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Is PPP The Right Approach to Keeping Businesses Alive? One Startup’s Research Says No
PPP and other Cares Act funding was released to businesses under the disguise of ‘trying to keep them alive’. This is because governments know that businesses are the touchstones of local economies. They are the source of jobs, commerce, and vital services.
However, we keep seeing the negative news headlines daily, as small businesses continue to fail despite over $6 trillion in relief. 20% to 40% of small businesses are closing their doors in America, and this is amidst PPP relief efforts.
MainVest, on the other hand, is seeing 100% of their businesses in good standing. According to their most recent report, 95% ofMainVest businesses are moving forward and have either reopened, or are currently preparing for reopening as local regulations dictate.
The lessons from these businesses show a resounding alternative, or supplemental, model to PPP: rely on business owners and their communities through direct support efforts. Their research on their businesses shows the key success factors to remaining viable through Covid-19 are:
1) Entrepreneurs that raise capital from their community own the sense of responsibility that comes with that obligation. They’re extremely committed to doing whatever it takes to stay afloat, our studies show.
2) They are innovative – small business adoption of tech solutions driving operational efficiency, new lines of business, and revenue growth has accelerated due to the pandemic.
3) A community invested in local businesses is more connected and incentivized to support them through unprecedented times.
MainVest allows local business supporters to invest through revenue sharing notes. By tying investor returns to revenue and overall performance of the business, investors are incentivised to evangelize and support their local economic growth.. The investor is repaid at a multiple from the proceeds of revenues generated, which means flexible cash for small business owners and performance-driven returns for investors.
One thing we know about the PPP rollout and executionis that businesses continue to close. What we can see from the private world of startup capital is that this doesn’t have to be the case. Businesses who wish to engage directly with their communities for investment capital are able to use the MainVest platform, as are individuals who care about their communities. www.mainvest.com for more information.
Would you like more information on their inside research or the group of brilliant folks behind this community-based small business initiative? Please reach out to Jessica for more information and to connect with the team at jessica@cultured-group.com or 858-209-4188.
NAU’s Cline Library Awarded Prestigious Grant to Fund Extended Reality Programming
The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, awarded a $70,221 grant to Northern Arizona University’s Cline Library. The grant project, Extended Reality Creation for Arizona Educators, will expand the library’s extended reality programming by creating a circulating pool of extended reality equipment while simultaneously providing training, consultations and a new content creation studio.
“I am grateful to the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records for funding the development of this creative program,” said Cynthia Childrey, dean and university librarian at NAU. “The State Library has been a consistent partner to Cline Library as we have grown our technology programs. They also have awarded funding to help us establish the library’s MakerLab and its programming; it’s one of the few large-scale academic library 3D printing and making facilities that is also open to the community. They make the dreams of our talented and creative librarians come true in ways that benefit the university, as well as the surrounding Arizona communities.”
Principal investigators (PIs) Chris Holthe, Cline Library experiential learning librarian, and Andrew See, head of user services and experience,, developed the proposal in partnership with Shadow Armfield, chair of the Department of Educational Specialties in the College of Education at NAU. This extended reality program facilitates early access to these new technologies for education students to develop the knowledge and workforce skills necessary to create and embed immersive technologies in the K-12 classroom. Moreover, regional K-12 educators will benefit from the same access to these extended reality resources in order to further promote the adoption of immersive learning experiences in their classroom. The PIs anticipate tremendous interest in this project beyond K-12 educators and expect to facilitate use of the resources with other faculty and courses at NAU.
In 2020, the Arizona State Library received about $3.5 million under the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Arizona libraries received $850,000 awarded on a competitive basis. The remaining funds are used to support statewide services, including family literacy and reading programs, electronic databases, digital government initiatives, continuing education classes and other programs.
“These subgrants allow libraries to go above and beyond in their communities,” Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said. “These projects will increase access to information and education for Arizonans. They support institutional improvements and help form inclusive communities. ”
Governor Ducey Recognizes Navajo Code Talkers Day
Governor Doug Ducey recognized today, August 14, 2020, as Navajo Code Talkers Day to honor the Navajo Code Talkers who answered the call to serve in World War II.
