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I was shocked, but sadly not surprised, to read recently that one in five small businesses have zero cash reserves. Login or signup to continue reading About 18 per cent have less than a month's worth of cash to fulfil their obligations and 21 per cent have reserves to cover only one to two months. This research commissioned by Prospa, showing the modest to zero reserves held by 60 per cent of small businesses, is frightening and a message we can't ignore. And about one in three have dipped into personal funds to pay business expenses as rising costs persist and the business cupboard is bare. Cash flow is the oxygen of enterprise. Requests for help to my agency from distressed small and family business owners seeking assistance with insolvency or the risk that a business they are dealing with is in trouble, have increased by over 50 per cent this year. Business creation and new entrepreneurship are essential to driving economic growth, generating jobs, and boosting innovation. We particularly need more younger people to take up the opportunity of owning and running a small business; yet the risk reward balance is off-putting. The drain on resources during the establishment phase can be too much. The early years for a new business can be the valley of death for cash flow. Having every available dollar to re-invest in the business will help more to survive and build the foundations for success. In Singapore, a tax discount scheme is available in the early years of a new enterprise in recognition of the need to counter this cash flow valley of death. There is merit in Australia exploring the feasibility of introducing a similar early-stage incentive in the form of a tax discount or offset scheme to support businesses retaining more of the early-stage earnings for reinvestment in the business when it is needed most. This incentive would encourage business formation and reward risk-taking to energise enterprise. Singapore's start-up tax exemption scheme is specifically designed to recognise that new "home-grown" enterprises are an important component of a vibrant economy. It provides eligible new companies the exemption for the first three years, reducing their taxable income by 75 per cent for the first $100,000 of income and by 50 per cent for the next $100,000 of income. Under that model a business with a taxable income of $200,000 would pay no tax on $125,000 for each year of assessment (with the remaining $75,000 taxed at the prevailing company tax rate). Any Australian scheme should have the characteristics and settings that would be most appropriate for our business environment and complement existing incentives. For example, alternative models could see the rate of the tax discount or offset taper over the first three years and be adapted for equivalent benefit for differing entity structures. It should also have safeguards drawing on existing initiatives to tackle illegal business "phoenixing", including DirectorID, to prevent businesses from rebirthing or restructuring in order to misuse the incentive. What is important is to send a clear message supported by practical help, that small business is crucial for our economy and our communities. Small business is rightly celebrated for generating 33 per cent of our nation's gross domestic product and providing jobs for 5.36 million people - 42 per cent of the private workforce. But in 2006, small business contributed 40 per cent of GDP and employed 53 per cent of those with a private sector job. I fear we are sleepwalking into a "big corporate economy with this worrying trajectory. We need to energise enterprise and providing a boost to inspire new small businesses will help lift our country's rate of economic growth. In the US and UK election campaigns, candidates offered support for new small businesses to get started and recognition for the self-employed. Getting the incentives right is important because we need to find the next generation of small business owners. The average age of a small business owner right now is 50 and climbing. In the 1970s, 17 per cent of business owners were under the age of 30, but that's down to 8 per cent. CPA Australia's Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey found of the 11 regions and thousands of businesses surveyed, Australia had the highest percentage of small business owners aged 50 and over. And Australia ranked third lowest for business owners under 40. The survey also found business owners aged 30 to 50 were the most likely to innovate, to use technology, to grow new value, to drive economic opportunity, which further reinforces the need to provide incentives. The ASBFEO Pulse, a world-leading health check of objective vital signs for small business, showed a sustained decline in small business conditions over the last 2 years that is now levelling out, and fewer people considering starting a business over the same period. Is the next generation increasingly not seeing self-employment or their own enterprise as a pathway for the future? At a time when young people, particularly, look for purpose as well as profit in their lives, to choose their own path and shape their own story, isn't self-employment or running your own businesses a seemingly natural fit? No one starts a small business because they are excited about the paperwork involved; yet the cumulative compliance burden and fear and consequences of doing something wrong is having a chilling effect on entrepreneurship. We need to create a more supportive ecosystem to inspire Australians to turn an idea into investment , build a business, adopt the risk and responsibility of creating a new enterprise and employ that extra person. We need to give enterprising people the best chance to be successful and a cash flow boost in the early years can help them to thrive and benefit our community and our economy. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!By MICHAEL R. SISAK NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs’ latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can’t be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I’ll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”
