New policies and guidance address illegal contract clauses and undisclosed fees to ensure transparency and fairness in the franchise industry. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated actions…
Read MoreSmall Business
Labor Department Announces Investment in Employee Safety, Health Training, and Education
The agency provided grants through OSHA under the Good Jobs initiative. The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the release of over $12.7 million in training grants through…
Read More
FTC Takes Action Against Gig Work Company About Pay
The agency’s proposed settlement would require Arise Virtual Solutions to pay for consumer refunds. The Federal Trade Commissioner has proposed a settlement with Arise Virtual Solutions that would…
Read More
DOE Distributes Funding to Improve 37 Small Manufacturing Facilities
The department invests in energy efficiency additions to reduce annual carbon emissions by 17,000 tons. The Department of Energy (DOE) has distributed $7 million to 37 small- and…
Read More
Army Announces Military Spouse Business Relocation Reimbursement
The new policy provides up to $2,000 to support military families’ entrepreneurship. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act included a provision that allowed reimbursement for part of the…
Read More
USDA Invests in Domestic Fertilizer Production
Secretary Vilsack announces grants totaling $83 million to independent U.S. business owners. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an $83 million investment in domestic fertilizer production in…
Read MoreDOT Launches Online Portal for Small Business Investments
The database is intended to connect private investors with disadvantaged companies. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an online database dedicated to connecting small businesses to potential…
Read More
Vice President Harris Announces $100 Million for Auto Workers
The funding is intended to help smaller suppliers transition to the EV supply chain. Vice President Kamala Harris announced that President Biden’s administration is investing $100 million to…
Read More
FTC Rule Bans Noncompetes Nationwide
Chair Khan says that the agreements keep wages low and suppress new ideas. The Federal Trade Commission recently announced a final rule that bans noncompetes nationwide. The commission…
Read More
Transportation Department Modernizes Programs to Boost Small Business Access
The final rule enhances participation and equity in transportation projects nationwide. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a final rule to modernize the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)…
Read More