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  • How Norway Built an Economy That Puts People First

    November 03, 2020 |

    Yes! Magazine |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: Norway

    Despite a nationwide months-long coronavirus lockdown in Norway, the economy was able to remain stable due to a "decades-long effort to create an equitable economy" that helped the government to enact a package that provided businesses and self-employed individuals' tax relief and deferrals. Although Norwegians pay roughly the same amount of taxes that Americans do, their taxes largely pay for social welfare programs which include unemployment benefits, retirement pay, and health care coverage. This "national ethos of economic equity" is what helped the country to navigate the pandemic.

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  • Community lending helps African businesses in Philly stay afloat during COVID-19

    October 08, 2020 |

    WHYY |

    Radio |

    3-5 Minutes

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia's community of African business owners has created its own security net in the wake of the shutdown, which left many businesses closed or in debt. A traditional African system known as "susu" provided the mutual aid entrepreneurs needed to stay afloat. Susus provide an informal loan network in which members contribute regularly and take turns tapping into the group funds. During the lockdown, financial support was given to those participants who were most in need. The informal loan clubs were crucial to the owners who are typically immigrants and were denied federal aid at greater rates.

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  • Community Journalism: A Troubled Industry

    September 18, 2020 |

    Sentinel Source (The Keene Sentinel) |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States

    Local newspapers that have weathered the past decade of decline in the journalism industry have needed to innovate and pivot their strategy to stay afloat in the wake of the pandemic. With a worldwide economic slowdown and entire communities struggling to recover, local newspapers found that transparency was key in raising funds from subscribers. Diversifying revenue streams, embracing digital models, and raising money allowed these newspapers to continue providing local news and vital information regarding the pandemic.

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  • The Mississippi Program That's Showing How Effective Direct Cash Transfers Can Be

    September 14, 2020 |

    The Appeal |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Mississippi

    Families experiencing poverty have been given $1,000 each month in an effort to address the racial wealth gap through the Magnolia Mother's Trust program. The cash payments yield an increase of recipients who were able to earn their GEDs, cook fresh meals for their families, and meet all their basic needs. The payments began prior to the onset of the pandemic but have proven to be a crucial safety net.

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  • What Kenya can teach its neighbors — and the US — about improving the lives of the "unbanked"

    September 11, 2020 |

    Vox |

    Text |

    Over 3000 Words

    Response Location: Kenya

    Mobile banking in Kenya has increased economic mobility for families living in poverty. The mobile money system is not connected to bank accounts, making it accessible to the overwhelming majority of Kenyans who don't have bank accounts but do have cell phones. Mobile banking allows deposits and withdrawals as well as transfers, and has allowed families to save money to use when their income, often from farming, takes a hit thus creating a security net for themselves and allowing them to receive funds from friends and family. Savings allow families to meet basic needs and access medical care if necessary.

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  • City grant programs help Mission businesses hold on

    August 12, 2020 |

    Mission Local |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

    San Francisco entrepreneurs are benefiting from several emergency city relief programs which have proven vital to small businesses. The city is funding both The Resiliency Fund and Neighborhood Mini Grants. The former is for businesses across the city with 5 or fewer employees, while the latter is specifically for businesses within seven underserved neighborhoods in the Mission District. To date, both funds have provided over $3 million for store owners who are struggling to pay rent while dealing with plummeting revenues.

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  • U.S. town creates local currency to boost coronavirus relief Audio icon

    July 09, 2020 |

    Thomson Reuters Foundation |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Tenino, Washington

    Facing the economic strain from the financial fallout caused by the coronavirus crisis, Tenino is printing its own money like it once did in the wake of the Great Depression. The small town in Washington has issued at least $2,500 worth of wooden bills to exclusively be used for small businesses on Main Street. Thirteen residents have applied for the funds and $150 have been spent by residents on necessities as of June. Other small towns across the country have already sent inquiries to the mayor of Tenino, seeking to imitate Tenino's effort.

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  • Breaking down the disability stigma, one creation at a time

    July 03, 2020 |

    Pioneers Post |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: Indonesia, Bali

    A collaborative movement in Indonesia is creating job opportunities within the creative sector for those living with disabilities. Gerakan Kreabilitas holds workshops and events to provide business training through mentors who provide their expertise and business connections in supporting the micro-enterprises. The program also does outreach to local businesses and government officials to reduce barriers and stigmas faced by disabled Indonesians seeking work.

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  • Mississippi: Local Groups offer financial aid to black businesses shunned by federal stimulus

    June 24, 2020 |

    Black Star News |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: United States, Mississippi

    Black businesses in Mississippi are receiving a financial boost from a nonprofit that seeks to level the playing field for rural African-Americans in the state who have historically been overlooked when it comes to federal aid. Higher Purpose Co is a black-led economic justice nonprofit that has raised $400,000 for entrepreneurs and has received over 2,500 applicants. The nonprofit has given up to $5,000 to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees.

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  • A Portland foundation's infusion of talent and money helps set small Maine town back on its feet

    June 21, 2020 |

    Bangor Daily News |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Monson, Maine

    A Portland-based foundation has revitalized a small town in Maine with the establishment of an arts colony, reconstruction of old buildings in downtown, and a full health center - a rarity for small towns. A declining population and the shuttering of major businesses contributed to the decline of Monson. The Libra Foundation's philanthropic efforts have spurred enthusiasm within the town well known for being the last stop along the Appalachian Trail.

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