COMING UP

>> Today: Treasury releases federal budget for November.

>> Tuesday: Federal Reserve policymakers begin a two-day meeting to set interest rates.

>> Wednesday: Commerce Department releases retail sales data for November. Labor Department releases the Producer Price Index for November. Federal Reserve releases industrial production for November. Commerce Department releases business inventories for October. Federal Reserve policymakers release a statement on interest rates.

>> Thursday: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims. Labor Department releases Consumer Price Index for November. Commerce Department releases current account trade deficit for the third quarter. Mortgage company Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates; National Association of Home Builders releases housing market index for December; Treasury releases international money flows data for October.

>> Friday: Commerce Department releases housing starts for November.

TODAY

>> “The State of Startup Paradise”: Hawaii Venture Capital Association luncheon featuring panelists Gov. David Ige, Pono Chong of the Chamber of Commerce, Vassilis Syrmos of UH and Chenoa Farnsworth of HVCA discussing what has worked, what hasn’t and what’s still missing since the launch of the Startup Paradise initiative. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Plaza Club, 900 Fort Street Mall, 20th floor. Cost: $29 HVCA members, $39 general (early bird), $49 general (at the door), $20 student with ID. More information: 371-9403.

Thursday

>> Exchange Club of Downtown Honolulu luncheon: Lee Cataluna, Honolulu Star-Advertiser columnist, will speak on storytelling. Noon-1:30 p.m. at the Oahu Country Club. Cost: $25 cash for guests, $26 with a credit card. dexhon.com.

Friday

>> “What Can I Do to Start or Grow My Business?”: Comprehensive orientation for people starting out or looking to expand their ventures. 9-10:30 a.m. in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Hawaii District Office training room, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Building 1, Suite 306. Free. For more information, call Mary Dale at 541-2990, ext. 211. Register at sba.gov/hi (click on Events Calendar).