Small Business Concierge Spring Issue 2024

Small Business Concierge Communications & Digital Media

Publication: Disclaimer

The views expressed in content distributed by Small Business Concierge Communication and Digital Media (SBCCDM), the SBC Magazine, are solely those of the respective Contributor(s) and not necessarily the views of SBCCDM. Articles from Contributors are provided mild editing for grammar, punctuation, and plagiarism checks; otherwise, articles are “AS IS,” with no assurances and bestow no rights. The articles and information published by SBCCDM in the SBC Magazine are for general information and should not, in any respect, be solely relied on as professional coaching advice. Contributors are professionals and leaders in their industry and provide their opinions on best practices. The SBCCDM does not make any claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of articles or linked to content of articles, nor does SBCCDM take responsibility for any aspect of such content. Articles are author-based content and commentary. SBCCDM does not offer assurances or other guarantees regarding the quality of the opinions, commentary, or anything else appearing in the SBCCDM publications. SBCCDM expressly reserves the right to remove articles at its sole discretion. Contributors are not professional journalists or writers.

FOUNDER AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Margaret A. Jackson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jesse L. Lee, Jr.

ART & DESIGN

Julio C. Pardo III

CONTRIBUTING SMALL BUSINESS

WRITERS - INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEURS & PROFESSIONALS

Sandy Bennett, Eileen Deadwiler, Shannon Fletcher, Margaret A. Jackson, Dr.JoNataye Prather, Press Release Bay Area Tutoring Association, Press Release California High Speed Rail Authority, Jesse L. Lee, Warren Wettenstein

REPUBLISHED ARTICLES (Just in case you missed it).

Digital Impact Phenomenon

COVERART

Small Business Concierge Communications & Digital Media

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & DIGITAL MEDIA

Ricardo Flamenco, iStock, Leonardo.Ai, Courtesy Images: Shannon Fletcher, Courtesy Images: Wettenstein Insurance

SBC SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Facebook, LinkedIN, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

RELEVANT WEBSITES

https://businessontheedge.biz https://iheartradio.com https://kdow.biz

https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Area Tutoring Association Celebrates 10 Years of Community Impact

California High-Speed Rail Clears Path for Major Environmental Clearance, Connecting San Francisco to Downtown Los Angeles

What are the best practices to bridge AI and Writing Grants without looking like a copycat or cookie-cutter response?

Unlocking: Running Your Next Level Race

– The United Nations of

Small Business Science Lab

https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz/

Small Business Program

Governor Newsom Proclaims Small Business Month

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2024, as "Small Business Month" in the State of California.

The text of the proclamation can be found below:

PROCLAMATION

California's more than 4.1 million small businesses – the most of any state – embody the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the economy of the Golden State. Small businesses and entrepreneurs accelerate economic growth and mobility in California, creating two-thirds of net new jobs, building wealth, innovating to solve global problems, launching future growth industries, and defining main streets across our local communities.

California's small businesses account for more than 98 percent of total businesses in the state and employ more than 7 million people – nearly half of the state's private sector workforce. Our state leads the nation in business startups, and our businesses receive more than 50 percent of the nation's venture capital with more than $104 billion invested in California in 2022.

California businesses produce more patents per capita and conduct more research and development than any other state in the nation. Our state is the center of manufacturing output in the U.S., with more 1.2 million Californians employed in this space. Our manufacturing firms have created new industries and supplied the world with manufactured goods spanning aerospace, computers, electronics, and zero-emission vehicles.

Our state is leveraging federal funding to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in navigating the funding landscape and successfully accessing the capital they need to start and grow their business here in California. California received more than $1.1 billion in funds for its existing capital support programs from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Separately, the Treasury granted $26.3

million to California to launch a new Technical Assistance for Capital Readiness Program. California has been approved to receive more federal investment through SSBCI than any other state.

For our economy to maintain its strength, we must ensure that all Californians – no matter who they are or where they come from – can pursue their dreams to start, manage, and grow resilient businesses in the Golden State. Further supporting diversity and equity, AB 2019 codified the state's procurement spending goal of 25 percent to small businesses.

The Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which was made permanent in 2022, helps small businesses and entrepreneurs start, grow, and become more resilient. And through the state's Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hubs, we're working to expand and diversify the innovation economy by improving access to resources in underserved communities, supporting emerging tech sectors, and catalyzing the creation of high-quality jobs in every corner of the state.

Our small businesses are global leaders in innovation and economic competitiveness and have helped make our economy the envy of the world. This month, we recognize the tremendous contributions of our small businesses, as well as the importance of our ongoing work to support their success and make the California Dream accessible to all.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2024, as "Small Business Month." IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 30th day of April 2024.

GAVIN NEWSOM

Governor of California

ATTEST:

SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.

Secretary of State

Connect your business with the High-Speed Rail Program at ConnectHSR.com.

Understanding Small Business Fitness

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

/ https://kdow.

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Sm all business fitness refers to a small business’s health, resilience, and overall well-being. It encompasses various aspects of the business’s operations, including its financial stability, operational efficiency, market competitiveness, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Just as individuals prioritize physical fitness to maintain health and vitality, small business owners must ensure that their ventures are “fit” to thrive in the dynamic business environment.