“Today, Arizona is proud to honor the more than 400 Navajo Code Talkers and their historic contributions to Allied victory in WWII,” said Governor Ducey. “The Navajo Code talkers used their native language to develop an unbreakable code, assisting on every major operation involving the U.S. Marines in the Pacific theatre. They are true American heroes, and we are eternally grateful for their service.”
The United States government recruited and enlisted more than four hundred Navajo men to serve in standards communications units. The Navajo Code Talkers used their unbreakable code to assist in every major operation involving the United States Marines in the Pacific Ocean theatre, including during the battle at Iwo Jima where they successfully transmitted more than 800 messages without error. Today, there are four surviving Code Talkers: Peter MacDonald, Samuel Sandoval, Thomas Begay and John Kinsel Senior.
Navajo Code Talkers Day was established through a presidential proclamation by President Ronald Reagan on August 14, 1982. In 2014, Arizona passed legislation declaring every August 14 Navajo Code Talkers Day in Arizona.
View the proclamation HERE.
WHEREAS, on December 7, 1941, the Japanese Empire attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States Congress declared war the following day; and
WHEREAS, the United States government called upon the Navajo Nation to support the military effort by recruiting and enlisting more than four hundred Navajo men to serve in standards communications units; and
WHEREAS, these patriots became known as “Navajo Code Talkers” who were used in every major operation involving the United States Marines in the Pacific Ocean theatre; and
WHEREAS, Navajo Code Talkers gave the United States Marines a critical advantage throughout the war, notably the victory at Iwo Jima where they successfully transmitted more than 800 messages without error; and
WHEREAS, the unbroken Navajo Code assisted in saving countless lives and hastened the end of World War II; and
WHEREAS, the State of Arizona stands to recognize all Navajo Code Talkers as honorable men who have performed an important service to the preservation of freedom and democracy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim August 14, 2020, as
NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY
and urge residents to take time this day to reflect and appreciate the sacrifice these men made for the State of Arizona and the United States of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Arizona
GOVERNOR Doug Ducey
DONE at the Capitol in Phoenix on this thirteenth day of August in the year Two Thousand and Twenty and of the Independence of the United States of America the Two Hundred and Forty-Fifth.
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE
New Report Recognizes Arizona State Government Efficiency
The newly released 2020 Invest In What Works State Standard of Excellence report by Results For America highlighted Arizona as a model state in using evidence and data to better serve residents. The report recognizes Arizona’s result-and data-driven best practices in state government strategic goals, data-sharing policies, innovation to improve efficiency and more.
“The men and women of state government work hard every day with a mindset of continuously improving services and value for the people of Arizona,” said Governor Ducey. “That has led to streamlined processes and improvements across state government including reduced wait times, more online services and better results for our most vulnerable, such as kids in need of a loving home. My thanks to the many state employees across the state whose tireless efforts made this recognition possible.” In its report, Results For America highlighted Arizona’s strategic approach, enterprise-wide collaboration, technology-based strategies and outcome-focused approach. Excerpts include: Strategic Goals Data/Policy Agreements Innovation Contracting For Outcomes Governor Ducey in 2015 implemented the Arizona Management System (AMS) to eliminate unnecessary regulation and waste in state government by continuously improving government efficiency. The system empowers and equips state employees to identify strategic goals and solutions to provide better services for Arizonans. Examples of AMS success stories can be found HERE, HERE and HERE. |
Local Business Receives Franchise Sales Achievement Award
Sir Speedy in Prescott, Ariz. recently received a Century Club award, placing them in an elite group of Sir Speedy franchises worldwide. The Century Club sales achievement award recognizes 100 of the top franchises in the entire network for outstanding sales achievement in 2019. Sir Speedy in Prescott is owned and managed by Danielle Rickert.
“The Sir Speedy Prescott team has not only achieved growth for its own business, they’ve done it by helping their clients grow and succeed with their print, signs and marketing objectives,” said Richard Lowe, president and COO of Sir Speedy parent company Franchise Services, Inc. “This is an accomplishment of which their entire team can be very proud.”
