Hundreds of Harris County small businesses see COVID loans forgiven

Harris County partnered with the Houston-Galveston Area Council to disburse $40 million dollars, in loans, to small businesses at risk of collapse. Now, $10 million dollars in federal Cares Act money is able to convert hundreds of those 'loans' to 'grants', that don't have to be repaid.

Shopping local at A.G. Antiques on 19th Street
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FOX 26's Ruben Dominguez is highlighting a business where you can shop local this holiday season.

Shopping local at Manready Mercantile
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FOX 26's Ruben Dominguez is at Manready Mercantile, where you can shop local this holiday season.

Houston-area small businesses hoping for increase in sales during pandemic

“Small Business Saturday” was held nationwide Saturday. The annual event is designed to motivate people to shop at locally-owned businesses following “Black Friday” and ahead of "Cyber Monday."

Local tailor struggling after decades of service
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Tailoring might not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about supporting small business, but Mr. Santos Fashion Design could use some help. The shop has served the Houston community for nearly 50 years, and the owner is willing to fix buttons and do whatever it takes to stay open.

Business giving start-ups space to grow in pandemic

A Sugar Land business is offering three days of free office space and some small businesses say it's the boost they need.

US cybersecurity agency warns of fake COVID-19 Small Business Administration loan website

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said an email that directs people to a fake SBA COVID-19 loan website has been stealing people’s information.

Small Business Administration watchdog report cites ‘serious concerns’ over ‘widespread’ COVID-19 relief fraud

A report from the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration details complaints of thousands of instances involving suspected fraud from financial institutions apparently receiving economic assistance from Coronavirus relief aid.

Unemployment benefits coming to end, many worried about what to do next

Since early in the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government has added $600 to unemployment checks. The weekly boost in aid that millions of people have received is set to expire July 31, though this is the last week most recipients will get the extra funds.

Fort Bend Co. launches consulting program to help small businesses survive

The county partnered with a consulting company to help small businesses, particularly minority and disadvantaged businesses that didn't receive PPP loans, with coaching to help turn things around.

Struggling businesses face expensive property tax bills

The owner of the Potatoe Patch says he, now, faces a $59,000 property tax bill, that he can't pay. A sparse lunch-crowd, on a recent day, suggests how slow his recovery has been.