majority Report: “New Survey: Small businesses are optimistic about the future, despite concerns about inflation and barriers to capital.”
– Verizon Small Business Digital Ready: $10,000 grant opportunities now available. To be eligible to apply, users must complete any combination of 2 courses, coaching events and community events between 7/1/22 and 11/14/22, and apply by 11/14/22.
– Institute for Local Self Reliance statement: “We don’t need another mega grocery store chain,” Stacy Mitchell told the New York Times, noting that, if the merger goes through, Albertsons-Kroger and Walmart would control 70 percent or more of the market in 167 cities in the United States. The pervasive damage of this level of consolidation in our economy will harm communities, farmers, food workers, and local grocers for decades to come.
– Nov 9-10: Join members of the Small Business Anti-Displacement (SBAN) and other leaders working to support small businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods in the United States and abroad for one of the first national conferences focused on commercial gentrification. At this virtual conference, they’ll discuss strategies for combating commercial displacement, share knowledge about innovative policy and practice, and identify ways to advance anti-displacement activism in different cities and regions. (Shared by AMIBA)
– Member Resource: Commercial Space Advising – LLF harnesses the power of our membership to provide confidential, no-cost custom advising for issues related to a commercial space, including: finding space; design and build-out; regulatory process; and lease negotiation. Learn more here.
Questions? Input? Let us know.