About Sir Speedy
Sir Speedy is a print, signs and marketing services provider that specializes in the creation and execution of growth-oriented solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. Through a worldwide network of independently owned and operated franchises and affiliates Sir Speedy offers robust digital and offset printing, variable printing, interior and exterior signage, direct mail and fulfillment services, finishing and binding, promotional products, graphic design, tradeshow and event marketing, and websites, including online storefronts. Advanced solutions include integrated marketing campaigns, labels, packaging, video assistance, social media and mobile marketing. Sir Speedy in Prescott also keeps clients protected as the only locally woman-owned and operated mobile document shredding service in Yavapai County. For more than 50 years, Sir Speedy has led the industry by offering innovative solutions that help our customers communicate better.
Lowell Observatory Commences a Science-Based COVID-19 Reopening Plan in Alignment with CDC Guidelines
Employing a cautious and scientifically rigorous approach, Lowell Observatory is implementing a COVID-19 reopening plan that is aligned to the gating criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The phased reopening plan’s alignment with CDC guidelines places staff, guest, and community safety first and may serve as a model for other cultural organizations and science centers.
“As a Flagstaff community leader who makes space exploration and education accessible to 100,000 visitors each year, it’s very fitting for Lowell Observatory’s reopening plan to be driven by science and data,” said Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “They’re setting a great example for others to follow.”
Paramount to Lowell’s reopening plan is attention to safety of both guests and staff. In addition to adhering to CDC guidelines for hygiene, physical distancing, and facial coverings, observatory staff have devised strategies that are specific to its guest experience. To protect guests from potential surface transfer of the virus, staff cover telescope eyepieces with petri dishes. These transparent barriers allow guests to see celestial wonders clearly and are easily disinfected between views.
Following CDC guidelines, the observatory’s plan does not encourage large groups of people to come to Flagstaff to visit at this time. Rather, the initial reopening phase offers an open-air stargazing experience that limits on-site guests to cohabiting or cotraveling groups of less than 10 people. “Their new Giovale Open Deck Observatory, which is completely outside and offers multiple telescopes, is a perfect feature to kick-off the reopening of Lowell to visitors,” said Johnson.
Lowell Observatory was one of the first Flagstaff businesses to close, ahead of any governmental orders to do so. This decision was based on statistical analyses of threatening COVID-19 numbers, bolstered by conversations with researchers at TGen North, the Flagstaff branch of the Translational Genomics Research Institute, which specializes in pathogen and microbiome research. “Lowell Observatory has been the first name in science in Flagstaff,” said Dr. Dave Engelthaler of TGen North. “It is no surprise that they are taking the lead in science-based decisions when it comes to opening back up to the public and when it comes to safety for their employees and their visitors.”
Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans added, “Lowell Observatory’s well-conceived plan for safely reopening reinforces the observatory’s place as a respected leader in the Flagstaff community. Their practice of making decisions based on careful, data-driven analysis is a model for others to follow.”
After closing, Lowell Observatory Director Dr. Jeff Hall helped spearhead a Flagstaff-wide initiative in which scientific and cultural partners pledged to restart public in-person programming only when they are able to implement science-based reopening procedures. The complete pledge, as well as a list of participating partners, may be viewed at https://flagartscouncil.org/covid/.
“We’re trying to encourage everyone to use best scientific practice,” said Hall. “And to that end, our reopening plan also includes a tool we have developed to estimate the risk of contracting COVID-19 in any indoor or outdoor circumstance in our facilities. We want our staff to be in a low-risk environment, and we’re offering the same to our guests.”
While the observatory has been closed to on-site guests for almost five months, its team of science educators have been busy creating a suite of online programming to keep people around the world connected to science (https://lowell.edu/youtube). Offered at no cost to the public, these programs highlight celestial phenomena like the recent apparition of Comet NEOWISE, the storied history of the observatory, and the ongoing scientific research by Lowell’s cadre of astronomers and planetary scientists. The observatory will continue to offer these free opportunities for the public to engage with science as it progresses through its phases of reopening.
Current COVID-19 reopening status for Lowell Observatory is available at https://lowell.edu/welcomeback.
Arizona Launches Program To Assist Rental Property Owners
Applications for Arizona’s Rental Property Owner Preservation Fund, providing assistance to rental property owners across the state who are facing a loss of rental income due to COVID-19, opened today. Governor Doug Ducey announced $5 million for this Fund last month. All applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the entire amount is awarded.
