As rent costs continue to rise, small businesses are also seeing the effects

While it seems increasingly unlikely the U.S. economy is headed for recession, small businesses still face headwinds like higher costs and difficulty retaining qualified workers.

Many businesses, government offices and schools will be closed Monday because of Memorial Day.

From the finer things to the fun things, and all the things in between, you can find all the things you need at locally-run small-town shops.

While new businesses open, it’s been hard for other businesses to stay afloat between supply chain issues and inflation.

The number of small businesses that raising prices on customers in January rose to a 48-year high, reflecting higher costs of labor and materials amid the biggest surge in U.S. inflation since the early 1980s.

Florida will start issuing $5,000 fines Thursday to businesses, schools and government agencies that require people to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.

Small businesses are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, facing days or weeks without power and Internet, storm damage and difficulty communicating with clients or customers.

The latest, up-to-date information on how coronavirus is impact Jacksonville, Florida.

Titia Jackson wonders why small businesses aren’t getting city aid. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

8 schools, VA clinic among thousands of Clay Electric customers without power for hoursPublished: September 25, 2020, 5:10 pmAn issue with Clay Electric knocked out power for almost 23,000 customers just before 5 a.m. -- nearly 10% of the utility’s customers.

Continuing to highlight Black Owned Businesses in Jacksonville. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

U.S. businesses sharply reduced hiring last month suggesting that the resurgent viral outbreak this summer slowed the economic recovery as many states closed parts of their economies again and consumers remained cautious about spending. U.S. firms added just 167,000 jobs in July, payroll processor ADP said Wednesday, far below June's gain of 4.3 million and May's increase of 3.3 million. July's limited hiring means the economy still has 13 million fewer jobs than it did in February, according to ADP, before the viral outbreak intensified. Hiring collapsed among companies of all sizes and in nearly all industries. A category that mostly includes restaurants, bars and hotels added just 38,000 jobs last month, after gaining more than 3 million in May and June.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Republican National Convention nears, more than 1,000 names of local businesses appeared Thursday night on the RNC’s website, listed as vendors for the convention. The vendors range from national chains to local mom-and-pop shops. Looking through the list of 1,000 vendors, there are 13 different florists, more than 150 restaurants and a threat detection agency. Last week, nearly 80 local vendors showed their products off in an effort to become a “preferred” vendor for the convention. The Republican National Convention will run from Aug. 24-27 in Jacksonville.

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)NEW YORK Small businesses can still get help from the governments coronavirus relief plan after Congress extended the Paycheck Protection Program until Aug. 8. The program that was set to expire Tuesday still has nearly $132 billion left after giving out more than 4.8 million loans since it began April 3. On Monday, the Small Business Administration, which oversees the program, disclosed the names of companies that received loans of more than $150,000. The program aims to motivate small businesses to retain their employees or, if they have laid them off, get them back to work. The SBA approved more than 4.8 million loans in less than three months, far more than the 58,000 it approved in 2019.

Brian Kemp said he plans to announce new guidance soon about Georgia businesses closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, Georgia had 39,801 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, according to data from the state Department of Public Health. The Georgia Department of Public Health reported at least 1,687 people had died as of Wednesday evening, including 33 deaths that were reported in the last 30 hours. Of the six Southeast Georgia counties tracked by News4Jax, Ware County has been hit the hardest, with 191 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths, including one that was reported Monday night. In the region, there have been 482 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 22 deaths.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Another $310 billion is being added to the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program so that lenders can offer more forgivable loans to small businesses. The second round of money is expected to go quickly. Bank of America reports they have $50 billion worth of applications ready to go through the second round. For example, BlueVine, Centerstone SBA Lending, Funding Circle, even PayPal are all accepting applications for PPP loans. On the SBA website, there is a page dedicated to showing you SBA-approved PPP lenders just by entering your ZIP code.

Small businesses waiting for helpPublished: April 8, 2020, 6:49 pmMany small businesses in Jacksonville for waiting for government assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Small businesses would be able to rehire their employees for up to 10 weeks under the federal stimulus at no cost to the business. Under the $2 billion federal stimulus package passed by the House and signed by President Donald Trump on Friday, small businesses will be able to borrow up to $10 million. Some won’t rebound now, which is very unfortunate. Small businesses are being told to check with their local bank to begin the loan process. The federal stimulus interest-free loan is available to businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

The News4Jax I-TEAM requested and received the list of whistleblower complaints from people who have called the ethics or general city hotlines to report businesses possibly not following the order. (WJXT)The list shows Digital Risk’s supervisor allegedly said compliance with the order is optional. RELATED | Mayor Curry could condemn businesses who violate work-at-home orderAmazon was also on the list after News4Jax reported one employee has a confirmed COVID-19 case. The following statement was posted on its website:“At Fortegra, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our producers and administrators are of equal concern. We follow the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines for enhanced, daily cleanings and care for our employees and clients.

Four businesses in Murray Hill closed down from receiving cease and desist orders. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.