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While many people are familiar with the United States Census, which is taken every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, there are actually over 100 different surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. In this educational series, SBB Research Group summarizes key information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but highly important—surveys. What is the Annual Business Survey (ABS)? The Annual Business Survey is conducted through a partnership between the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the National Science Foundation. The survey provides insight into specific demographic and economic attributes of businesses and business owners based on sex, ethnicity, race, and veteran status. Outside of demographic characteristics, the survey explores research and development trends and emerging business ideas, including innovation and technology. The ABS takes the place of a several previously conducted surveys: the Survey of Business Owners (SBO) that was conducted every five years, the Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs (ASE), the Business R&D and Innovation for Microbusinesses (BRDI-M), and the innovation portion of the Business R&D and Innovation Survey (BRDI-S). How ABS Data is Used Many users benefit from and use the statistics provided by the ABS each year, including leaders in government and industry, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The information collected from the ABS is used to decide how to allocate program resources to businesses in need and lay a foundation for programs that aid disadvantaged populations. The ABS enables the evaluation of minority-owned businesses across industries, promotes education to industry associations, allows the study of business operations against peers, and helps identify business growth and prospects. Survey Eligibility Businesses that are eligible to be surveyed include nonfarm employer businesses that file certain tax forms with over $1,000 in receipts. For survey purposes, the ABS defines a company as an entity with one or more business establishments in the United States that report under the same ownership. Based on that definition, the ABS covers data at the company level, not an individual establishment level. Data is collected through a combination of the ABS, economic census, and administrative records. The ABS defines ownership as having greater than 50% of stock/equity in the business and categories are determined as follows: Sex: Male; female; equally male/female Ethnicity: Hispanic; non-Hispanic; equally Hispanic/non-Hispanic Race: White; Black or African American; American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; minority; nonminority; equally minority/nonminority Veteran Status: Veteran; nonveteran; equally veteran/nonveteran Any companies where ownership is equally dispersed in any of the categories mentioned above are filtered into their own category in survey results. How Survey Information is Collected Surveys for the ABS are completed entirely online. The sample population of businesses receives a preliminary letter stating the requirements for completion of the survey along with instructions to do so. Each year, the sample population is determined by state and industry. From the statistics collected, officials can then determine where to increase funding for research and development, improve educational opportunities, promote entrepreneurship, and evaluate the United States’ business innovation against some of their top competitors across the world. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/abs.html

As the modern workplace continues to evolve, it is evident that a strong background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is the key to a positive future. Parents want their children to have every opportunity to learn how to be successful when they grow up. As the modern workplace continues to evolve, it is evident that a strong background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is the key to a positive future. One study projects that, at the estimated rates of new job openings in the United States, the market for STEM-related careers will fall short by one million professionals over the next ten years. Growth has been increasing in STEM fields by 17% as compared to non-STEM-related industries at only 10%. With such considerable skill gaps forecasted in the future workforce, experts are turning to childhood education as the path for preparing the next phase of professionals. While childhood education has traditionally focused on fundamentals such as reading and writing, it is clear that the success of this generation’s youth will come from knowledge and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math. Recent education trends have suggested that parents can help their children prepare for learning even before their official education path launches. “Quality early STEM experiences provide a critical foundation for learning about these disciplines in ways that facilitate later learning,” according to a 2018 brief funded by the National Science Foundation. Studies have shown that young children can identify themes such as cause and effect, explain thinking behind math reasoning, explore ideas, and understand concepts like dimension and size. By introducing STEM concepts at an early age, children are more likely to develop robust problem-solving and communication techniques. Most education in STEM areas includes teaching children through hands-on group experiences, promoting social-emotional development. Through these activities, children learn valuable lessons of working with others and improve their interpersonal skills. Many leading companies value the combination of STEM expertise and collaboration. For example, SBB Research Group, a Chicago-based investment firm that champions many STEM initiatives, believes that beginning a STEM education at an early age helps prepare children for success in school and in the future workforce. The company sponsors the annual Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship, offers a STEM scholarship, and donates STEM-related education materials and assistance to support the community. Hundreds of students compete in the Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship. Another benefit is the development of certain habits of mind. Curiosity comes naturally to children, and teaching STEM-related subjects further encourages and promotes their innate curiosity. Critical thinking skills, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration can be formed as positive, long-lasting habits. These habits help build confidence and positive thinking about math and science. Formal STEM curricula in schools as well as after-school programs, summer camps, and other non-traditional educational programs offer children critical learning opportunities. Additionally, exposure to real-life applications of STEM-related topics inspires students to apply their skills in their careers and throughout their lives. Regardless of the setting, investing in STEM education now will pay future dividends in the form of new medicines, healthier foods, safer technologies, and countless other benefits to society. Source: https://newswire.net/newsroom/blog-post/00121643-sbb-research-group-supports-early-age-stem-education.html