About The Rental Property Owner Preservation Fund
The Rental Property Owner Preservation Fund, established by the Governor’s Office, provides assistance to residential rental property owners whose tenants have not paid rent or received rental assistance. A property does not have to be at risk of foreclosure in order to be eligible for this funding. This program utilizes funds from the Emergency Crisis Contingency and Safety Net fund to provide the needed assistance to eligible landlords and property owners, who have faced hardships, directly or indirectly, due to the pandemic and are struggling to make their mortgage payments as a result of non-payment from tenants.
The eligible applicants are private businesses and citizens who are categorized as:
Small rental property owners, owning up to five single-family properties or up to twenty total units in a multi-family property;
Large rental property owners, owning more than five single-family properties or more than twenty total units in a multi-family property;
AND whose tenants have not paid rent or have not received rental assistance for the months in the unit for which they are seeking funding.
On July 16, Governor Ducey signed an Executive Order extending a moratorium on residential evictions until October 31, 2020, providing continued protections for renters who are facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. The order ensures renters impacted by COVID-19 will be able to stay in their homes while extending the time to access rental assistance programs, requiring that by August 22 renters provide proof to their landlords that they have applied for rental assistance. Additionally, Arizona has allocated $650,000 to Community Action Agencies for additional staff to process rental assistance for those in need. To date, in total, state and local governments have made close to $90 million available to assist renters and prevent homelessness.
Find more information and apply for assistance HERE.
Janelle Johnsen
Communications Officer
Arizona Department Of Health Services Releases School Benchmarks
With the health of students, teachers, and staff as their top priority, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) have partnered in the development of guidance to support the safe reopening of in-person learning in Arizona schools.
Per Governor Ducey’s June 23 Executive Order, Arizona: Open for Learning, ADHS has established benchmarks in collaboration with local public health officials and education partners to guide decisions by public school districts and charter schools on when to offer virtual, hybrid, or in-person instruction amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. Benchmarks are classified into minimal, moderate, and substantial transmission categories as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and align with the Arizona Department of Education’s Roadmap for Reopening Schools.
In the newly released Benchmarks for Safely Returning to In-Person Instruction, ADHS recommends schools consider county-specific public health benchmarks that provide recent information about community transmission. This document is designed to be used in conjunction with ADE’s Roadmap. These include benchmarks around new cases, diagnostic test percent positivity, and COVID-19 related hospitalizations measured through syndromic surveillance. For initial reopening of a hybrid based model that offers both virtual and in-person learning, ADHS recommends the following county-level benchmarks:
Cases: a two-week decline in weekly average cases OR two weeks below 100 cases per 100,000 population
Diagnostic test percent positivity: two weeks with positivity below 7%
COVID-19-Like-Illness Syndromic Surveillance: two weeks with less than 10% of hospital visits due to COVID-like illness
“Our focus is ensuring that Arizona students and teachers have a safe and successful academic year, even though it may look different because of the ongoing pandemic,” Governor Ducey said. “We know the critical services that in-person instruction provides for our children. These benchmarks use public health data guided by recommendations from county, state, and federal experts to inform our schools on implementing a safe return to the classroom.”
A dashboard available at http://azhealth.gov/schoolsCOVID19 indicates whether counties meet the recommended benchmarks for initial reopening of in-person learning in schools. ADHS recommends that all three benchmarks fall into the moderate or minimal transmission ranges before schools in a county consider a hybrid approach of virtual and in-person learning. When one or more benchmark categories are in the range of substantial transmission, ADHS recommends that schools work with their local health departments and start preparing for virtual learning. Data on the dashboard will be updated weekly on Thursdays.
“The public health benchmarks released today by the Arizona Department of Health Services provide our school communities much needed clarity on the safe reopening of schools,” said Kathy Hoffman, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “While it is clear that Arizona is not currently ready to resume traditional in-person or hybrid learning, we now have clear goals for knowing when it is safer to return to the classroom amid COVID-19. I urge all school leaders to use these benchmarks to make safe decisions about learning in this school year.”
ADHS has developed materials offering schools guidance on subjects such as what to do when someone is found to have COVID-19 symptoms. For children, ADHS materials include instructions on wearing masks, washing hands, physical distancing, and understanding COVID-19 symptoms.
