Jan 12, 2021

Businesses big and small aren’t feeling great about the state of things

A "Closed" sign at a nail salon in Virginia. Small business optimism is at a seven-month low as the pandemic continues to rage across the U.S. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

On today's show: Small business optimism is at a seven-month low. Plus, a look at systemic racism in farming and the pandemic's continued impact on working mothers.

Segments From this episode

COVID-19

Small businesses don't see much cause for optimism

by Justin Ho

Jan 12, 2021

Just 3% say they're feeling bullish enough to borrow money, despite interest rates near historic lows.

A "Closed" sign at a nail salon in Virginia. Small business optimism is at a seven-month low as the pandemic continues to rage across the U.S.

Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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Workplace Culture

Job openings lag as uncertainty about pandemic, politics persists

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Jan 12, 2021

January is usually peak job-hunting season.

Amid persistent economic doldrums and widespread uncertainty, few companies entered 2021 with expansion in mind.

Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

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COVID-19

Bodegas are a lifeline in NYC ... and many are in trouble

by Jasmine Garsd

Jan 12, 2021

These small convenience stores are often focal points for neighborhoods, and not only for the food and other supplies they sell.

Francisco Marte's bodega is a lifeline for many in his Bronx community.

Jasmine Garsd/Marketplace

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Walmart wants to be your bank

by Kristin Schwab

Jan 12, 2021

It's making a bet that people will want to bank where they already get their groceries, pet care and prescriptions.

Walmart is creating a bank that may strengthen its position in retailing.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Race and Economy

Black farmers face a slew of systemic challenges

by Kai Ryssdal and Alli Fam

Jan 12, 2021

Unfair pricing and land loss are just a few reasons the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund formed decades ago.

"We've had co-ops in Mississippi that knew they got less for their collard greens then their neighbor did," Cornelius Blanding says. "So they had to form a cooperative so that they can ship their products to Chicago to get a better price. That's been a reality for Black farmers for centuries."

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Sundress Butcher Brown

Brisk Freddie Joachim

Elegant (Remix feat. Abdel) Nate57, Abdel

Brokenfolks Georgia Anne Muldrow

Outer Sunset Tycho

Be Good 2 Me LUXXURY

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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