Dimmed Lights in Economic Crystal Balls

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The effect of Donald Trump’s administration on our economy and housing market is approaching, and at the epicenter of several news outlets and economic reflections is the possibility of the gargantuan unknown. Some economists are predicting an economic downturn while others affirm that until measures are taken, we remain in the dark.

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Initiative Boosts Los Angeles and Baltimore Small Businesses

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Milken Institute are partnering to help increase minority lending in Baltimore and Los Angeles. The Partnership for Lending in Underserved Markets (PLUM) Initiative is a pioneering project that will “develop and test initiatives designed to more effectively provide capital to minority-owned businesses throughout the United States.”

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HUD Awards over $56 Million for Development Projects in 77 Tribal Communities

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Recently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $56.5 million to 77 Native American communities throughout the country to improve housing conditions and stimulate community development for residents, including funding construction projects and local jobs. The grants are part of HUD’s Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program, which supports a wide range of community development and affordable housing activities.

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International Business Opportunities from UPS

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Is it a goal of yours to take your business overseas? Extend your market and grow your book of business? The UPS X-PORT Challenge is a promotion designed to support businesses that have international growth aspirations, and to introduce these businesses to UPS and their international capabilities. Businesses can apply to earn an opportunity to pitch their solutions/products and win up to $10,000 in export shipping credits from UPS.

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Popular App Saves Small Business

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A struggling Washington ice cream shop has reaped the benefit of the new Pokemon GO app craze. This is the story of owner Gary Dear and Mad Hatter’s Ice Cream in Anacortest. Located just across the street from one of the app’s “Poke-stops,” which players visit to collect Pokeballs and other app items, the small business is being saved by the hundreds of weekly visitors who see the shop across the street and can’t resist stopping in for a frozen treat.

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DOL Helps Overtime Workers, Hurts Small Businesses

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Last year, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) focused on increasing the overtime eligibility for millions of Americans currently classified as exempt workers. With the proposed rule, the salary threshold for employees eligible for overtime pay would change from $23,660 to $50,440 in 2016 and be updated every year.

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Don’t let Technology Kill the Deal

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As a business owner, an agent, a broker, you know the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest developments and changes in the ways business is done. Whether it’s adapting to TRID guidelines, business diversity or strategies to help your clients secure their dream home, you know how to carry yourself as an entrepreneur.

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