Small business fitness ensures sound financial management practices, such as budgeting, cash flow management, profitability analysis, operational efficiency, process streamlining, resource optimization, and effective workflow implementation to maximize productivity. Starting, running, and operating a business is complex, and keeping up the health of your small business is paramount. Small business fitness is similar to keeping your body fit. Each day, you work out different muscle groups within the various departments and balance the importance of having them all working together to create a healthy business system.

For example, a small business’s fitness in market competitiveness is staying informed about industry trends, understanding customer needs, and differentiating the company from competitors. When your small business is fit, it increases its adaptabil-

ity, being agile and responsive to changes in the business’s landscape, technology, advancements, and customer preferences. We live in a world continuously innovating, and fit small businesses should seek opportunities for growth, innovation, and expansion into new markets or product and service offerings.

By focusing on these aspects, small business owners can enhance the overall fitness of their ventures, positioning them for long-term success and sustainability in today’s competitive marketplace.

Hidden Tips for Effective Social Media Marketing in Niche Markets

By: Jesse L. Lee, Jr. ¦ Editor-In-Chief ¦ https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz

In the dynamic landscape of small business, leveraging social media marketing to acquire customers and build a loyal base has never been more critical. As we embrace a new year filled with fresh opportunities, it’s essential to refine our strategies, focusing on niche markets to ensure our branding and customer experiences stand out.

1. 1. Deep Dive into Audience Analysis: Understand your niche market’s nuanced needs and preferences. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer tools for detailed audience insights, enabling you to tailor your content and ads to resonate deeply with your target demographic.

2. 2. Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand. This boosts engagement and provides authentic content that can attract similar customers within your niche market.

3. 3. Strategic Use of Hashtags and SEO: Optimize your social media profiles and content with niche-specific hashtags and keywords. This will improve your visibility to those searching for your specific offering.

4. 4. Engage, Don’t Just Promote: Focus on building relationships through regular engagement. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create community-driven content to foster a sense of belonging among your followers.

5. 5. Innovative Use of Stories and Live Features: Utilize Instagram Stories, Facebook Live, and similar features to share behind-the-scenes content, host Q&A sessions, and showcase product demos. This real-time engagement can significantly enhance customer experience and loyalty.

6. 6. Run Targeted Paid Ads: With the strategic use of paid ads, you can reach a broader yet targeted audience. Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for B2B niches, while Instagram and Facebook cater well to B2C markets. Refining your target and utilizing lookalike audiences can optimize your ad spend and improve ROI.

7. 7. Offer Exclusive Deals and Content: Create exclusive offers or content for your social media followers. This incentivizes engagement and makes your audience feel special and valued.

8. 8. Monitor and Adapt Based on Analytics: Regularly review your social media performance metrics to understand what works and what doesn’t. Use this data to refine your strategy, focusing on high-performing content types and channels.

Building Resilience and Fostering Growth

Small businesses face unique challenges, from branding hurdles to customer experience enhancements. In addressing these, remember that resilience is vital. Each setback is an opportunity for learning and growth. Stay adaptive, innovative, and always customer-focused. Embrace the new year as a canvas for creativity, innovation, and success.

Your target audience, spanning a wide range of demographics, seeks more than just products or services; they seek connections, value, and an embodiment of their aspirations and values. Your social media strategy should aim not only to sell but also to inspire, engage, and empower.

As we move forward, let’s not forget the power of personal development, networking, and mentoring. Share your journey, engage with fellow entrepreneurs, and contribute to a community that thrives on mutual support and shared success.

Remember, the path to being your own boss, making a difference, achieving financial success, learning, growing, and giving back to the community starts with the steps you take today. Let’s make this year a testament to hard work, creativity, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of the small business community.

Business Leadership: Guiding Your Small Business to Success

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

/ https://kdow.

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Business leadership is a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. My son tells me that I am firm, but I am fair. These are words that I embrace as a leader, and I desire to provide opportunities that may be challenging for those who work for me to have a chance to develop and grow.

What a leader is not. A leader is not a bully or cynical. A leader is not a manipulator. A leader is not a conniver for their personal and professional gain. Leaders are not insecure about who they are and their ability to

lead. Other people’s genius and greatness do not threaten a leader but instead embrace their genius and greatness. A leader is fearless in embracing truths and rejecting anything that would put their character in jeopardy. A leader’s integrity does not change in the face of accusations and adversities. If you struggle with the above snapshot of what a leader is not and are in a leadership role, you have yet to grow into your full leadership potential and posture.

Effective business leadership is the cornerstone of any successful venture. It’s not just about managing employees; it’s about inspiring and guiding them toward shared goals, fostering a positive work environment, and steering the company toward prosperity. Research indicates that small businesses led by strong leaders are more likely to innovate, adapt to market changes, and, ultimately, achieve long-term growth and stability.

Studies have shown that companies with excellent leadership will outperform their competition by

13xs. Employees working under effective leaders are 3.5 times more engaged in their jobs. Furthermore, businesses led by visionary leaders are more resilient during economic downturns, highlighting the critical role of leadership in navigating challenges.

Successful leaers invest in their employees’ development, encourage open communication, and lead by example. They build a growth mindset culture of trust, where they feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their genius. By fostering a supportive work environment, leaders can enhance employee morale and productivity, leading to increased customer satisfaction and business growth.

Business leadership is not just a role; it’s a responsibility that shapes the culture and future of your small business. You can create a motivated, dedicated team by embracing effective leadership strategies, such as fostering open communication, nurturing talent, and leading with integrity. This results in satisfied customers, increased profitabil-

ity, and a thriving business. Remember, leadership is not about lording over the people on your team; it’s about leading, guiding, supporting them, and paving the way for your small business to achieve unparalleled success.

