| State unemployment rate edges upward in February The increase to 2.5% from 2.4% in January marks the first such climb since August 2019. The estimated number of people working in the state hit a record 2,333,217, though unemployment claims for the week ending March 21 soared to 31,054. SBA offers expedited bridge loans for small business The U.S. Small Business Administration will offer expedited Express Bridge loans to small businesses awaiting long-term financing options. Loans up to $25,000 with a 7-year limit will be issued by existing SBA Express lenders. | 