City of Portsmouth, NH’s Post

Did you know this week marks #SmallBusinessWeek, which celebrates the more than 33 million small businesses that power our economy? We join President Joe Biden and the U.S. Small Business Administration in honoring our small business community. Tell us: which local small businesses are you supporting this week? #PCCSBDC #AmericasSBDC #OregonSBDC #NationalSmallBusinessWeek #ShopLocal

New Post: Verizon Digital Ready Program Offers $10,000 Grants to Small Businesses - https://lnkd.in/gyWnzbFb - Small business grants can provide hugely valuable resources to small businesses. However, the extra influx of cash can only have a major impact if entrepreneurs use funds wisely. Luckily, many small business grant programs also provide educational resources like courses and mentorship to help entrepreneurs through this part of their journey. Learn more about some recent programs offering grant funding and educational resources to small businesses. Verizon Digital Ready Grants The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program offers $10,000 grants to small businesses. Recently, Houston area entrepreneur Diedre Mathis received a surprise $10,000 grant from the program to support her business, the Wanderstay Houston Hostel. She is one of many entrepreneurs that has benefitted from the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program in recent years. In addition to grant funding, the program offers free courses, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Small businesses have until December 20, 2023, to apply for the current grant cycle. To qualify for a chance to win a $10,000 grant, participants need to complete two modules in any combination – courses, coaching sessions, or community events. This step makes them eligible for grant consideration. Women Business Center of Fayetteville Verizon Digital Ready Partnership The Women Business Center of Fayetteville (WBCFAY) Program, operated by the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED), is teaming up with Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program to offer a unique chance for small businesses. This collaboration brings $10,000 grants and an online learning platform to small business owners. Key features of this program are: Open and Free Registration: Any small business is welcome to sign up without any cost or need to engage with Verizon services. On-Demand Learning: The program provides materials that users can access whenever they want, allowing them to learn at a pace that suits them best. Tailored Experience: Business owners have the flexibility to customize the program according to their specific requirements, making it easier to adapt to changing interests and challenges. State College Small Business Grant Program The Downtown State College Improvement District in State College, Pennsylvania recently unveiled a fresh grant initiative, designed to assist small business owners and property managers with various capital enhancements. Set to begin in early 2024, this initiative focuses on facade and internal refurbishments, playing a key role in the rejuvenation of the downtown area. Through the Small Business Grant Program, eligible downtown participants will have access to grants between $1,000 and $5,000. Recipients of these grants will need to provide a matching amount as well. Southeast Queens Entrepreneur Grant Program Southeast Queens small bus

Small businesses are at the core of every thriving community. Those that succeed have access to sound financial advice, technical assistance, entrepreneurial mentorship, business coaching and capital. That's why Pinnacle invests in partnerships with organizations like National Institute of Minority Economic Development and THRIVE | High Point. Watch the latest edition of The Pinnacle Difference to learn more about this priority for our firm.

Resources and grants to support small business owners! St. Louis Park recognizes that businesses are essential for a strong local economy. Here are some resources to help businesses succeed: 📌 Business Council – The St. Louis Park Business Council meets the first Thursday of each month. 📌 Elevate Hennepin – Through this program, businesses can access no-cost advising, find business events and identify business-support services. 📌 GreaterMSP – A regional economic development agency that promotes job creation, provides regional marketing and assists in business expansion and recruitment. 📌 Minneapolis Regional Chamber – Works to improve the business environment and provides networking and professional development services. 📌 Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Hub – One-stop-shop for all of DEED's resources for small business including financing, starting a business, resource guide and expansion assistance. 📌 Open to Business program – Free, one-on-one, confidential business consulting to help entrepreneurs gain access to technical assistance and financing options. 📌 Small Business Development Center, University of St. Thomas – Provides no-cost business consulting to help develop business plans and strategies, attract customers, increase sales and improve profitability. 📌 SCORE – Provides free and confidential advice to entrepreneurs and small business owners in every industry. 📌 Grants.gov – A federal government website that collects and lists various grant opportunities for businesses, non-profits and local governments. 📌 CHIPS Act – Funding programs and tax credit opportunities. 📌 Small Business Administration – 7a lending program for small-business capital needs. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gvgnnN7Y #SmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwners #SmallBusinessHelp #StLouisParkMN

May marks Small Business Month in the United States, and according to a 2020 study by the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are nearly 32 million small businesses in the United States, [DM1] which account for over 99% of all businesses in the country [DM2] . Numbers like these further solidify that the entrepreneurs behind these businesses are the true backbone of the country, are a major pillar of our economic success, and continually elevate the American Dream. The first Small Business Month was celebrated in 1963 over the course of just a week when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating the first week of May as Small Business Week. The initial purpose was to recognize the important role that small businesses play in the American economy and to highlight the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs. As Small Business Week grew in popularity and importance it was expanded to a full month in 1983. [DM3]  As an entrepreneurial business ourselves, the Beyond team fully understands the importance small businesses play in the economy. Over the years, our experienced and dedicated team has helped a diverse client base enter the alternative asset and real estate debt investment markets to further expand their wealth and drive American innovation and investment forward. #SmallBusinessMonth #SmallBusiness #CommericalRealEstate #CRE #RealEstateInvestment #BeyondLenders #BeyondWealth #BeyondInternational #PrivateCredit #AlternativeInvestments [DM1]Cited from: SMALL BUSINESS MONTH (nationaltoday.com)  [DM2]Cited from: Celebrating Small Business Month - First Union Lending  [DM3]Cited from: Celebrating Small Business Month - First Union Lending

