businesses

Digital Transformation is Vital for Small Businesses

“Ten, twenty, thirty years ago, you were in the best position to go global if you were a large company and had a lot of resources and access to a lot of attorneys and advisors who could help you navigate regulations and issues that get more complicated as you go abroad.”




businesses

Wanted: Data on the Gender Gap, Digital Divide and Small Businesses

We need it for inclusive policymaking




businesses

Newsom unveils rules governing how quickly California communities can reopen businesses

Newsom said earlier this week that bookstores, florists and others can reopen for curbside pickup Friday, unless barred by tougher local restrictions.




businesses

San Francisco will allow certain businesses to reopen beginning May 18

San Francisco will allow certain businesses to reopen beginning May 18 as it eases its stay-at-home orders. But officials warn that they will keep track to make coronavirus infections don't spike.




businesses

California begins reopening economy as select businesses unlock doors

Parts of California, including Los Angeles County, are allowing some businesses to offer curbside service Friday.




businesses

L.A. County coronavirus cases top 30,000 as some businesses reopen

Amid a plateau in the number of new coronavirus-related deaths in Los Angeles County, officials Friday were easing into an economic recovery plan.




businesses

‘Essential’ cannabis businesses: Strategies for regulation in a time of widespread crisis

Most state governors and cannabis regulators were underprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis is affecting every economic sector. But because the legal cannabis industry is relatively new in most places and still evolving everywhere, the challenges are even greater. What’s more, there is no history that could help us understand how the industry will endure the current economic situation. And so, in many…

       




businesses

Charts of the Week: Jobs, rent, and businesses during coronavirus

As the economic impact of the spreading coronavirus crisis continues to unfold, how will workers, businesses, and renters cope? Here are a few items from recent research and analysis from Brookings experts on COVID-19. How long will temporary layoffs remain temporary? Ryan Nunn and Jana Parsons examine how the number of both temporary and permanent…

       




businesses

How the Small Businesses Investment Company Program can better support America’s advanced industries

On June 26, Brookings Metro Senior Fellow and Policy Director Mark Muro testified to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship about the need for the reauthorization of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and particularly on the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, to be better positioned to further support America’s advanced industry sector.…

       




businesses

What China's new food safety law might mean for consumers and businesses


Food safety is not a problem unique to China, though it is certainly one of the country’s most pressing and persistent challenges. On April 28, 2016, the John L. Thornton China Center hosted a public event to discuss food safety in China and what new regulations might mean for consumers and businesses.

Revised food safety law a step in the right direction

China’s revised Food Safety Law, enacted in October 2015, is intended to strengthen the regulation of food companies in China and enhance oversight along the supply chain. The law imposes tougher consequences on violators of food safety regulations. The revised Food Safety Law is a step in the right direction, but improving food safety will require more than just new regulations. Greater inter-agency coordination is needed among the various government entities with regulatory responsibility for food safety, including the China Food and Drug Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Health and Planning Commission, and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

China has done relatively better in enforcing food safety and quality standards for its food exports than it has for its domestic food market. A disparity between export quality and what is found in local markets is not uncommon in developing countries. But after several large-scale food safety incidents, domestic Chinese consumers are now paying close attention to the quality of their food and are no longer willing to accept such a disparity. Setting and enforcing higher food safety standards domestically is important for maintaining public health and for increasing consumer confidence. The latter will take time but is an indispensable component of the consumption-driven economy that China seeks.

Industry consolidation needed

One of the biggest obstacles facing Chinese food safety regulators is a still-fragmented domestic food industry with many small players. The increase in regulatory requirements and inspections mandated by the new law will raise the costs of doing business and likely lead to industry consolidation, which would help make the domestic Chinese food industry more manageable from a regulatory perspective. Emerging trends that see consumers buying food products from small and perhaps unverified retailers online actually make the jobs of regulators more difficult. This is because products are harder to trace—and, if there is a problem, to recall—when transactions occur through nontraditional retail channels. Traceability is critical to ensuring food safety because it allows problematic food items to be identified. The responsible firm can then correct the situation and each actor in the supply chain can be held accountable.

The Chinese government is already supporting initiatives that aggregate production units at the farm level. These farmer production bases enable farmers to coordinate food production and marketing to larger retailers. Participating farms have been provided with safe pesticides and guidelines on pesticide application; they are also able to sell to large retailers directly. These direct farmer-retailer relationships allow for greater traceability and facilitate the spot-checking that is necessary for verification. This model holds promise for improving food safety, especially as it pertains to pesticide application, but it will need to be scaled up to have a meaningful impact on China’s domestic food market.

What can China learn from other countries?