Contact:

Bryan Wilson

Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Bay Area Tutoring Association

outreach@bayareatutor.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bay Area Tutoring Association Celebrates 10 Years of Community Impact

San Francisco Bay Area, CA — At the beginning of 2024, Bay Area Tutoring Association celebrated 10 years of service in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a minority-led, educational services charitable organization, this milestone underscores its commitment to diversifying the educator system pipeline, closing the achievement gap in underserved communities, building strategic partnerships, and providing college and career readiness academic support to school districts, foster, homeless, underserved and migrant youth.

Since 2014, Bay Area Tutoring Association has had an economic impact, workforce impact, and community service impact:

• Strengthening educational equity through collaboration: By partnering with over 50 organizations, the Bay Area Tutoring Association creates a collaborative network that expands educational resources and ensures a wider reach within the community. This ensures that even more students have access to the support they need.

• Empowering Students: The Bay Area Tutoring Association has successfully provided high dosage tutoring, after school ELA and math interventions, individualized tutoring, STEM summer camps and computer coding instruction to students all over the Bay Area, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in school and their future careers.

• Investing in the future through tutor training: The organization’s commitment to training over 500 tutors demonstrates its investment in building a highly skilled workforce prepared to guide and inspire students. This not only benefits current students but also strengthens the tutoring ecosystem for future generations.

• Delivering a quantifiable impact: Surpassing 350,000 hours of instruction is a powerful testament to the Bay Area Tutoring Association’s dedication to the community. This significant investment in student learning translates into tangible progress and brighter futures for countless individuals.

“Jonathan” entered BATA’s program for at risk middle school students as a sixth grader. He received 18 months of academic tutoring, life skill training and emotional support aimed at preventing the cycle of school failure and delinquency. Jonathan cheerfully explains that “fail” means “first attempt in learning.” Now he is an enthusiastic eighth grader, saying “My mentor is cool; he’s fun and plays games with me. He likes science.” Jonathan now finds it is easier to express himself, enjoys making new friends and is doing well in school, something he and his parents never thought possible.

Chris Norwood, Founding Director of Bay Area Tutoring Association states, "We launched the Bay Area Tutoring Association ten years ago in response to low math, reading, science and digital literacy test scores in underserved school districts and communities. Many of the academic gains and tutoring communities we built have been decimated by the pandemic. While we celebrate this milestone of existence, the need for high quality tutoring programs, professionals, and programs is greater than ever.”

To donate to Bay Area Tutoring Association, please visit:

Donate To Homeless, Foster & Justice Engaged Youth Tutoring

To learn more about partnering with Bay Area Tutoring Association, please visit:

School Partnership | Bay Area Tutoring Association Or Partner With Us At Bay Area Tutoring Association

To view the Bay Area Tutoring Association 10 Year Impact Report, please visit:

https://bayareatutor.org/about/community-impact-report/

About Bay Area Tutoring Association

The Bay Area Tutoring Association is a dynamic network of education professionals, tutors, parents, and community members dedicated to fostering the future prosperity of San Francisco Bay Area students, adult learners, and residents. As a charitable educational service organization, our mission centers on providing culturally sensitive, trained academic tutors to parents, schools, and partners, empowering parents to advocate for their students, and creating innovative STEAM, ELL, Common

Core, Computer Science, and Test Prep programs. These initiatives are designed to serve foster, homeless, justice engaged, and migrant youth. They complement academic instruction across public, private, and homeschool settings, ensuring comprehensive support for the community's educational needs. For more detailed information, please visit Bay Area Tutoring Association.

Starting a Sole Proprietorship as a College Student: A Path to Entrepreneurship

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz /

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

https://kdow.

Over60% of college students worldwide express interest in becoming entrepreneurs. Starting a small business while in college is a great way to earn extra cash, control your time, and experiment with business concepts. A sole proprietorship is the most straightforward business and the least expensive in the U.S. If you are a student struggling with college life and work life to make ends meet, this is an ideal opportunity to start a solopreneur business. If you’re great at a subject, you could become a tutor for high school students who are seeking to enter college. The typical hourly rate for tutoring in the U.S.

ranges from $20 to $80 per hour. The average salary for a tutor is about $24.04 per hour.

Why Choose a Sole Proprietorship?

This structure allows you to operate the business individually, making it ideal for students who are balancing college life with work responsibilities. Here are some business ideas for college students to consider.

Business Ideas for College Students:

Tutoring Services: Leverage your expertise in a subject by offering tutoring services to high school students preparing for college.

Freelance Writing or Graphic Design Services: If you are skilled in writing or graphic design, consider offering services as a freelancer to small businesses. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are ideal for these types of skills.

Event Planning: Organize events such as parties, fundraisers, or campus gatherings for student organizations or local businesses.

E-commerce Store: Start an online store selling handmade crafts, clothing, or other niche products. Platforms like Shopify or Etsy make setting up and managing your store easy. Be careful with this idea. There are other costs involved, and it can become expensive to operate.Social Media Management: Offer social media services to small businesses wanting to enhance their online business presence.

Starting a sole proprietorship as a college student opens up a world of opportunities for entrepreneurship. With determination and creativity, you can turn your business idea into a successful venture while pursuing your education.

