Colleen Biggs grew up like a lot of little girls, imagining the life she thought she was supposed to live, including a prince, a big Disney-esque wedding and a happily ever after. But with her parents’ divorce, she watched her mom’s world fall apart. For 12-year-old Colleen and her mom, life was a struggle. They survived on food stamps in rural Chandler in the 1970s. “It was interesting because it was a horse town then. People would ride their horses to grocery stores. You would smell manure … [Read more...] about Colleen Biggs Bets on Women to Lead
Small Businesses
Identifying Resources for Small Businesses
In a time of business uncertainty, of waning government stimulus packages and a resurgence of positive COVID-19 cases, it is good to know what resources are still out there to help restore consumer confidence and stabilize struggling businesses. First, let’s start with what we know to be true based on the direct feedback from businesses throughout Coconino County. Second, based on what we know, let’s discuss the county’s programs and resources that are available to business owners right … [Read more...] about Identifying Resources for Small Businesses
How the New Tax Law is Affecting Small Businesses
My waders are hanging by the front door. The ground under me was not very solid and I was in constant danger of losing my footing and being swallowed into the Conference Report from the recent tax law changes. That's what it takes to even try to understand the business changes, rates, exclusions, etc., that will apply to tax returns for small business owners for the next few years. My takeaway, the easiest part of it, if you will, is that if you have a small business, there is a 20 percent … [Read more...] about How the New Tax Law is Affecting Small Businesses
New Year Brings New Employee Benefit Options For Small Businesses
On Dec. 13, the 21st Century Cures Act was signed into law. The act allows small employers that do not maintain group health plans to establish stand-alone health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2017. This new type of HRA is called a “qualified small employer HRA.” Due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most stand-alone HRAs have been prohibited since 2014. This new law creates a special exception for small employers that are not … [Read more...] about New Year Brings New Employee Benefit Options For Small Businesses
Small Businesses in Small Spaces Brings Big Success
Walking the streets and sidewalks of downtown Flagstaff, you are sure to find small businesses occupying small spaces. There are numerous businesses, apartments and homes tucked into nearly every storefront and alley in the downtown area. Paths, patios and side doors connect businesses and homes, which often makes it difficult to distinguish a place of business from someone’s home. (As I found out when I entered what I thought was the patio of a small tea shop to join other customers; rather, it … [Read more...] about Small Businesses in Small Spaces Brings Big Success
