Latest news with #U.S.SmallBusinessAdministration
Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
AI startup Congero offers instant websites with 24/7 updates - aiming to replace web agencies
SAN FRANCISCO – PrZen — A new AI-powered web service, Congero, is now helping time-poor small business owners launch and maintain professional websites instantly – with zero upfront costs, no lock-in contracts, and unlimited updates via live chat for just $49/month. Unlike do-it-yourself platforms or traditional agencies, Congero uses a suite of autonomous AI agents – including onboarding, project management, web design, copywriting, and customer support – to build, host, and maintain websites in record time. Users answer a few plain-English questions, and a branded, mobile-ready website is live in under 60 seconds. Edits are handled 24/7 via live chat, often going live within seconds. 'We wanted to give small business owners the same firepower as a digital agency — without the wait, complexity, or thousand-dollar invoices,' said a spokesperson for Congero. 'This is 24/7 web agency service at AI speed and startup pricing.' Congero is currently available to businesses in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, with plans to expand further. Key features include: Live website in under 60 seconds – just answer 7 onboarding prompts. Flat $49/mo – includes hosting, domain setup, SEO basics, and security. Unlimited edits via live chat – with changes often live in under a minute. Free first month – no upfront fee, no contracts. Bring your own domain or have one provisioned for you. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over one-third of small businesses still lack a website, often citing cost and complexity as major barriers. Congero aims to close that gap with a radically simplified model – one that pairs automation with real-time support. The service is already being used by tradespeople, family-run services, mobile therapists, and micro-retailers – many of whom previously relied only on Facebook or word of mouth. Visit to start free and launch a site in 60 seconds. Source: Congero Pty Ltd
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Former sheriff's employee pleads guilty in theft, making repayment
A former Cook County sheriff's office employee has made partial restitution after pleading guilty to theft of COVID-19 pandemic stimulus money, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office. Raymond Harris, 45, of Calumet Park, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of theft exceeding $10,000, a felony, a news release from Raoul's office. Harris fraudulently applied for and received about $20,000 in a Paycheck Protection Program loan, according to the release. Harris was employed by the Cook County sheriff's office in 2021 when he fraudulently applied for and a received the PPP loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration by falsely claiming that he owned a sole proprietorship business that did not exist, according to the sheriff's office. Harris paid $2,500 in restitution upfront, with Cook County Judge Michael Pattarozzi ordering Harris to pay the remainder in $382 monthly installments and to complete two years of second chance probation, according to the news release.
Business Upturn
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Administrator Loeffler Joins President Trump to Offer Federal Support in Wake of Texas Disaster
By GlobeNewswire Published on July 12, 2025, 03:55 IST KERR COUNTY, TEXAS, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), joined President Donald J. Trump in Kerr County, Texas to offer federal disaster relief after storms devastated the region. Alongside Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, and members of Congress, Loeffler met with local leaders and received updates from state emergency management officials. 'The tragic loss of life in Texas Hill Country is truly heartbreaking – but the strength and the support of this community is clear,' said Administrator Loeffler. 'Our commitment extends far beyond today's visit, and this Administration is mobilizing every available resource to aid in recovery. As President Trump said, the full force of the federal government is behind Texas – including the SBA, where we are already offering disaster loans and on-the-ground support for residents and small businesses. Our prayers remain with the people of Texas, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with them on the road to recovery.' As the agency announced earlier this week, SBA disaster relief is now available for Texas small businesses, residents, and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding in seven counties. The disaster declaration covers the primary Texas county of Kerr which is eligible for both physical disaster loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA. Small businesses and most PNP organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA EIDLs: Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real. Currently, the SBA has more than 70 staffers on the ground in Texas to assist with disaster recovery. The agency has also opened its first Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Kerr County, where individuals may come to receive hands-on assistance with disaster loan applications: SBA Business Recovery CenterThe YES Center at First Presbyterian Church823 North StreetKerrville, TX 87028Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CT Texans affected by the flooding are encouraged to visit or call SBA's customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 to learn more about available aid. # # # About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Boston Globe
11-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Federal officials say a prominent Georgia Republican was running a $140 million Ponzi scheme