Start smart with a sole proprietorship while in college, which allows you to gain control of your time, work, and college life balance. You can work from your dorm or home, allowing you to focus more on

your studies. You can make more money. If you need help starting a small sole proprietorship business, connect with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). You may have one in your college. If you don’t go to America’s SBDC Home - America’s SBDC (americassbdc.org), they will help you get started, but you should go with an idea and concept in mind. Do your homework on the small business idea first and do some research. It will help you have a smooth start.

S.T.E.A.M.

Digital Impact Phenomenon

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

/ https://kdow.

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Growing up in the mid to late 70s, my brothers and I couldn’t wait to watch Saturday cartoons and Soul Train, “the hippest trip in America,” in front of our colossal wood-finished floor television set. Of course, we had to sit close enough to reach over to turn the television dial. We did not have a remote control for the television. We actually had to move our bodies. Go figure. We thought that was the best technology of our time, and don’t get me started on the wood-finished stereo console players. We did not know what was coming and how our world would transform from this analog experience to a digital experience. We would be surrounded by computers that, would be the new television. We would live in a world similar to the Jetsons when making digital face-to-face calls using applications like ZOOM, FaceTime, Duo, WebEx, and Google Meet, talking with family and friends, and doing business worldwide.

The phenomenon of digital impact is just getting started with great S.T.E.M. minds eager to bring new experiences to the marketplace. Who knew that traveling to space as a customer would be possible? Who knew that A.I. technology and capabilities would be accessible to small businesses to create a competitive advantage? Who knew our social interaction experiences would become a digital medium called social media? What happened to the world that we once knew? It is long gone.

As small business owners, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, integrating digital applications into your customer’s online experiences is unavoidable. The world’s digital population continues to grow, and so does the digital population’s use of social media platforms. According to Statista, there are 5.18 billion internet users worldwide and 4.8 billion social media users from the total internet users. (Statista, 2023). The world turns on a digital axis changing digital seasons; what was new in the digital world is now old in the digital world. What’s new? Only time will tell. Don’t worry; it will not be a long wait. Digital experts state that digital technologies change 2x every 18 months, 4x the rate in 20 years, and 16x the rate in 40 years. The digital world moves rapidly, and small businesses cannot wait to integrate their businesses into a digital experience. Fear of embarking on the digital world, today’s digital technology, and what’s to come is a high price to pay. That business will be as antiquated as my watching our old wood-finished television set from the 70s. Step into the future and be a digital small business that is an online phenomenon.

Sincerely,

Margaret A. Jackson Publisher

Romans 10:9-10

Stop Wasting Time

By: Jesse L. Lee, Jr. ¦ Editor-In-Chief ¦ https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the swiftly evolving business landscape, particularly for small businesses aiming to carve a niche surrounded by formidable competition. For instance, a local bakery could use AI to analyze customer buying patterns and predict the most popular products, allowing them to optimize their inventory and reduce waste. This transformation is not just about automation or efficiency; it’s about redefining the very essence of how small businesses operate, engage with customers, and innovate. Here, we unravel practical yet insightful strategies for integrating AI into the small business ecosystem, steering clear of the cliches and focusing on actionable insights.

Understanding and Leveraging Market Research with AI: AI-driven market research tools are revolutionizing how small businesses understand their market and competitors. By analyzing vast datasets, AI provides insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics, enabling businesses to make informed decisions swiftly. It isn’t about replacing traditional research methods but augmenting them with deeper insights and predictive analytics.

Accessing Advanced Skills: One of AI’s most compelling uses for small businesses is bridging the skill gap. AI tools and platforms can perform complex tasks—from data analysis to digital marketing—that might otherwise require hiring specialists. By leveraging AI, small businesses can access expertise and capabilities that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

Elevating Customer Service: AI chatbots and virtual assistants can transform customer service from a cost center into a strategic asset. These tools can provide instant, 24/7 support, handling inquiries, and even resolving issues without human intervention. This capability allows small businesses to compete on customer experience, often outshining larger competitors. Content Creation with AI: The digital age demands a steady stream of content, a daunting task for small businesses with limited resources. AI can assist in generating high-quality, engaging content, whether for social media, blogs, or advertising. It saves time and ensures consistency and relevance in your content strategy.

Boosting Efficiency and Innovation: AI’s role in enhancing operational efficiency is well-doc-

umented, but its ability to drive innovation deserves equal attention. By analyzing data patterns and outcomes, AI can suggest new business models, revenue streams, and even product enhancements, pushing small businesses towards a path of continuous innovation.

Navigating the Challenges: While the benefits are vast, integrating AI into small business operations comes with its set of challenges—from selecting the right tools to managing data privacy concerns. Businesses must start small, experiment with different applications, and scale their AI initiatives as they gain confidence and clarity on their value.

Building a Future-Ready Business: At its core, AI empowers small businesses to not just survive but thrive in the digital era. It’s about building an adaptable, innovative, and customer-centric business that leverages technology to create value in new and exciting ways.

AI is not a distant dream or a buzzword; it’s a tangible, powerful tool that all small businesses can use to harness and redefine success. By focusing on strategic implementation and continuous learning, small businesses can confidently navigate the AI landscape and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Silicon Valley SNUG

By: Sandy Bennett ¦ Food Enthusiast ¦ Sandy’s House

Longhorn Steakhouse Inspired Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops

1lb Lamb Chops

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter (optional)

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp French onion recipe mix

½ tsp slap ya mama

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 drops liquid smoke

Marinade

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup white wine

½ cup rice vinegar

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ cup buttermilk

Directions

Preheat oven to broil.