Covington's innovative Small Business Program is creating a buzz in the business world, effectively supporting new and growing businesses while preserving the city's historical heritage. The program, which offers diverse incentives from rent subsidies to forgivable loans for commercial improvements, is already significantly benefiting the local business community. Golden Gelato, a popular local dessert shop, is one of the beneficiaries of the Historic Signage grant, enhancing their storefront while maintaining the city's charm. The program's impact is not limited to new businesses. It also supports existing businesses planning substantial expansions, thus fostering growth and innovation in Covington's economy. With 132 projects supported since its inception in 2022, the program is driving job creation and contributing to the diversity of the local business landscape. Interestingly, a significant proportion of the businesses supported are owned by minorities, women, and military veterans, demonstrating the city's commitment to equal opportunities. The program's effectiveness has been recognized with an award from the International Economic Development Council in 2021, a testament to its contribution to the city's economic development. As the application deadline for the next round of incentives draws near (December 29), now is the time for businesses to seize this opportunity. Covington's Small Business Program is a shining example of how cities can invest in their business communities to ensure prosperity and growth. What are your thoughts on this initiative? Please share your views in the comments. Original article: https://lnkd.in/eFd9Gkb8

The Power of Local Partnerships: A Recipe for Success In Lancaster, PA, small businesses have a unique way of thriving. When local businesses team up, they create a support system that can handle anything. That’s why building long-term relationships between small businesses is key to success. Strength in Unity: Having a network of local partners means you’re never alone. When businesses in Lancaster work together, they form a strong team ready to face challenges. This unity helps everyone grow and succeed. Personalized Service: Big companies often lack the personal touch. Small businesses, on the other hand, can offer services that are just right for each customer. This personal approach builds strong connections and ensures everyone feels valued and understood. Economic Growth: Spending money with local businesses isn’t just good for your company; it’s good for the whole community. Every dollar spent locally stays in the area, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. This kind of investment helps everyone in the community thrive. Shared Success: Long-term relationships are built on trust and mutual success. When businesses support each other, they grow together. This shared success strengthens the entire local economy and fosters a sense of community pride and accomplishment. Click here to learn more about how RJW goes the extra mile: https://lnkd.in/ezaQ2vtw

𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐏 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲. Through 11:59 pm ET on April 8, 2024, small businesses can unlock the application for this round of grant funding by first registering on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal and completing at least two of the following, in any combination: courses, coaching or community events. Small businesses that complete the application, and are registered in a local zip code, will be eligible for consideration to receive a $10,000 grant. Details can be found here: https://vz.to/3Vpj3XJ "The City of Los Angeles is home to over 460,000 businesses, the majority of which are small businesses that were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of the challenges brought by the last few years, small businesses represent 99% of the businesses that have opened in the City since 2022 and are responsible for 63% of net new jobs nationwide,” said Erica Jacquez, Government Affairs, Los Angeles, Verizon. Randal Hernandez, Government Affairs, Los Angeles, Verizon, continued, "Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is an excellent resource for our local small businesses; the free online offerings, including online courses and 1:1 coaching, have been critical in moving our small businesses to achieve their goals.” #LBEP #LongBeachEconomicPartnership #cityoflongbeach  #economicdevelopment #growingtogether #growingbusinesses #GoBiz #newyear2024 #portoflongbeach #MayorRichardson #Impact #Access #Opportunity #growlongbeachtogether #smallbusiness #smallbusinessgrants Leah Goold-Haws IMBA Long Beach Economic Partnership Ryan Altoon Randal Hernandez City of Long Beach Office of Mayor Rex Richardson California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Bo Martinez Lucius Martin CSULB Graduate Business Programs

Explore the America's SBDC 2023 Annual Report to learn more about the impact the nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) has on not only local small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, but also on the communities in which they operate. SBDCs provide immediate and ongoing support and resources for small businesses to grow and thrive. https://lnkd.in/grfVEEy2

Tomorrow is the deadline! Share this information with any D1, D5, D6, D7, D9businesses who could benefit: Council President Darrell O’Quinn, President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander and Councilors Clinton Woods, Crystal Smitherman and LaTonya Tate all contributed $27,500 from their office’s American Rescue Plan Act funding. The Penny Foundation will disperse more than 11 business grants per district in contributions of $1,000 and $2,500 to each organization. The initiative is aimed to assist small businesses respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Proposed use of the grants include: • Portion of costs to retain employees. • Mortgage, rent, utilities. • Design services for future building improvements and developments. • Building improvements and developments. • Business Capacity Building – Adaptation • Other operating costs. “It’s hard to imagine where we would be as a society without small businesses that are owned and operated by members of our community,” Council President Darrell O’Quinn said. “It’s no secret that these businesses have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. It’s crucial that we continue to rally behind these resilient entrepreneurs, providing them with the support and resources they need to rebuild and thrive once again. Investing in small businesses isn’t just an economic imperative; it’s an investment in the heart and soul of our communities.” Eligible business applicants must: • Own a small business with a valid business license in Birmingham’s District One, District Five, District Six, District Seven, or District Nine. • Be currently active and open for business, and able to show proof of operation before February 15, 2020. • Agree to implement proposed services or upgrades within one month of the awarded grant. • Have less than 25 employees (micro-business or small business).