SBB Research Group's support for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) educational initiatives was featured in a June 23, 2020 article on iTech Post: http://www.itechpost.com/articles/103107/20200623/sbb-research-group-highlights-the-importance-of-stem-education.htm The article includes a link to sbbscholarship.com, which aims to support college students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. The SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship encourages and empowers students to create significant value and countless new opportunities for society through their pursuit of higher learning, especially through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Applications for this scholarship are due by August 31, 2020.

While many people are familiar with the United States Census, which is taken every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, there are actually over 100 different surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. In this educational series, SBB Research Group summarizes key information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but highly important—surveys. What is the American Housing Survey (AHS)? The American Housing Survey (AHS) is a housing unit survey conducted every other year in odd-numbered years. The survey is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is known to be the most thorough national housing survey in the U.S. for over 45 years. Information the survey collects includes some of the following questions: The physical condition of homes and neighborhoods Cost of financing and maintenance of homes Characteristics of individuals residing in homes Based on the answers from the above questions, the survey then aims to provide answers on the overall quality and cost of housing throughout the United States and its major cities. Stakeholders and community decision-makers then utilize the data collected to determine the future housing needs of their respective communities. Decisions take into consideration how to provide opportunities for individuals across all income levels, ages, and ethnic groups. How AHS Data is Used Government agencies across all levels—federal, state, and local—use the data collected to help determine housing policies and housing laws appropriate for their respective areas. Policy and budget analysts along with program managers use the data to help monitor supply and demand to understand the overall housing needs of both homeowners and renters across the country. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses the data to provide a “Worst Case Needs” report to Congress, which is used to improve housing programs and help build effective programs geared towards specific groups including low-income families, first-time homebuyers, and the elderly population. Survey Eligibility Housing units are defined by the AHS as any house, apartment, townhome, mobile home, individual room, group of rooms, or location that is occupied as separate living arrangements. “Separate living quarters” is further broken down as areas in which occupants reside separate from other members and have direct access from the outside of the unit. The survey breaks housing down into two categories of units: Occupied Housing Units: a household must contain a member over the age of 16 who is capable of providing information on the unit as well as household composition details and income. Vacant Housing Units: must have a landlord, owner, agent, or neighbor that can provide necessary details Exceptions from this include tents, caves, boats, nonresidential structures, business storage, or units considered unfit for living Frequency of Survey The AHS survey is conducted from May through September every other year in odd-numbered years. Data is generally released to the public around 12 months after it has been collected. General Topics in the Survey Below is a list of topics the survey typically collects responses on: Size and makeup of housing inventory Owners versus renters Total vacancies The physical condition of housing Characteristics of occupants Mortgage and general housing costs Home improvements Home value Neighborhood quality Evictions Work and commuter details Delinquent payments Privacy of Information Collected The data collected from the AHS is required to remain confidential. The U.S. Census Bureau is required by federal law to keep answers private and confidential as to not relay personal information in any way that could allow for households to be identified. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs.html

SBB Research Group is thrilled to support Chicago students by partnering with Pup Quiz, the creator of innovative math educational kits. Lindsay Barnett, a second grade teacher, originally created Pup Quiz™ educational materials as tools for teachers, but now she has been working with companies like SBB Research Group to donate hundreds of these math kits to help students learn from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barnett told WGN-TV they have been "partnering with different food distribution sites because we truly believe that every kid deserves to be fed and educated." In addition to donating math kits, SBB Research Group has been volunteering to support Pup Quiz's ambitious efforts to distribute these educational tools to families across the country. Erin Noonan, Information Manager at SBB Research Group, appeared alongside Barnett on WGN-TV providing kits to families at Hope Community Church’s food pantry. "It's amazing to see how excited families are to receive Pup Quiz kits. They really enjoy having a hands-on educational tool because it is a great change of pace from e-learning," says Noonan. More information about this educational partnership can be found here. Pup Quiz™ provides Common Core-aligned math tools for students from kindergarten to 5th grade. Please visit their online store to buy or donate their innovative math kits. For information about SBB Research Group's other educational partnerships, please visit the Partners in Education page. SBB Research Group also is offering a STEM Scholarship and monthly grants to impactful nonprofits starting in July and continuing through the rest of 2020.

