ED Now

Does your organization have what it takes to be EDO of the Year? IEDC is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. The following EDOs received the highest honor in 2022: Greater New Orleans, Inc., Investissement Québec, the Tulsa (Okla.) Regional Chamber, the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (Fla.), Invest Newark (N.J.), and the Greater Sacramento (Calif.) Economic Council.

By Daniela Leon, IEDC intern One year into the pandemic, small businesses are still grappling with mandated closures and the threat of bankruptcy. Meanwhile new evidence suggests that harmful economic effects have been concentrated for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and food service and hospitality segments. While the federal government has responded with unprecedented support through the Paycheck Protection Program and other efforts, many small businesses still struggle to qualify and obtain these funds. A speaker panel organized by the Urban Institute shared insights and recommendations on ways to ensure that businesses historically excluded from access to capital can have a prosperous future. As Americans still ...