1. Combine the marinade ingredients. Wash the lamb thoroughly, add it to the marinade, and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.

2. While the chops are marinating, combine the parmesan, provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and dressing. Mix well and then refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Combine the Panko Bread Crumbs and 2 tbsp of butter. Combine until the crumbs come together. Add more butter if necessary, then set aside.

4. After the chops have marinated, rinse them with cold water and soak them in buttermilk for 10 minutes.

5. Pour off the buttermilk and rinse. Some buttermilk residue on the chops is okay; it will add flavor. Add the seasonings and coat the chops evenly and completely.

Cheese Topping

1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

4 slices provolone cheese, small dices

3 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (optional)

3 tbsp Caesar salad dressing ( or ranch)

2 tbsp parsley flakes (fresh or dried)

½ cup panko Japanese bread crumbs

2 tbsp butter

6. Heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a medium skillet on medium heat. Add the lamb chops in a single layer when the pan gets hot, not crowding the pan.

7. When the chops are seared and have developed a crust, flip them over and do the same on the other side. Carefully lift the skillet and lean it to one side. Spoon the liquid over the top of each chop; this helps the browning process.

8. Remove the chops off the stove when they are brown.

9. Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator and put 2-3 tbsp or your desired amount of mixture on top of each lamb chop.

10. Place the chops in the oven and broil them until the bread crumbs are toasted. Then, remove them from the oven and enjoy!

11. Bon Appetit!

Women in Business

Nurturing Your Small Business: Professional Development for Success

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz /

https://kdow.

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Small business owners professional development plays a vital role in the success and growth of their ventures. Nurturing their businesses is essential to ensuring their long-term health and prosperity; entrepreneurs must prioritize continuous professional development. Setting aside dedicated time each week for professional development activities is a crucial step small business owners can take to develop professionally and keep their businesses fit. Whether attending workshops, reading industry publications, or taking online courses, consistent effort is critical to staying updated and relevant as a small business owner. Taking control of your growth and taking steps will set you apart from your competitors. If you are too busy to invest in your professional development, reevaluate what is absorbing your time and make adjustments to make time each week. It can be 1-2 hours, two or three days a week before or after work. Get up earlier or go to bed later. Do something. It will empower you to steer your business toward success.

Find your North Star and define clear professional development goals that align with your business objectives. Whether it’s enhancing leadership skills, improving marketing strategies, or mastering financial management, these tangible goals provide guidance and the motivation to keep pushing forward. Attend and participate in networking events specific to your industry, such as conferences and seminars, to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and stay on top of emerging trends. Networking fosters professional relationships and also opens doors to potential collaborations and partnerships.

These are two of my favorite pieces of advice for small business owners are,

1. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek mentorship from experienced professionals or business coaches. Learning from others’ experiences provides invaluable guidance and perspective, helping you navigate challenges more effectively. Recent studies have shown that having a business coach or advisor can increase a small business’s success rate of staying in business by 60%.

2. Embrace Lifelong Learning: Embrace a growth mindset and lifelong learning. Stay curious, open to new ideas, and actively seek out opportunities to increase your professional disciplines, knowledge, and skillsets. Continuous learning, whether through formal education, informal learning, or hands-on experience, is essential for personal and professional growth.

By prioritizing professional development, small business owners can enhance their capabilities, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and position their businesses for sustained success. Take time to settle down from the hustle and bustle of small business on-the-go work and enjoy quiet moments that allow you to steal away and invest in yourself. You are the boss, so professional development is a must. It will translate to a more successful business leadership and growth experience.

Excerpt from “The Journey In Between, Navigating the Terrain In Between Life’s Moments”

By: Eileen Deadwiler (Chapter 10: Rough Road Ahead, The Excavation)

The Excavation

Watching the construction equipment across my backyard excavate the dirt, reminds me of what God has done and is still doing for me, as this subject is always subject to remolding by the Potter. God says in Isaiah 43, He is doing a new thing, and to do this new thing, He has to prepare the way and remove the old. He said for us not to remember the former things or consider the things of old.

For me, I had to first understand and then release what had happened to me especially my feelings of betrayal and rejection. I blamed God and I blamed others. I had to forgive those whom I felt hurt me and caused me pain, I had to forgive myself for being stuck in that place, and I even had to forgive myself for the blame I placed on God.

Excavation is the process of moving earth, rock, and other materials with special equipment. It involves the assessing the type of soil and clearing the site of unwanted bushes, weeds, and debris. As the old topsoil is removed, the excavation equipment exposes the next layer of earth, creating a fresh space to begin laying down the new foundation to build upon.

Interestingly, that is what God is doing for us. He removes the old topsoil - our old ways of thinking and harbored feelings - so He can prepare a way to begin something new that will spring forth.

I came across an interesting article in Drilling and Excavation Blog – which outlines five steps of excavation: 1. Rough Staking, 2. Clearing, 3. Excavation, 4. Rough Grading and 5. Erosion Control. (1) Could it be coincidence that these five steps line

1 Lassiter Excavating, “The Five Steps of Excavation,” Drilling and Excavation Blog, February 21, 2018 accessed October 16, 2021 https://lassiterexcavating.com/blog/the-fivesteps-of-excavation/

up with the word of God? Let’s look at Isaiah 40:35 (NIV).

