In this educational series, SBB Research Group summarizes key information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but highly important—surveys. What is the Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS) Census Program? The Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS) program was developed by the U.S. Census Bureau to track many of the common changes that occur within a business lifecycle. The BDS data covers many metrics including the opening and closing of business establishments, startups and shutdowns of firms, and job creation and loss. Information contained within the BDS is derived from the Longitudinal Business Database (LBD), which is a confidential database that is only accessible to specific researchers in Federal Statistical Research Data Centers. The statistics collected from the program are subsequently published and broken down by industry sector, state, firm, and company size and age. How BDS Data is Used BDS data is used by researchers, policymakers, economists, and the overall business community for many reasons. Data collected can help develop an understanding of how companies function throughout the business cycle. Researchers also look at these statistics to better understand how companies contribute to job growth and productivity based on the size and age of the company. Survey Eligibility The Census Bureau's County Business Patterns (CBP) program determines the parameters and scope of the BDS. When calculating statistics, the BDS aggregates each establishment or location of a firm into one statistic for the overall firm based upon collective ownership. Companies under this definition may be considered a single-unit operation or a multi-unit operation. By aggregating all establishments under common ownerships into one statistic, metrics can reflect firm size more accurately. Below is a list of sectors covered in the BDS: Construction Manufacturing Transportation and Public Utilities Agricultural Services, Forestry, and Fishing Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Services Within these sectors, the survey excludes certain employee types from the statistics: self-employed, domestic service workers, railroad employees, agricultural production workers, many government employees, employees on ocean vessels, and employees overseas. Employment is considered and calculated for full and part-time employees. Employees that are on paid leave, vacation, or holiday are included in calculations. How Survey Information is Collected BDS data is gathered from the Longitudinal Business Database (LBD). Information in the LBD covers a span dating back to 1976. Information is built by using annual snapshots from the Business Register through the Census Bureau. The annual data helps to depict a timeline for each business and establishment. That timeline further defines estimates of jobs created at business creation, expansion, and jobs at the end of a business lifecycle. General Topics in the Survey The information collected by BDS is broken down into tables classified under the following: Employment: the creation of new jobs and the elimination of jobs Job growth and slowdowns Number of companies and establishments Openings and closings of establishments Number of startups and company shutdowns By collecting statistics on the above topics, the BDS provides valuable snapshots of the periodic changes to businesses and economic conditions in the United States. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/bds.html

Funds will support free meals, wellness checks, medical transportation, and other critical services to individuals and families in need. The Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL) has received an unrestricted $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group, a Chicago-area investment firm that recently launched a monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Headquartered in Lincoln, Illinois, CAPCIL’s mission is “to empower persons with low income and the aged” with numerous vital services to thousands of families across five counties. As an Essential Business under Governor Pritzker’s executive orders, the organization has continued to operate and serve the community throughout the public health crisis. The agency’s efforts have been especially impactful during the pandemic. CAPCIL’s Meals on Wheels program delivers nutritious food to elderly individuals, a population that is particularly vulnerable to the virus. The organization also operates food pantry co-ops at six different locations. In addition to its nutrition services, CAPCIL provides job training and career planning, wellness checks, emergency kits, medical transportation, and many other forms of life-changing assistance to low-income families. Since CAPCIL’s largest annual fundraiser had to be canceled due to COVID-19, the organization has been deprived of much-needed funding. As a result, the agency said that SBB Research Group’s donation could not have come at a better time. “We are grateful to SBB Research Group for offering a financial opportunity to support vital programs and agencies during these challenging times,” said Breann Titus, CAPCIL’s Director of Agency Development. “We are proud to support CAPCIL at this critical time,” said Sam Barnett, Ph.D., SBB Research Group’s CEO. “Giving back to the community is an important value of our firm, and we are pleased to know our support will be put to such good use by CAPCIL’s dedicated team.” For more information about CAPCIL, please visit https://www.capcil.info. To apply for a grant from SBB Research Group, please visit https://www.sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply and grants are awarded to different organizations every month. This story first appeared on Business Wire

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

SBB Research Group, as part of the Chicago-area investment firm’s monthly grant program to support impactful nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, is excited to congratulate the July 2020 finalists (in alphabetical order): Blackdog All Breed Dog Rescue (Glenview, Illinois), an animal shelter dedicated to caring for dogs in need and supporting vaccinations and veterinary visits for families who cannot afford them. Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (Lincoln, Illinois), a poverty-fighting organization providing meals, personal development, and other services to underserved families. The Well (Mars Hill, Maine), a safe haven for youth that serves the community by providing meals, educational guidance, and counseling to children and young adults in need. These finalists will give ten-minute presentations via videoconference to SBB Research Group’s staff, who will have the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about each of these important causes. The employees will then vote to allocate the company’s monthly grant awards, which range from $1,000 to $5,000 per charity. Each finalist will receive at least $1,000 in donations. SBB Research Group received grant applications from many worthy organizations, and those who were not selected as July 2020 finalists will still be considered in future months. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply, and the application is just 10 brief questions. For more information, please visit https://www.sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. https://marketersmedia.com/sbb-research-group-names-july-2020-grant-finalists-blackdog-capcil-and-the-well/88968227

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.

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.