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Within the last two months, we’ve heard a lot about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, which was passed and signed into law at the end of April. The loan has helped countless small businesses stay afloat during these trying times by providing them with the funds to stay in business, promise job security and bring back their employees. But, despite all of these benefits, the loan has also come with a number of stipulations regarding how it can be used and when it needs to be used by. On Friday, June 5, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, an extension for the usage of the loan, was passed by Congress. 

Let’s take a look at how small businesses were affected by this tight deadline, prior to the extension, why the loan was extended, and what this means for small businesses moving forward. 

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Your company, like many others, is trying its best to navigate through this pandemic. Maybe you have seen a dramatic decrease in your workload or, due to this decrease, have been let go for the time being. If you have been let go, however, the Paycheck Protection Program may have facilitated your call back to work. But, just because you are back on payroll, does not mean your company’s usual workload will be restored. Your company may now have the time and resources to work on projects that a typical workload would not allow for. Also, once the loan runs out, what skills can you offer your employer as business continues to pivot?   

So, now is the time to think about what you can bring to the table. What skills do you have that are related to your position, or skills related to one that you would like to grow into? Now is your chance to showcase what sets you apart. If you have trouble identifying your strengths, consider the following tips:    (more…)

The coronavirus pandemic has turned all of our lives upside down and it is taking a toll on more than just physical health. According to The Washington Post, nearly half of the people in the United States feel the coronavirus is harming their mental health. A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found that 45 percent of adults say the pandemic has affected their mental health, while 19 percent say it has had a “major impact” on their mental health.   (more…)

The havoc created by the coronavirus has turned “business as usual” to anything but usual. Millions of workers have been laid off and many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. In recent weeks, however, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is part of the stimulus package passed by Congress, has offered a glimmer of hope for small businesses during this trying time. The Payment Protection Program, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is a “loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus pandemic.” Obviously, during these rather trying times for us personally, this is good news for those of us trying to keep our small business alive. If you have seen a decrease in your clientele or find yourself short on work, the PPP can provide many employees in your company with opportunities to work on things that you’ve “never had time for”, which ended up being shelved in deference to higher-priority items. Before we look at the strategic and innovative opportunities the PPP can provide, let’s take a deeper dive into what the PPP is.    (more…)

During these trying times, finding the good in the world has become increasingly difficult. Despite all of the bad things this pandemic has brought to our lives, there are so many good things happening that have been overshadowed by news of the coronavirus. In an effort to spread some light where it seems there is none, here are eight developments that have happened to spread some well-needed positive thoughts and allow a few moments of escape. 

1.  Scientists discover the smallest dinosaur ever known, approximately the size of a hummingbird  

2. For the first time, a gene-editing technique, CRISPR, was used in an attempt to cure genetic blindness. Results will be known in a month  

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Reflection from our Owner, Amanda Puppo

I could not really put my finger on it. Why was I feeling a deep emotional loss when the rest of the world was experiencing confusion and loss right alongside me? And I thought, “how dare I” have feelings of depression due to the current state of things. I have not lost a loved one to this disease. Then I read this piece from Harvard Business Journal, “That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief”. It offered me the perspective I needed to write this article.

What I lost is my business. I mean, not really; in the depths of my logical brain, this is temporary. Though the weight of what is behind us and in front of us still seems insurmountable. I started this business when I had just turned 26, nearly 20 years ago. It was my first “baby” for sure.  

Anyone that has ever started a business from the ground up and has poured their heart and soul into it may be feeling the same way.

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