Step 1. Rough Staking - A voice of one calling: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord; (Isaiah 40:3a)

This is the process in which God calls for His plans and begins to map out a space to begin something new in our lives. He removes our previous roles (trees), positions (bushes), and debris (issues) that would hinder our “next”. He does not want us in the same place, doing the same things we have always done.

The step of rough staking is planting the sticks with the colored flags on top in the ground of a new construction site. It is an illustration of how God lays out the stakes in accordance with the design of what He is going to build in us. We cannot see the layout, we just feel the pain of the uprooting and pruning of our precious vocation (way of life) being stripped from us.

Step 2. Clearing - Make straight in the wilderness, a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3b)

Remember that ecosystem being swiped away by the bulldozer? This is that process, the clearing of all vegetation or tree roots. Make straight in the wilderness is clearing out a pathway for God to move within us.

The wilderness can become a wasteland, a desert, a wild and untamed place. This is the clearing of the deep root systems and old thought processes that can hinder the new movement of God. Just like that ecosystem was a home and way life for many critters, we have ecosystems that we cling to. For instance, we may believe we have reached our pinnacle, our mountaintop, our top-ofour-game moment. And then it comes crumbling down, and we don’t understand when God closes that door. He must clear out what was planted and was nourishing us at that time, in order to use fresh soil to seed what can feed and nurture us in this new season.

Step 3. Excavation - Every valley shall be raised up [exalted] and every mountain and hill made [brought] low; (Isaiah 40:4a Emphasis added)

This is the process in which excess dirt is removed using heavy equipment like a bulldozer or backhoe, as well as dump trucks to haul away the fill.

The valley being raised is you coming out of depression and the low places of your thinking because now you can see a better view. That is the plus side of excavation.

The downside is… this part hurts like hell— the scraping, the digging, the pounding, the leveling – as of all your successes are made low. The mountains you climbed and the hills you conquered are now past tense. Your accomplishments are no longer celebrated in the present and the mound of those triumphs are being hauled away. Remember He is doing a new thing; you cannot put new wine in old wine skins. Just like an Oscar winning actor will always be an Oscar winner, but they don’t play that same character in every movie they are casted in. They must move on and prepare for the next role.

Step 4. Rough-Grading - The rough ground shall become level, the rugged places plain

[The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth] (Isaiah 40:4b Emphasis added)

This fourth step where some of the dirt which was removed during excavation can be re-used to back-fill around the home to establish the right height toward the curb, for drainage purposes. The richer topsoil that was removed can now be added to fill in for growth like grass and shrubbery.

This is the process where all things become level and you get to begin again. Not so much a starting over from scratch, but a restart with more experiences and wisdom in your arsenal. You’ve learned from previous experiences, and you get a chance to begin again with a fresh perspective.

Step 5. Erosion Control - The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

(Isaiah 40:5)

Erosion is the detachment of soil, sediment, or rock fragments caused by wind, water, ice and/ or gravity. Erosion control prevents the topsoil from being eroded away.

The glory of the Lord revealed is like a form of erosion control. His presence is a deterrent for the principalities and entities that lurk about trying to creep in and undermine our thoughts on who God says we are. His presence prevents the breakdown of what He is building up in us.

This is the time to acknowledge God for His handiwork and praise Him for His mighty acts, as praising God stills the enemy in his tracks. All mankind, flesh or peoples shall see it together or at the same time, because it will manifest outwardly like fresh grass and blooming flowers. Our countenance is uplifted and refreshed. The mouth of the Lord has spoken through the affirmation and application of God’s Word in our lives.

A word of caution: traveling this road is extremely uncomfortable, unavoidable, and uncertain. However, being strapped in by the Holy Spirit allows this unbearable ride to be doable. But the benefits of that stripping process are greater anything we can fathom.

Achieve Your Degree Dream: 5 Steps for Nontraditional Women Returning to School

By: JoNataye Prather PhD, MSW ¦ ¦

Manywomen contemplate returning to school to pursue their long-held dreams of obtaining a degree. Education, especially for minority women, has been perceived as their ticket to success. The decision to return to school as a nontraditional student can be exciting and daunting. However, with careful planning and determination, nontraditional women can embark on this journey and achieve their academic aspirations.

Here are five essential steps to help you get started:

1. Clarify Your Goals and Motivations:

Before diving into the process of returning to school, take time to reflect on your goals and motivations for pursuing a degree. Start by asking yourself, what is my why? Why do you want to go back to school? Once you determine your why, write it down and use it as a source of motivation to help push you through your degree journey.

What do you hope to achieve with your degree? Consider short-term and long-term aspirations. Clarifying your goals and objectives will provide direction and clarity as you navigate the journey ahead, whether you’re seeking career advancement, personal fulfillment, or a chance to pursue a passion.

2. Find the Best College Fit:

Once you’ve identified your goals, do market research on different academic institutions to find the best fit for your academic and non-academic needs. Consider factors such as program offerings and class schedule flexibility (including online, face-to-face, and hybrid options). Make sure the program is nationally or regionally accredited. Also, consider best-fit factors such as location, reputation, cost, financial aid opportunities, and support services for nontraditional students.

Take the time to visit campuses, attend information sessions, and speak with admissions advisors and other nontraditional students to support you in gathering as much information as possible before making a decision.

