In The News

SBA to Provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Coronavirus Related Economic Disruptions

Small Business Administration

SBA released a summary providing valuable information regarding basic filing requirements, eligibility information, and lender deferral information for small businesses and financial institutions suffering economic disruptions related to the Coronavirus outbreak. Applicants may apply directly to SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program. Free assistance also is available from any SBA partner. To find the office nearest you, visit: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance

More information concerning SBA and its programs.

COVID-19: PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE from ICSC

ICSC, International Council of Shopping Centers, released a webinar yesterday summarizing Public Policy in response to Covid-19. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act aims to boost the economy with over $2 trillion in relief to individuals and small businesses with increased unemployment benefits and tax breaks.

The Senate passed the CARES Act, and the House is set to consider the stimulus bill on Friday. It is then up to the President to sign the bill into law.

ICSC is a 70,000-member network whose mission is to ensure the retail real estate industry is broadly recognized for the integral role it plays in the social, civic and economic vibrancy of communities across the globe. Currently, ICSC is actively monitoring the coronavirus outbreak on behalf of the retail real estate industry and its members. More information regarding updates and resources are available on the ICSC website.

Start-Up Story: By Design

Cassy Harrelson

If you work in or around Simmons Tower, chances are good you’ve seen the small salon, By Design, in the southeast corner of the lobby. Cassy Harrelson has owned and operated the salon since 2009, but she’s been a part of the business for much longer than that. In 1995 she became a part-owner but sold her half of the business when she moved to California in 2000. Lucky for us, she moved back to Arkansas in 2009, bought the business outright, and has been running the popular downtown salon ever since.

Cassy is a certified nail technician with decades of experience, but when she began her journey, she might not have predicted just where she would end up. Her whole career started when she decided that she wanted to try to learn how to do her own nails. She really liked this new hobby and seemed to have a knack for it, so she began doing manicures for friends and family out of her own home. When she realized that she could actually go to nail school and get officially licensed, it just seemed like the most natural choice. So that’s just what she did, but she didn’t start working in a salon right away. Cassy was a stay at home mom for many years and was able to run her nail business out of her home. She had never even worked in a salon until she started at By Design in 1995 and just look at her now!

Cassy loves working downtown. The heavy foot traffic around the building keeps things interesting and helps her stay connected with her customers. Plus, most stylists have to work on Saturdays, but not Cassy. Because the building closes on the weekends, she doesn’t have to keep regular salon hours and she’s grateful for the freedom that brings.

By Design is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., though they are flexible to accommodate customers. Services provided include haircuts and coloring, extensions, styling, waxing, and of course, manicures and pedicures! Walk-ins are almost always welcome, but appointments are encouraged. So next time you need to spruce up a bit for that business meeting or dinner right after work, Cassy and her team at By Design have you covered.

Preview: AC Hotel Little Rock Downtown

AC Hotel Preview

As members of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, we were invited to a sneak peek of the AC Hotel Little Rock. The concept for AC Hotels originated in Spain by Antonio Catalán. Director of sales, Kerry Thompson, walked us through the $25-million transformation of the Hall-Davidson buildings and explained how every AC Hotel strives to encourage all of their guests to mingle with the locals and get to know the community they are visiting. To facilitate this kind of socializing, the hotel will open its doors to both guests and locals each evening to convene in the large, open lounge area where small plates and beverages, including a variety of Spanish wines, will be served. Breakfast will be available each morning, served European-style and will include options like freshly sliced prosciutto, Manchego cheese, and made-to-order open-faced toasts. There is a sound-proof meeting space available that can accommodate 10 – 15 people, complete with smart TV for presentations or video conferencing.

AC Hotel Little Rock

$25-million renovation of Hall-Davidson buildings preserves historic details

Throughout the tour, she pointed to the historic features of the building that were meticulously preserved during the construction of the hotel. Some of these features include original marble walls, antique tiling, crown molding, the original Hall Building directory, and even a U.S. Mail chute, which is very rare to see these days. Guest rooms have been beautifully, yet minimally designed with the goal of creating a space that offers the utmost comfort, functionality, and charm, while also providing every space with the best view of the city as possible. This design of integrating the old with the new perfectly mirrors their concept of bringing locals and visitors together in a shared space, and in doing so, the AC Hotel has created something new to the city of Little Rock, but familiar to those who call it home.

Start-Up Story: Taylor & Taylor Law Firm

Tasha and Andy Taylor

This start-up story features Tasha and Andy Taylor, who’ve teamed up in life, love, and law to form one of Little Rock’s most unique and dynamic power couples.

Husband and wife attorney team Tasha and Andy Taylor met at the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, where they both graduated in 2005. Five years into their careers, the couple founded Taylor & Taylor Law Firm, P.A. in 2010.  Since the beginning, the Taylors have focused on taking excellent care of their clients. Their motto, “we love helping people” is not just something they say, but it’s how the Taylors and their team approach every person they talk to at their firm.

The Taylors now manage a statewide personal injury practice and appellate practice. Their firm also handles family law matters, education law, and social security disability claims. Taylor & Taylor Law Firm is located in West Little Rock at the Centre at 10 building on Highway 10. They can be found online at www.TaylorLawFirm.com.