economy Archives - Page 4 of 19

Philly.com

How Philadelphia merchants can get help paying for improvements, equipment, and security

(This column originally appeared in the Inquirer) Running a retail or restaurant business in Philadelphia isn’t easy. But some local programs can provide much-needed cash for…

Gene MarksJanuary 27, 2026

The Hill

Is there really an ‘affordability’ crisis?

(This column originally appeared in The Hill) I love to eat out, but man is it expensive! I feel like you can’t get a decent dinner…

Gene MarksJanuary 19, 2026

Philly.com

Philadelphia is a top place to launch a start-up — but success requires more than passion

(This column originally appeared in the Inquirer) It seems that Philadelphia’s reputation as a good place to start a business got a boost this past year.…

Gene MarksJanuary 13, 2026

Guardian

Are a record number of mom and pops going bankrupt? Kinda but not really

(This column originally appeared in The Guardian) Are mom-and-pop stores going bankrupt at historically high levels? That would seem to be the impression you’d get…

Gene MarksJanuary 11, 2026

Washington Times

2026 will be a strong year for most small businesses

(This column originally appeared in The Washington Times) I think I understand why surveys from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Bank…

Gene MarksJanuary 2, 2026

The Hill

Business doesn’t fear regulations — it fears the uncertainties they cause

(This column originally appeared in The Hill) Sometimes I wonder whether running a shop, restaurant or other small business during ancient times was easier than today.…

Gene MarksDecember 26, 2025

Guardian

Want job security in the age of AI? Get a state license — any state license

(This column originally appeared in The Guardian) When I was in college and didn’t know what to do with my life, my dad offered this career…

Gene MarksDecember 14, 2025

The Hill

Is inflation really so bad?

(This column originally appeared in The Hill) Inflation, inflation, inflation. We keep hearing how terrible it is, but is it really as bad as it seems?…

Gene MarksDecember 1, 2025

Guardian

Expect a tale of two holiday seasons as the well-off spend and the rest pull back

This column originally appeared in The Guardian) Will retailers and merchants have a strong holiday season? That depends. This year, more than most, the 2025 holiday…

Gene MarksNovember 30, 2025

Philly.com

Despite challenges in 2025, Philly-area small businesses remain resilient and optimistic

(This column originally appeared in the Inquirer) From inflation to tariffs to labor shortages, small businesses in Philadelphia have faced many challenges in 2025. But…

Gene MarksNovember 18, 2025