“As a mother and public health professional, I know that getting kids back in the classroom safely is important to their overall health,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “The level of COVID-19 transmission in the community is an important factor, along with the health of our health care system, in determining when it is safe to begin in-person instruction.”
The agency has also partnered with Embry Women’s Health and several Valley school districts to offer no cost testing for students, staff, their families, and the community. ADHS will continue to expand community testing throughout the state.
For more information about schools and COVID-19, visit www.azhealth.gov/schoolsCOVID19
CP Technologies Making Prescott its North American Headquarters
It is official: Prescott will become the North American headquarters for the multi-million-dollar manufacturing company CP Technologies (CPT).
Michael McCormack, president and CEO of CPT, told an invited group of Quad Cities community and business leaders that he and other executives had selected Prescott from among several Arizona communities and four other states that were competing to lure the company.
CPT, for several years, has been headquartered in San Diego. Since its acquisition in 2018 by Israeli-based Aeronautics Ltd., the company has expanded its designing and manufacturing of rugged high-performance standard and custom computer platforms, data links, electronic hardware and software, aircraft avionics, and LCD displays. Such items are built for military, industrial and commercial markets.
McCormack also said some equipment is used for control missile defense systems.
He said he was genuinely pleased to find such a welcoming environment in Prescott. During mid-morning groundbreaking ceremonies June 24, he cited Gov. Doug Ducey, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Arizona Israel Technology Alliance and the City of Prescott for their support. He praised them and others for their “welcoming attitude that assisted us in making our relocation process run smoothly.”
McCormack singled out Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Yavapai College (YC), saying both higher education institutions are becoming partners in providing “…impressive talent to fill our employee ranks.” He emphasized that ERAU was the leading aerospace-aviation university in the world, and that YC had developed a strong emphasis in trades, vocational and technical training.
McCormack told Quad Cities Business News that after looking at cities in Texas, Alabama, Utah and Nevada, company officials found that Prescott was, by far, the desired location. They had considered other communities in Arizona, too, including the greater Phoenix area, Payson and Prescott Valley.
“I am especially pleased with the quality of life and the friendliness of people in the greater community,” said McCormack. “And, you don’t have anything like the traffic problems we have in Southern California.”
He also said Prescott was particularly desirable because of the immediate proximity to Prescott Regional Airport-Ernest A. Love Field (PRC). McCormack noted he plans to bring other supply-side businesses to the site in the future.
Prescott Mayor Pro Tem Billie Orr told the crowd that the construction site is part of a master plan for the Deep Well Ranch area, which was created several years ago by longtime local residents and community benefactors Ron and Laura James.
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli said in a statement, “I want to thank CP Technologies for choosing to locate and invest in Prescott. We are proud of our quality of life, world-class educational resources, and excellent transportation links. All of these have allowed us to attract outstanding high-wage technology jobs like those CPT is bringing.”
Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, stated, “CP Technologies’ selection of Prescott demonstrates the quality of talent, a pro-business environment, and the strategic location the region provides to high-tech manufacturers. We thank them for the significant investment in Arizona, one that will create hundreds of quality jobs for our residents and support our state’s global competitiveness.”
The location for the 50,000-square-foot, two-story contemporary building will be near the intersection of Highway 89 and Deep Well Ranch/Crystal Lane Road in northeast Prescott. Construction at the 5.5-acre site already is underway. The land was available from about 40 acres that Chamberlain Development has for business development.
Jim Chamberlain of Chamberlain Development in Prescott told the crowd that other companies are expressing interest in the same area. CPT is the first to start construction. Sun State Builders, which is owned by Chamberlain, is the main contractor for the building. Local subcontractors and suppliers will be used as much as possible during construction.
Construction is expected to be complete during the first quarter of 2021.
McCormack said in the near future, several employees from the San Diego area will be moving to Prescott. “Our assembly personnel are well paid. We’re going to hire a lot of local employees, too.” He said initially, about 60 people would be employed, but he expected that number to grow to 200 within the first four years.
CPT first began operations in 1997 in San Diego. When it was acquired in 2018 by Aeronautics of Israel, it added Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones and sophisticated data links to its production cycle. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information about CP Technologies, visit cp-techusa.com.