Advertisement The SEC said Frost kept writing checks even after the commission began its investigation Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up First Liberty said last month that it would stop making loans and paying interest and principal to investors in those loans. The company said it was not answering phone calls or emails. First Liberty has not responded to an email seeking comment, and no one was present at its office Thursday evening in Newnan, a suburb southwest of Atlanta. A lawyer who acts as the company's registered agent for corporate purposes said earlier that he had no information. The collapse rocked the religious and political networks that the business drew investors from. It also could have ramifications in state Republican politics, cutting off funding to the far-right candidates that Frost and his family have favored. Investigators said Frost spent $570,000 from investor funds on political contributions. Advertisement The SEC said the business had only $2.67 million in cash as of May 30, although regulators are also seeking to claw back money from Frost and associated companies. With 300 investors out $140 million, that means the average investor put in nearly $500,000. First Liberty said it made loans to companies that needed cash while they waited for more conventional loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. It charged high rates of interest — 18% on some loans, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press. First Liberty promised investors equally high rates of return — 16% on the 18% loans. In recent months the business advertised heavily on conservative radio shows promising 'Wall Street returns for Main Street investors.' 'The promise of a high rate of return on an investment is a red flag that should make all potential investors think twice or maybe even three times before investing their money,' Justin C. Jeffries, associate director of enforcement for the SEC's Atlanta Regional Office, said in a statement. The company has represented that it is 'cooperating with federal authorities as part of an effort to accomplish an orderly wind-up of the business.' The SEC said Frost and his companies agreed to the SEC's enforcement actions 'with monetary remedies to be determined by the court at a later date.' While the SEC says there were loans to companies, as many as 90% of those companies have defaulted. By 2021 the company was running as a Ponzi scheme, the complaint said, even as Frost withdrew increasing amounts of money. Advertisement The business is being investigated by the Georgia secretary of state for possible violations of securities law said Robert Sinners, a spokesperson for the office. A 2023 document obtained by the AP is titled as a 'promissory note,' and Sinners said anyone issuing promissory notes is supposed to be registered with Georgia securities officials. Sinners encouraged any victims to contact the state Securities Division. Federal prosecutors have declined to comment on whether they are considering criminal charges. Sometimes both an SEC civil case and a federal criminal case are filed over investment frauds. Frost has been an important player in Georgia politics since 1988, when he coordinated televangelist Pat Robertson's Republican presidential bid in the state. His son, Brant Frost V, is chairman of the Coweta County Republican Party, where the company is based, and is a former second vice-chair of the state Republican Party. Daughter Katie Frost is Republican chairman of the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Coweta County and other areas southwest of Atlanta. At last month's state Republican convention, Katie Frost chaired a nominating committee that recommended delegates reelect state Party Chairman Josh McKoon. Delegates followed that recommendation, rejecting a number of insurgent candidates.
Business Upturn
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
ICYMI: Administrator Loeffler Joins Lara Trump for Exclusive Interview on One Big Beautiful Bill
WASHINGTON, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In case you missed it, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), joined My View with Laura Trump to discuss how President Donald J. Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill will empower America's 34 million small businesses. Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the bill provides historic tax cuts that will unleash a new era of hiring, growth, and prosperity on Main Street. During the exclusive interview, Administrator Loeffler and Lara Trump visited small businesses in Wilmington, North Carolina, where they spoke directly to job creators about how the One Big Beautiful Bill will help them create jobs, expand, and plan for the future. Administrator Loeffler highlighted that the bill will lock in tax relief, cut burdensome regulations, and strengthen American supply chains. She also emphasized how the SBA and President Trump will continue to work together to empower small businesses and workers as they drive America's economic comeback, including through efforts like the agency's Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and Make Onshoring Great Again Portal. Click HERE to watch the full interview or view excerpts below: '[The One Big Beautiful Bill] is the lifeblood for small businesses, to have that certainty of low taxes. It will also create about 1 million Main Street jobs—main streets like this that will benefit from the economic energy that will come behind it. It is literally rocket fuel for the economy.' 'We've talked to manufacturers…from aerospace to defense to barbeque grills and boats and so many things that this country can do. We've even introduced a directory for Made in America, manufactured goods to ensure that small businesses can source supplies from America—and that's what's happening across this country. Small businesses are grateful for President Trump fighting for fair-trade.' 'What's great about getting out across the country, outside of Washington, you see the concerns that are on the minds of hardworking Americans that make this country work…the last thing they need to hear is that there is a tax increase on the horizon…massive tax increase on hardworking Americans who have been pushed to the brink by Biden inflation that created 20% inflation, $1.6 trillion of regulation.' 'It's such a great honor to serve in President Trump's Administration…I bring 30 years of business experience to this role, but most importantly, I bring the heart of a small businessperson…so I know what small businesses go through every single day to make this country work—to make ours the greatest in the world—and President Trump is fighting for small businesses through fair trade, through deregulation and through low taxes.' # # # About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
