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Grant: Inclusive Backing Grant, National ACE + American Express, Cycle 1 Application Deadline: November 29, 2021 To back underrepresented small business owners as they navigate the pandemic and plan for long-term success and resilience, American Express is partnering with Main Street America to launch a $1.65M year-round grant program called Inclusive Backing.

10 bits of economic news to be thankful for

Grant: Inclusive Backing Grant, National ACE + American Express, Cycle 1 Application Deadline: November 29, 2021

Who’s to blame for inflation?
The rising prices of food, gas and other things we buy — in other words, inflation — were already a central economic issue of 2021. Those prices are up 6.2 percent over the last year, and shortages and other inconveniences are side effects of the problem.

COVID-19 Small Business Rent Relief: - County Internal Services Department- Application Period: November 17 - November 24, 2021. Utilizing American Rescue Plan (“ARP”) Act of 2021 funds, Los Angeles County is launching the Small Business Rent Relief Project (“SBRR”).

As the pandemic drags on, so does the profound reordering of work and office life.

After a year without commutes, many white-collar workers have grown accustomed to the flexibility of working from home. Companies are reassessing whether they need to rent large office spaces with so few employees coming in. A record number of U.S. workers quit their jobs in September as the “Great Resignation” continues, while thousands more are protesting pay or working conditions.

Among the Covid experts, Dr. Robert Wachter is one of the more cautious. He worries about “long Covid,” and he believes that many people should receive booster shots. He says that he may wear a mask in supermarkets and on airplanes for the rest of his life.

From The Atlantic: In 2020, public-health experts’ message to Americans was simple: Cancel Thanksgiving. This year, COVID vaccines afford us more options for a safe Turkey Day.

California Venues Grant: State of California + CalOSBA. Deadline: November 19, 2021: The California Venues Grant Program (“Program”) will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation.

On Monday the U.S. will lift a ban on international tourists, allowing them to enter the country for the first time in a year and a half. Proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test required.

The move has led to a blitz of travel bookings and will finally allow many families and friends to reunite. It should also give the embattled travel industry a much-needed boost.