Since China is not alone in facing food safety challenges, it can learn lessons from the experiences of other countries. According to Vivian Hoffmann of the International Food Policy Research Institute, “there are many ways in which the public sector can harness the capacity and energy of the private sector to make food safety regulation more efficient.” For instance, China could consider greater co-regulation, which is a strategy that involves the private sector in regulation. Allowing firms to give input when regulators are setting standards can help prevent situations where unattainable standards are either crippling for companies or just ignored altogether. Hoffman is clear to note that allowing firms to give input does not mean compromising on consumer safety. Rather, it would create a more transparent process that would allow companies time to work up to higher standards if necessary. Private companies could be involved in testing their own products, but verification testing would still be needed.

Open communication with consumers is also important. The risk-based approach to food safety, which is the international norm and which China has also adopted, entails a particular challenge: Sometimes what consumers think is the most dangerous aspect of the food supply is different from scientists’ perceptions and knowledge of risk. For example, scientists may focus on biological contaminants while consumers worry about pesticides and additives. The concerns of consumers should be taken into account when setting priorities, but experts also need to explain why their concerns may be different. Communication and transparency are essential for bridging this disconnect. Chenglin Liu of St. Mary’s School of Law similarly stresses transparency as a key ingredient in improving China’s food safety situation. Broader capacity building efforts—as it relates to rule of law, an independent judiciary, and independent journalism—will help improve the enforcement of regulations.

The country’s revised Food Safety Law is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough to resolve China’s food safety woes. Regulatory enforcement remains a challenge. Fortunately, it is by no means an insurmountable one. Vigilant consumers will continue to demand higher-quality and more-traceable food products, a trend that puts increasing pressure on regulators to enforce high standards and that also presents great opportunities for proactive businesses.

Authors

  • Lin Fu
Image Source: © China Stringer Network / Reut
      
 
 




businesses

Businesses owned by women and minorities have grown. Will COVID-19 undo that?

There are two small business crises in the United States. The first—the sudden shock to small businesses induced by COVID-19—is acute and immediate. Our recent analysis indicates that over 50% of small businesses with employees (an astounding 4 million establishments) face immediate or near-term risks due to the pandemic. The second crisis—the structural racial and…

       




businesses

Businesses owned by women and minorities have grown. Will COVID-19 undo that?

There are two small business crises in the United States. The first—the sudden shock to small businesses induced by COVID-19—is acute and immediate. Our recent analysis indicates that over 50% of small businesses with employees (an astounding 4 million establishments) face immediate or near-term risks due to the pandemic. The second crisis—the structural racial and…

       




businesses

‘Essential’ cannabis businesses: Strategies for regulation in a time of widespread crisis

Most state governors and cannabis regulators were underprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis is affecting every economic sector. But because the legal cannabis industry is relatively new in most places and still evolving everywhere, the challenges are even greater. What’s more, there is no history that could help us understand how the industry will endure the current economic situation. And so, in many…

       




businesses

‘Essential’ cannabis businesses: Strategies for regulation in a time of widespread crisis

Most state governors and cannabis regulators were underprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis is affecting every economic sector. But because the legal cannabis industry is relatively new in most places and still evolving everywhere, the challenges are even greater. What’s more, there is no history that could help us understand how the industry will endure the current economic situation. And so, in many…

       




businesses

British utility allows businesses to buy "local" renewable energy

Should we care where our electrons come from?




businesses

10 Businesses Going Green in the Realm of Romance

Valentine's Day is all about romancing your sweetheart. These companies show the planet some love too.




businesses

8 Celebrity Eco-Businesses We Can't Stop Talking About

While we've seen many celebrities jumping on the green bandwagon, we've also seen them doing it for the real deal. Many have been eco-conscious for years--some are just realizing how important it is to promote a sustainable




businesses

Designing Out Waste in Industry Becomes a Priority for Big UK Businesses

This week a new report has been published by UK environmental think tank Green Alliance which unites top UK businesses on a mission to design out waste in industry. The report is called A Pathway To Greener Products and calls on the new coalition




businesses

Energy-harvesting wood floors could be the next great green thing in homes and businesses

Could this be even more encouraging than a FitBit to get up and walk around?




businesses

Local Businesses, Government Officials and Environmental Agencies Unite to Protect Maryland Wetlands

The state of Maryland has already shown a proclivity towards environmental programs—it has embraced wind power via positive legislation, for one. Now, it's going to clean up its wetlands. The Maryland chapter of the




businesses

JOHN SCULLEY LAUNCHES NEW BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA BUSINESS LEARNING SERIES TO HELP ENTREPRENEURS BUILD TRANSFORMATIVE BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESSES - John Sculley introduces his new multimedia business[...]