Investment firm launches monthly grant program to assist impactful nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago, May 31, 2020 – The pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of society, and the nonprofit sector has been one of the hardest hit. Before the stay-at-home orders in Illinois, SBB Research Group regularly volunteered for local charities, sponsored and attended fundraisers, and helped raise awareness for underserved causes. After the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chicago-area investment firm has continued to support nonprofit organizations through sponsorships, but its in-person volunteer activities have not been possible under the required social distancing guidelines. Gallup recently reported decreases in both volunteering and donations in the United States, and the percentage of people donating to charity has fallen to a historic low. In an effort to continue its monthly support and engagement with impactful nonprofits, SBB Research Group is inviting organizations to apply for $5,000 grants, which will be awarded on a monthly basis starting in July and continuing through the rest of 2020. 5-Minute Online Application for $5,000 Grants SBB Research Group recognizes that organizations have limited time and resources already, so the grant application has been designed to be easy and efficient—just 10 short questions. The application and details of the monthly candidate selection and award process are available online at https://www.sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. The deadline for the July 2020 grants is June 30, 2020. Who Can Apply? Any 501(c)(3) organization may apply, but preference will be given to: organizations that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations that provide aid or services addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations with five to forty-nine full-time employees, and organizations operating in the greater Chicago area. Examples of Organizations Supported by SBB Research Group SBB Research Group is a proud supporter of many different charitable organizations. Some areas of focus include education (e.g., Alliance for Decision Education, Bernie’s Book Bank, and Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship) and social services (e.g., Feed My Starving Children, Surge for Water, and Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center). In addition, the firm offers a scholarship for students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The original press release has been republished throughout the country (e.g., AL, AZ, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, ME, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY) and any 501(c)(3) organization in the US may apply for these grants.

SBB Research Group's sponsorship enables all participating CPS students to receive one-year USCF memberships as well as free tournament entries. Read more at https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/20/01/n15192683/sbb-research-group-sponsors-greater-chicago-k-12-chess-championship-for-sixth-year SBB Research Group has proudly sponsored the Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship every year since the tournament's inception. Prior to that, the firm sponsored the SBB Research Group Scholastic Open, also in partnership with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation. Read more at US Chess Federation and Kasparov Chess Foundation.

SBB Research Group's partnership with Surge for Water has provided 1,953 people in Abola, Uganda with access to clean water. “The entire community sends their thanks to SBB Research Group for caring about them, and we are thrilled that our partnership and the generosity of Matthew Aven and Sam Barnett has allowed for this community to gain access to water and safety.” - Ashley Quinlan, Program Coordinator, Surge for Water Read more at https://surgeforwater.org/partnership-with-sbb-research-group-brings-access-to-safe-water/ For information on SBB Research Group's prior work with Surge for Water, read more at https://surgeforwater.org/sbb-research-group-surge-team-up-to-bring-water-to-rural-uganda/

Twenty SBB Research Group employees and friends volunteered at Bernie's Book Bank in Lake Bluff, Illinois to pack thousands of books for underserved children in the greater Chicago area. Since its founding in 2009, Bernie's Book Bank has distributed over 17 million children's books. Now, the organization provides the community over 3 million books per year and relies on over 40,000 volunteers to execute its mission. SBB Research Group is proud to support Bernie's Book Bank as volunteers and donors. To learn more about this organization, please visit www.berniesbookbank.org and consider donating books, time, and money to help hundreds of thousands of children.

SBB Research Group proudly sponsors and participates in the annual 5K walk supporting Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center on April 14, 2019. Read more at Chicago Tribune: Libertyville runners brave snow for a good cause “We have zero tolerance for sexual assault,” said Sandeep Navalgund of Chicago, principal engineer and associate counsel with SBB Research Group LLC of Northbrook. More than one dozen of Navalgund’s colleagues participated, he said. “We’re happy to do it,” Navalgund said, who added his company was poised, “to do this for the cause,” despite the pending blizzard.