(BPT) - Has it been a while since you purchased a new TV? You might be surprised by how far TV technology has come since you bought your last set! Today's smart televisions offer dramatic improvements in picture quality and home screens that are far easier to navigate. Plus, they come with a host of cool features like voice control that you may not even know about. It's time to discover what you've been missing — and if you're asking yourself where to start, the Fire TV Buyer Insights Report can help. This independent study surveyed over 2,000 recent purchasers of smart TVs to learn everything from where they did their product research to why they decided to buy. With the holidays almost upon us, the insights in this report can help guide you as you kick off your seasonal shopping. Whether you're buying a gift, hosting a holiday gathering or looking for the perfect game-day screen, read on to find the best TV for your needs. How do you find the right TV? Here's how recent purchasers did it. When it comes to buying a new TV, there are several factors you'll want to consider, starting with who's going to be using it. The study found that spouses (36%), kids (13%), and even grandparents (1%) were involved in the purchase process, so be sure to keep your home's audience in mind. Beyond that, you'll also want to think about: Room size Smart TVs range in size from a 32-inch screen all the way up to a whopping 100 inches or more. To determine the right screen size for your room, follow this guideline: Small rooms: 32"–43" screen Medium rooms: 43"–55" screen Large rooms: 55+" screen As for viewing distance, divide the screen's diameter by 8 to get the ideal viewing distance in feet. For example, a 32-inch screen should be watched from about 4 feet away, while you'll want to be about 8 feet away from a 65-inch screen. Usage How you plan to use your new TV should play a large part in your decision-making process. If you're always looking for the latest show or movie to watch, your smart TV should offer optimal access to the latest streaming services. Gamers will experience better play on a TV with a high refresh rate, while sports enthusiasts will want to watch the big game on a set with smooth motion handling. Connected TV experience One of the most important considerations is how you'll use TV. In the study, 83% of TV purchasers said that easy access to content was one of the things they liked best about their new TV. But beyond being an all-in-one source for entertainment, your smart TV should also play well with other smart home devices. For instance, Fire TV allows you to pair compatible devices seamlessly like video doorbells, smart home devices, and more. And with select models, Fire TV's Ambient Experience can turn the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders. Knowledge is power Before you land on the perfect TV, you'll need to do a little research first. The study found that only 12% of shoppers bought their TV on an impulse, while 65% engaged in some form of product research. Most (82%) respondents conducted some or all of their research online for instant access to smart TV reviews and feature comparisons. In fact, over half of respondents who searched online mentioned digital retailers like Amazon as a great source for honest ratings and buyer reviews. Timing is everything According to the study, the time from research to purchase takes about two weeks, so plan ahead — especially if you're thinking about giving a TV as a holiday gift. There are also some great deals available during this time of year, so keep an eye out for sales and promotional offers. The big picture A new TV is a big purchase, so don't make it an impulsive one. Take the time to do your research and remember that everyone takes a different path to finding the perfect TV. Whether your search begins online, offline, or with a mix of both, it will end with a next-level viewing experience that's just right for the way you watch.
BP Carbullido Elementary School passes DPHSS inspections with 'C' gradeNo. 25 UConn working on climbing back up poll, faces No. 15 Baylor
Advertisement A mother uses holiday traditions to connect her children with their family history. She shares stories, photos, and heirlooms to keep memories of past generations alive. Family gatherings, food, and music help bridge the gap between past and present. The holidays have always been important to me and my family. Growing up, my grandparents and foster mother made sure that November and December were filled with parties and events that both exhausted our family and filled us with joy. I still think fondly of these times and draw on them for inspiration as I'm working to create new memories with my kids , ages 19, 18, 13, and 11. In addition to being fun, passing along old traditions and sharing memories has helped me as I've grieved the shrinking of the family I grew up with. Telling cherished stories helps keep memories alive. Advertisement For example, my foster mother, Esther, and her three biological children, who I came to know as my sisters and brother, had a fake cardboard fireplace we'd line with stockings every year. I now relay this story to my kids in front of our real fireplace as we decorate our tree. It helps them to get to know a bit about my humble beginnings and about the creativity of a woman they never had the chance to meet. Here are other ways I help keep holiday traditions and the spirit of the past alive each year. Related stories Curating a home full of history I decorate our home with many holiday items my grandmother passed down to me. There are the marshmallow-white