business

Across the state, regular patrons of nail and hair salons found themselves without their services as of noon last Tuesday under Baker’s order.

Both the government and community-based organizations have encouraged applications for loan programs and emergency relief funds amid the global coronavirus public health crisis.

A survey conducted by the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) found that 90% of respondents are currently experiencing a somewhat to severe negative financial impact due to the crisis.

For much of black America, access to fair and responsible credit has been an elusive promise. Whether as consumers seeking the pride of homeownership or businesses seeking to begin or expand, securing credit remains an age-old, arduous and often frustrating pursuit — despite a slew of federal and state laws enacted to overcome these long-standing racial disparities.

The Nubian Square Market Analysis, which takes a comprehensive look on issues facing Roxbury’s largest commercial district and offers recommendations to revitalize the community, was released on Feb. 26.

Gov. Charlie Baker filed legislation last Thursday aimed at increasing the share of state contracts going to minority- and woman-owned businesses.

On Feb. 19, the Baker-Polito administration granted $2 million dollars to 23 community-based projects across Massachusetts through the Urban Agenda grant program. Three local organizations in Nubian Square — The American City Coalition, Black Market and Haley House — will receive $100,000 to stimulate Roxbury’s growth and prosperity.

In 2013, Wendy Hernandez decided to leave her career in education to pursue a budding new idea — the creation of LionsPride Assistant, a company specializing in business counseling and administrative support. Today, Hernandez has clients all over the United States — from South Carolina to Ohio to Boston’s Back Bay. She even hopes to expand globally.

DPV Transportation Worldwide, a multi-million dollar company specializing in luxury transportation for corporate employees, has grown enormously in the last three years. With close to $11 million in assets, CEO Jose Perez is making big plans for the company’s future.

Payday lenders are among the biggest beneficiaries of this policy about-face. Instead of a string of state legislative initiatives, federal regulators are stepping up to help these predatory lenders, with the cooperation of banks.

RCC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Center for Smart Building Technology, a program designed to prepare students for the future of sustainable energy.

Monday afternoon, five entrepreneurs and bank officials were typing away on laptop computers at tables, desks and benches at the new Reevx Labs coworking space on Washington Street near the Dudley Station bus terminal.