John Sculley introduces his new multimedia business learning series “How to Build a Successful Business”




businesses

San Francisco targets May 18 for some businesses to resume as California unveils reopening guidelines

Covid-19 has infected 3.7 million people globally, and killed at least 264,111 as of Thursday.




businesses

Shut out of PPP loans, struggling with no child care: How Covid-19 is impacting women-owned small businesses

CNBC Make It spoke to female entrepreneurs about the impact today's pandemic is having on their companies as they fight for federal funding, pivot business operations and manage child-care.




businesses

Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff has advice for small businesses struggling through the pandemic

As co-founder and creative director of her own fashion line, Rebecca Minkoff understands the current struggles small-business owners are now facing — especially women. Here's her advice on how to survive.




businesses

LinkedIn offers to connect job-seekers with essential businesses for free

In the wake of COVID-19 shutting down broad swaths of the economy, LinkedIn is ditching the core engine of its business model to help people connect with jobs at no cost.




businesses

Instagram announces new features for small businesses including gift cards, food orders and fundraisers

Starting Wednesday in the U.S. and Canada, Instagram users can tap on a gift card or food order to make a purchase through a company's site. Fundraisers created by a business or its supporter open on Facebook.




businesses

Hollywood's small businesses in crisis as coronavirus shuts everything down

Of the 5,900 businesses in Hollywood, 99.5% have less than 500 employees, and over 90% have fewer than 10 employees. Many are being forced to layoff or furlough employees as the coronavirus pandemic drags on.




businesses

How Latino small business owners are keeping their businesses running during coronavirus

Latino entrepreneurs are among the majority of small business owners directly impacted by the economic fallout.




businesses

Clock ticking for small businesses squeezed out of government loans, now have a few months or less to survive, survey reveals

Only 13% of small businesses that applied for relief through the Paycheck Protection Program have received funding, according to the CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey released Monday.




businesses

Klobuchar, Warren urge FTC to take more steps to help small businesses avoid coronavirus scams

Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren raise concerns about scammers taking advantage of business owners seeking aid during the coronavirus.




businesses

'Shark Tank' investor Kevin O'Leary: 20% of small businesses that got federal loans will fail

The "Shark Tank" investor also tried to look at the bright side: "So 80% are going to make it, in my view. That means it was a great investment."




businesses

Tannebaum: Businesses are treading cautiously to stay within the confines of the conditions of the PPP

Daniel Tannebaum of Oliver Wyman discusses the liability issues companies who participate in the Paycheck Protection Program face, and how the government should continue to refine the legislation.




businesses

The businesses that made Disney a juggernaut are suddenly hurting, distracting from its streaming success

Disney wants Wall Street to focus on its growing streaming business, but its media networks, theme parks and film studio have grown too large to be ignored. That's become a big problem during coronavirus shutdowns.




businesses

Op-Ed: SBA chief pledges 'every available resource' to aid small businesses

All small businesses are eligible, including non-profits, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors, writes SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.




businesses

Op-ed: To help Main Street businesses, look to Main Street banks

Local community banks were among the most prepared and willing to step up during these unprecedented times, releasing loans far earlier than many of their Wall Street counterparts.




businesses

'It's a new planet overnight': New York City businesses hit hard by coronavirus pandemic

New York City businesses are struggling to make money and retain workers as the coronavirus continues to inflict economic pain.




businesses

7.5 million small businesses are at risk of closing, report finds

Millions of small businesses will close permanently if disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic persists, according to a new survey from Main Street America.




businesses

Businesses continue to apply for a PPP loan. Forgiveness remains uncertain

Companies that were able to make the cut and qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program have another fight on the horizon: having their loan forgiven. Here's why it's so hard to figure that out.




businesses

Support small businesses with gift cards – but know the risks

Purchasing gift cards are a way to support struggling small businesses. But if they don't make it out of the pandemic, you will be out of pocket.




businesses

Designer Rebecca Minkoff's advice for small businesses trying to survive the coronavirus pandemic

As co-founder and creative director of her own fashion line, Rebecca Minkoff understands the current struggles small-business owners are now facing — especially women. Here's her advice on how to survive.




businesses

San Francisco targets May 18 for some businesses to resume

CNBC's Dominic Chu reports that San Francisco is targeting May 18 to reopen some businesses.




businesses

IDFC Emerging Businesses Fund - Regular Plan - Growth

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 8.98
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

IDFC Emerging Businesses Fund - Regular Plan - Dividend

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 8.98
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

IDFC Emerging Businesses Fund - Direct Plan - Growth

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 9.01
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

IDFC Emerging Businesses Fund - Direct Plan - Dividend

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 9.01
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

L&T Emerging Businesses Fund - Regular Plan - Growth

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 16.049
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

L&T Emerging Businesses Fund - Regular Plan - Dividend

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 11.654
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

L&T Emerging Businesses Fund - Direct Plan - Growth

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 16.889
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

L&T Emerging Businesses Fund - Direct Plan - Dividend

Category Equity Scheme - Small Cap Fund
NAV 12.468
Repurchase Price
Sale Price
Date 08-May-2020




businesses

Coronavirus: UK chancellor on new microloan scheme for small businesses

Firms will be able to borrow up to £50,000, which will be interest free for the first year.