App-based loans, such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and Earned Wage Access (EWA), can lead to increased financial stress and instability due to their high fees, hidden costs, and potential for loan stacking.
Business
Posted inLifestyle
From Military Service to Economic Empowerment: Shania Chandler’s Inspiring Journey
Shania Chandler, a PMP certified Army Veteran, is the Founder and CEO of the Black Girl Business Academy, an organization dedicated to helping single mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs build credit, secure funding, and launch successful businesses.
Posted inLatest News
Business Spotlight: Madison Elyse Events in Shorewood
Madison Elyse Events is a Shorewood-based event venue founded by Qiana Turner, offering a customizable space for up to 60 guests and event planning services, with upcoming events including a Holiday Pop-Up Shop and Breakfast with Santa.
Posted inBusiness
Minority-owned businesses shut out as loan denials soar
Black-owned businesses faced the highest rejection rate for financing in 2024, with 39% denied loans, lines of credit, or merchant cash advances, while white-owned businesses only faced an 18% rejection rate.
Posted inBusiness
The Times Weekly Business Spotlight: Recognizing National Black Business Month
Black Business Month is celebrated in August to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Black-owned businesses, which have grown significantly in recent years but still make up a small share of overall firms and revenue.
Posted inBusiness
AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—Yet. But Entry-Level Workers and Middle Managers Should Be Watching Closely
AI is changing the workforce, but mass job losses have yet to occur, with reports showing AI usage increasing and labor productivity gains, while some entry-level roles may be at risk and the shift favors highly-skilled workers and larger firms.
Posted inBusiness
Dear EarthTalk: What’s being done to get more minorities into green jobs? – Sam W., via email
Companies in the renewable energy industry can increase diversity in their workforce by offering financial aid for higher education, creating programs for women and people of color, and supporting companies with inclusive hiring practices.
Posted inBusiness
Burrell Communications Group acquires Atlanta-based general market agency Fitzco
Burrell Communications Group has acquired Atlanta-based Fitzco, a 42-year-old full-service marketing agency, to create BCG Worldwide, the first Black-owned agency network.
Posted inBusiness
Cuts to Minority Business Development Agency leaves 3 staff $436B CDFI affordable capital for local investment also at risk
A recent executive order has resulted in the elimination of the Minority Business Development Agency and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, two offices that have played a crucial role in promoting economic growth and job creation in underserved communities.
Posted inBusiness
Riding Out the Stock Market Roller Coaster: Investment Advice for the Long Term
The stock market has averaged a 10% return over the last 50 years, making it a good long-term investment, and even with recent drops, holding onto shares like VOO and VIG can lead to significant profits.