3. Count the Cost: Money

Financing your education as a nontraditional student may require careful planning and consideration. Evaluate your current financial situation, including income, savings, debts, and available financial aid options. Explore scholarships, grants, loans, employer tuition assistance programs, and other financial support available.

Develop a budget and financial plan to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses while in school. Additionally, consider your degree’s potential return on investment and how it aligns with your long-term financial and career goals.

4. Count the Cost: Relationships

Returning to school as a nontraditional student can be challenging, but having a solid support system can make a significant difference. Reach out to family members, friends, mentors, colleagues, and fellow students who can offer encouragement, advice, and practical support as you navigate the academic journey.

Consider joining support groups or online communities for nontraditional students where you can connect with others facing similar challenges and share resources and experiences.

5. Develop a Time Management Plan:

Balancing the demands of school, work, family, and other responsibilities requires practical time management skills. Your life schedule will require attending classes, studying, completing assignments, working, spending time with family, and caring for yourself.

Prioritize tasks, set achievable goals, and establish boundaries to balance healthy harmony between your academic pursuits and other commitments. Explore time management techniques such as prioritization, delegation, time blocking, and minimizing distractions to maximize your productivity and success as a nontraditional student.

In conclusion, nontraditional women contemplate returning to school to pursue their degree dreams, which require careful planning, determination, and support. By clarifying your goals and motivations, researching programs and institutions, assessing their financial situation, creating a support system, and developing a time management plan, nontraditional women can take the first steps toward achieving their academic aspirations and unlocking new opportunities for personal and professional growth. With resilience, perseverance, and the right support network in place, every nontraditional student has the potential to succeed and thrive in their educational endeavors.

Ensuring Your Small Business Stays Fit: Essential Strategies

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz /

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

https://kdow.

Small business owners often overlook the importance of ensuring that their ventures are “small business fit” – a term encapsulating the ability to compete effectively in the market. Unlike large corporations, small businesses might lack the structured systems necessary to gain a competitive edge. Here are key strategies to keep your small business fit:

Utilize the Business Model Canvas: This practical tool allows you to represent your business model visually. It helps identify revenue streams, customer segments, and cost structures, which can directly impact your business’s profitability.

Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan: This detailed roadmap, aligned with your business model canvas, outlines your objectives, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It’s a crucial guide for your business’s success.

Focus on Financial Modeling: Implement a robust financial model to forecast revenue, expenses, and cash flow. This tool aids in making informed decisions and ensures financial stability, a cornerstone of small business fitness.

Continuous Market Analysis: Regularly assess market trends, competitor strategies, and customer preferences. This information helps you adapt your business model to changing market conditions and maintain relevance and competitiveness.

By integrating these strategies, you can establish a solid foundation, enhance operational efficiency, and thrive as a small business owner in today’s dynamic business environment.

Steps to Help Moms Prioritize Their Self-Care and Well-Being

By: Shannon Fletcher ¦ Founder: Trainers Fitness Inc. ¦ https://www.trainerzfitness.com

For most moms, motherhood is often a solitary path paved by exhaustion, isolation, and putting everyone else’s needs before yours. As a result, this results in moms at some point experiencing postpartum depression, weight retention, and anxiety. Most moms are never able to recover from experiencing these challenges and get back to feeling good about themselves because they believe self-care is selfish. We’re here to tell you to ditch the mom guilt and reclaim your mental and physical health today!

My transformative moment came 18 months postpartum after delivering twins when I looked at a picture of myself and scarcely recognized that person staring back. At that moment, I realized that I wanted to change my physical appearance and mental state. This moment of self-reflection and the desire for change also inspired Trainerz Fitness, an endeavor determined to address a void that countless mothers faced.

The first step is self-reflection and finding the desire within yourself for change. Feeling good about yourself mentally and physically again is an entirely achievable goal; you must realize that self-care is a crucial investment to enhance your capacity to be a better mother.

The second step is developing a plan that works for you. During my fitness journey, I realized that my commitment to fitness was a lifeline for my mental health, and the two were intertwined—thus, fitness was a form of therapy for my body and soul. I prioritized my well-being through a dedicated fitness routine and emphasized the importance of self-care.

The third step is ensuring you have the support system to help you achieve your specific goals. The path to being physically fit and mentally healthy need not be solitary; camaraderie and mutual support are powerful motivators. I advocated for my husband’s support in making my fitness journey a shared priority, which helped create the supportive environment I needed to progress towards achieving my goals.

My journey has enriched my mental and emotional well-being, strengthened my relationships, and granted me the resilience to navigate life’s trials gracefully. Although I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve some of my physical goals, my measure of success extends beyond fitness milestones. My most significant achievement is my commitment to self-improvement amid the demands of mother-

hood and life’s challenges.

While every motherhood journey is different, it often takes time to see results regardless of the journey—so try to cherish the journey, find joy in the process, and be patient with yourself because the ultimate reward lies not solely in the end result but in the value found along the way. Self-care is not selfish; it’s about personal growth, helping us moms become the best versions of ourselves. There’s no better time to start your transformative journey where self-care and well-being are celebrated and prioritized.