snowball people, a favorite of hers, that I now display on my bookshelf. My Christmas tree is covered with ornaments from the 1960s through today. When my children and I unwrap these mementos each year, I recall moments from when I was a kid and share those stories with them. Now, I buy each of my children their own special ornament each year to remind them of our family and this time we're spending together. One day, they will have their own collection of ornaments and stories to pass down. Advertisement Photos help keep memories top-of-mind The holidays have always been about family. But many of the people who made my holiday celebrations so magical are gone now. To remember them, I share pictures with my kids. I have five albums filled with memories of Christmases past, and we look at them every year. One favorite snapshot shows our family singing along with Mitch Miller, the famous composer we listened to every Christmas on the old record player. This annual gathering was organized by my aunt, who dressed in silly holiday hats and sweaters. Another image shows one of the last Christmases we'd celebrate with Gram and Gramps. There are also pictures of me visiting Santa at the mall. I share these images to connect my children to people they knew briefly or not at all. These people are a part of who I am and are woven into the fabric of who my children will become. Coming together over food is a favorite pastime My Italian family treasured food, and the time we shared creating meals — especially around the holidays. I fondly recall my aunts and grandmother gathered in the kitchen and exchanging stories, while preparing our favorite dishes. For big holidays, we now set the dining room table, which I inherited from my grandparents, with the Noritake china my grandmother also passed down to me. The delicate flowers dancing along the dishes' edges remind me of holiday dinners with her. Even more of her cherished trinkets decorate the dining room, helping to make it feel like she is there with us as we eat our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Advertisement In the kitchen on Christmas Eve, we have a tradition of baking Italian cookies like the ones my great-grandmother used to make. They never taste exactly like Grams. But what they lack in authenticity, they make up for with the memories they bring. The author and her children decorate their Christmas tree with ornaments from past generations each year. Nicole Johnson A party brings it all together For years we have hosted our own Christmas party, a homage to the parties of my youth. Now, they have become a tradition I've created with and for my family. We invite friends and family — sometimes as many as 100 people. We cook too much food and have even welcomed special visitors like Santa through the years. I play music by Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, and Johnny Mathis, making sure my kids know these classic carols were my grandmother's favorites. Sharing these traditions allows me to give my kids a glimpse of my past. I have transitioned from one family to another, but I still remember where I came from and make sure my kids will do the same one day. I have fostered relationships that would have otherwise disappeared, making the holidays a time we look forward to each year and reminding my kids that the true meaning of these special days is family.CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Bernard Pelote had 24 points in Western Carolina's 78-69 victory over Milligan on Thursday. Pelote added nine rebounds for the Catamounts (4-7). Cord Stansberry scored 14 points and added seven rebounds. Brandon Morgan shot 2 for 6 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points. The Buffs were led in scoring by Elijah Bredwood, who finished with 23 points. McCaskill Rivers added 13 points for Milligan. Handje Tamba had 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Sunday, Dec. 1 AUTO RACING 10:55 a.m. ESPN2 — Formula 1: The Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail International Circuit, Doha, Qatar COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) Noon BTN — Alcorn St. at Maryland 2 p.m. BTN — Buffalo at Penn St. 4 p.m. BTN — North Florida at Nebraska ESPN2 — MTSU at UAB 4:30 p.m. FS1 — South Carolina at Xavier COLLEGE BASKETBALL (WOMEN’S) Noon ACCN — Columbia at Duke 2 p.m. ESPN2 — Creighton at Tulsa COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S) 6 p.m. ESPN — NCAA Women’s Volleyball Selection Show GOLF 7 a.m. GOLF — Ladies European Tour: The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, Final Round, Real Club Guadalhorce Golf, Málaga, Spain HORSE RACING Noon FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races LACROSSE (MEN’S) 6 p.m. ESPN2 — NLL: Philadelphia at San Diego NBA BASKETBALL 6 p.m. NBATV — Boston at Cleveland NBA G-LEAGUE BASKETBALL 1 p.m. NBATV — Sioux Falls at Motor City NFL FOOTBALL 1 p.m. CBS — Regional Coverage: L.A. Chargers at Atlanta, Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, Indianapolis at New England, Tennessee at Washington FOX — Regional Coverage: Arizona at Minnesota, Seattle at N.Y. Jets, Houston at Jacksonville 4:05 p.m. FOX — Regional Coverage: L.A. Rams at New Orleans, Tampa Bay at Carolina 4:25 p.m. CBS — Philadelphia at Baltimore 8:20 p.m. NBC — San Francisco at Buffalo PEACOCK — San Francisco at Buffalo SKIING 12:30 p.m. NBC — FIS: Alpine Ski World Cup, Killington, Vt. SOCCER (MEN’S) 8:30 a.m. USA — Premier League: Aston Villa at Chelsea 11 a.m. USA — Premier League: Manchester City at Liverpool Noon CBSSN — Serie A: Inter Milan at Fiorentina SPEEDSKATING 2 p.m. NBC — ISU: World Cup, Beijing (Taped) The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV . Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.None
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World Cup selection drives US sevens star Maher's move to Bristol