KARLO Insights Blog
Small Business Owners Speak Out: Election Season Concerns and Legislative Anticipation
Are you ready for the election? In this article we highlight a few of the most important political trends effecting small business owners. Small business owners come in all varieties, and their needs are impacted differently based on varying factors. Where do you fall? Keeping track of your government representatives will help you stay on top of the past, present, and future regulations and modifications to your industry standards.
Women Making History: Celeste Maloy Champions Women-Owned Small Business
This Women’s history month article features an important discussion of women owned businesses in the federal government contracting sector. Celeste Maloy, U.S. Representative for the 2nd District of Utah, is at the helm of an important Bill that seeks to improve access to federal contracting opportunities for women owned small businesses. The bill is making great strides, and if passed has the potential to create significant change for women entrepreneurs across the country.
The American Small Business: A Post-Pandemic Powerhouse with Persistent Challenges
In this article we discuss the post-pandemic economy of small businesses. Is the pandemic truly gone, and how prepared are businesses to withstand present and future hurdles that threaten stability and relevancy in an ever-changing society. We explore the leverage of technology and the potential pitfalls that lurk for small businesses learning to navigate our post-pandemic reality.
Women Making History: A Tribute to Sheila Johnson, Trailblazing Billionaire
In this Women’s History Month Feature Article, we celebrate Sheila Johnson. A trailblazing entrepreneur who shattered glass ceilings to become the first Black female billionaire. We explore her journey, from her humble beginnings to co-founding BET and building a thriving hospitality empire with Salamander Resorts. We highlight her core values that fueled her success and how her story inspires future women entrepreneurs.
Women Making History: The Rise of Women-Owned Small Businesses in the US
We are celebrating Women’s History Month by celebrating women entrepreneurs. In this article, we pay homage to the strides that women business owners have made over the last several years. These incredible leaders have changed the course of history during a critical time in our society and our economy. Here’s to more successful women-owned business ventures for many years to come.
DC Business Access Capital Program: Expanding Access to Capital for Recovery and Growth
In this article we discuss Mayor Bowser’s commitment to empowering small businesses with the DC BizCAP program. Offering loan guarantees, reduced rates, and down payment assistance, this initiative unlocks crucial capital for both established and aspiring businesses. Fueled by a recent $62 million boost from the American Rescue Plan, DC BizCAP is ready to fuel your growth. Read more to see how this program can help you and your business thrive!
Navigating the FAR: A Comprehensive Guide for Government Contractors
Just getting started with federal contracting? Not to worry! We’ve created a comprehensive overview of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), just for you. We have compiled all of the FAR basics in one place, so that you can feel confident about securing and maintaining your largest contracts.
Baltimore: Mayor Scott's Procurement Plan Paves the Way for Businesses to Flourish
Baltimore is one of the most understated cities in the United States. Baltimore is a bustling city that boasts stunning views, historic charm, and a unique culture beloved by its residents. Are Mayor Brandon Scott’s efforts making waves that produce the economic growth the city deserves? In this article we explore a few upcoming changes to the city’s procurement program.
U.S. House Votes to Uphold Buy America Provisions for EV Chargers, Overturning Biden Administration's Waivers
In this article we discuss an interesting policy conflict: Consistent Promotion of American Job Growth and Access to Affordable Clean Energy Alternatives. We explore the Biden Administration’s policy concerns and the House’s disdain for backing down too quickly from “Made in America” efforts. The result: production and consumer interests continue to take a backseat to the apparent need for more American Jobs.
Striking at the Core: Can the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act Deliver Real Impact?
In this article we review the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act proposed by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and the commentary surrounding the potential impact it would have on the procurement efforts that arise out of the already passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
NIH's CIO-SP4: A Procurement Headache Fueling Protest Surge at GAO
This article reviews the surprising uptick in bid protests filed with the GAO in 2023. Unfortunately, the statistics from the GAO may not reflect an actual uptick in the success and reliability of the GAO in effectively challenging issues, alleged by contractors, for procurements and solicitations.
