Unlike the predatory Wall Street-backed apps, local delivery services charge lower fees, support restaurants, keep wealth in the community, and demonstrate that when it comes to food delivery, local delivery models are better and more efficient.… Read More
In this policy brief, we argue that moving aggressively to rebuild small, independent businesses and reverse the concentration of corporate power would produce a more vigorous, equitable, and stable recovery. We lay out two dozen policy recommendations across a 6-point agenda to enable independent businesses to weather the pandemic and thrive and grow in its aftermath. … Read More
ILSR Senior Researcher Kennedy Smith talked to the Mayors’ Institute on City Design about how to help Main Street businesses survive the pandemic.… Read More
Our research has found that cities, counties, states, and community organizations have established more than 800 programs to provide financial assistance to small businesses in the wake of the pandemic. These programs have deployed more than $9.27 billion in grants and loans. Yet the funds are running out. Congress should address the unprecedented crisis facing small business by quickly providing the resources local governments need to do this important work.… Read More
On WBEZ, Kennedy Smith discusses the state of small businesses during this pandemic and the role that state and local governments need to play in supporting them.… Read More
ILSR’s latest report describes 26 actions that community leaders — including local governments, local business groups, nonprofit organizations, business improvement districts, and other entities — can adopt to help small businesses weather the crisis. … Read More
Wall Street-funded delivery services are taking a huge bite out of restaurants’ meager revenues. Restaurant owners are desperate and furious — and cities are pushing back.… Read More
Host Jess Del Fiacco talks with Kennedy Smith, Senior Researcher with ILSR’s Independent Business initiative, about efforts at the state and local level to support small businesses affected by the pandemic.… Read More
We are building an ongoing list of grant and loan programs that can help small, locally owned businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic. … Read More
