3 Things You Should Know About Small Business: Mar. 8

NEW YORK (MainStreet) -- What's happening in small business today?

1. Small businesses are pitching the Republican National Convention. Tampa Bay's small businesses are pitching for Republican National Convention dollars, according to the Tampa Bay Times. More than 300 small businesses attended a local forum this week looking for opportunities to get involved with the convention, set to take place in late August.

The businesses have until the end of March to register as part of the convention's Small Business Network. About 400 have signed up so far.

Between visitors occupying hotel rooms and booking events, the convention is expected to bring about $175 million in direct spending to the area.