Maryland's Delta-8 Rollercoaster: Injunction Brings Relief, But Future Remains Uncertain
In this article we discuss the ongoing legal debacle with Maryland’s unlicensed Cannabis marketplace. Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. For I long time, Delta-8 remained unregulated and essentially legal. Its similarities to the Delta-9, found in common strands of Marijuana, have resulted in controversy in states that have otherwise banned Marijuana or only permit licensed vendors to sell it.
D.C.'s Cashless Ban: Coins and Concerns Clash in the Capital
In this article we review the ramifications of the cashless ban that Washington D.C. implemented. The ban comes on the heels of an uptick in specialized technology allowing customers to provide payments for goods and services in a variety of ways. We review the District’s recent changes, and provide remarks regarding its impact on small businesses and consumers alike.
The $15 Minimum Wage Fight: Biden vs. the 5th Circuit and the Future of Government Contracts
President Biden's ambitious plan to raise the minimum wage for government contractors to $15 hit a roadblock after a Texas judge ruled the Department of Labor lacked authority. Biden argues for the increase based on existing laws, while small businesses worry about increased costs and reduced competition. The legal battle, currently appealed, will influence both the fate of the $15 wage and the DOL's future regulatory power in the sector.
Paving the Way: Juanita Jackson Mitchell, Maryland's First Black Female Lawyer
In this blog post, we delve into the remarkable story of Juanita Jackson Mitchell, the first Black woman to practice law in Maryland. We explore her courageous journey in a time of racial segregation, from her impressive educational background to her groundbreaking legal career. We highlight her pivotal role in dismantling discriminatory practices through courtroom victories and community activism, making her a true pioneer and source of inspiration for generations to come.
Gearing Up for $15: How Maryland Small Businesses Can Thrive in the New Minimum Wage Landscape
As Maryland sets sail into the $15 minimum wage waters, navigating its impact on small businesses becomes the top priority. This article charts the course, exploring both the challenges, like absorbing increased costs, and the potential opportunities, like enhanced productivity and customer focus. For small business owners – we'll equip you with trending tips to help you not just stay afloat, but thrive in this new economic tide.
Avoiding Compliance Conundrums: Guide to Legal Do's and Don'ts for Tech Startups in the SaaS World
This article outlines essential legal do's and don'ts for tech startups venturing into the SaaS world. It navigates vendor agreements, procurement, general regulatory compliance, and data security & privacy, empowering entrepreneurs to avoid compliance pitfalls and build a trustworthy, sustainable business. Remember, legal due diligence and proactiveness are your keys to sailing smoothly through the complex, yet crucial, realm of compliance.
D.C. Attorney General Throws Down the Gauntlet: Suing Landlords over Alleged Rent-Fixing Scheme
D.C.'s housing crisis took a dramatic turn as the Attorney General accused landlords and RealPage of using data-sharing software to inflate rents, potentially creating an illegal "housing cartel." This bombshell lawsuit, targeting affordability concerns and consumer complaints, could not only shake the legal landscape of rent-fixing but also send ripples through small tech startups navigating data practices and antitrust scrutiny in the ever-evolving proptech space. Stay tuned as this fight for fair housing unfolds in the courts and on the streets of D.C.
The Rollercoaster Ride: Why Government Shutdowns Are Still Sending Shivers Down Contractor Spines
Despite a recent stopgap measure, the threat of government shutdowns still haunts contractors. This article dives into the impact these shutdowns have beyond missed paychecks, exploring disrupted projects, supply chain woes, and even job losses. While contractors lack the formal protection of government employees, they can still prepare by diversifying their portfolio, building reserves, and seeking legal advice. As the next deadline looms, understanding these risks and taking proactive steps can help contractors weather the storm and emerge stronger.
Department of Labor Reinstates Economic Realities Test for Independent Contractors: A Shift in Employment Classification Rules
On January 10, 2024, the Department of Labor makes a debated return to the economic realities test for evaluating employee v. independent contractor status.