Bridging the Gaps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 24, 2024

Jim Patrick (916) 502-3531 (c)

Jim.Patrick@hsr.ca.gov

California High-Speed Rail Clears Path for Major Environmental Clearance, Connecting San Francisco to Downtown Los Angeles

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released the final environmental document for a more than 30-mile segment in Southern California that clears the way to build from San Francisco to downtown Los Angeles. This is a major milestone over a decade in the making and sets the stage for consideration for approval by the Authority’s Board of Directors next month.

LOS ANGELES – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) today released the final environmental document for the more than 30-mile segment between Palmdale and Burbank in Southern California. This is the last key environmental document needed to connect San Francisco to downtown Los Angeles. The document is on track to be presented to the Authority’s Board of Directors for consideration during a two-day board meeting June 26 and 27.

“This is a huge milestone for the project and it represents the culmination of years of analysis and stakeholder engagement to connect high-speed rail between two of the state’s major metropolitan centers, San Francisco and Los Angeles," said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “With board approval, the project will have environmental clearance for 463 miles of the Phase 1 system between downtown San Francisco and downtown Los Angeles.”

At speeds up to 220 mph, this section will connect the Antelope Valley to the San Fernando Valley in a roughly 17-minute train trip – more than twice as fast as traveling by car. The Palmdale to Burbank Project Section will connect two key population centers in Los Angeles County by linking future multimodal transportation hubs in Palmdale and Burbank. The section features about 30 miles of tunneling, including 28 miles through mountains.

The Final EIR/EIS includes analysis of all six build alternatives and the No Project Alternative. The preferred alternative is the SR14A Alternative, which runs along State Route 14 and is approximately 38 miles. It will be a grade-separated, high-speed rail-only system. Trains operating on the Preferred Alternative would be underground through the community of Acton and much of the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Tunneling through these regions minimizes impacts to communities and environmental resources in the region.

The Authority serves as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Draft EIR/EIS was circulated for public review and comment from early September through early December 2022. The Authority has considered all substantive comments received during the public comment period and responses to the comments are documented in the Final EIR/EIS. The document includes:

• An analysis of alternatives, including impacts and effects.

• Mitigation measures proposed to reduce environmental impacts and effects.

• Public comments received on the Draft EIR/EIS and responses to those comments.

• Revisions to the Draft EIR/EIS made in response to comments. Pending Board approval, the Authority can begin preparing this segment for construction as funding becomes available. All that remains to environmentally clear the full 494-mile Phase 1 system of the project is the Los Angeles to Anaheim segment, which the Authority expects to finalize next year.

The Final EIR/EIS can be found on the Authority’s website hsr.ca.gov. In addition to the website, printed and/or electronic copies of the Final EIR/IES are available at the Authority’s Sacramento and Los Angeles offices by appointment and are available at the following locations during operating hours: Burbank:

• Burbank Public Library, Northwest Branch 3323 West Victory Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505 Phone: (818) 238-5640 Los Angeles County:

• Acton/Agua Dulce Branch 33792 Crown Valley Road, Acton, CA 93510 Phone: (661) 269-7101

• Lake View Terrace Branch 12002 Osborne Street, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 Phone: (818) 890-7404

• Pacoima Branch 13605 Van Nuys Boulevard, Pacoima, CA 91331 Phone: (818) 899-5203

• San Fernando Library 217 North Maclay Avenue, San Fernando, CA 91340 Phone: (818) 365-6928

• Sun Valley Branch Library

7935 Vineland Avenue, Sun Valley, CA 91352

Phone: (818) 764-1338

• Sylmar Branch Library 14561 Polk Street, Sylmar, CA 91342

Phone: (818) 367-6102

• Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library

7771 Foothill Boulevard, Tujunga, CA 91042

Phone: (818) 352-4481

Palmdale:

• Palmdale City Library

700 East Palmdale Boulevard, Palmdale, CA 93550

Phone: (661) 267-5600

Santa Clarita:

• Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351

Phone: (661) 259-0750

Under CEQA and NEPA, this Final EIR/EIS and associated documents will be available to the public starting today and is available online as a PDF at the Authority’s website. You can request an electronic copy by calling (800) 630-1039.

The Authority has begun work to extend the 119 miles currently under construction to 171 miles of future electrified high-speed rail from Merced to Bakersfield. There are currently more than 25 active construction sites in the Valley, with the Authority having also fully environmentally cleared 422 miles of the highspeed rail program from the Bay Area to Los Angeles County. For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.com.

The following button contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings. These files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

The Inclusivity Project, Wells Fargo, and California’s black and African American Chambers are joining forces to support black business owners in building a bold new, inclusive economy—meaning new businesses, jobs, and creating powerful community impact throughout Northern California—together.

Open to all new and existing Chamber members, the SBDC’s Inclusivity Project will equip you with expert knowledge and insight on all things small business—from credit to capital, to marketing, management and beyond.

SBDC’s Inclusivity Project business advising and training come to your business completely FREE, with special thanks to generous investments from Wells Fargo, and supporting partnerships from the black and African American Chambers.

So what are you waiting for?

What are the best practices to bridge AI and Writing Grants without looking like a copycat or cookie-cutter response?

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

/ https://kdow.

The world of AI is here, and it is infiltrating all industries. It impacts the art of business writing, from business plans to seeking business grants. How will we bridge the gap between using AI and ethics? As a prolific grant writer, maintaining the uniqueness of crafting compelling responses to grants continues to be the best practice and strategy to compete vigorously and win more grants. Don’t be a cookie-cutter responder using AI to research, think, and write the grant response for you. AI is a beautiful tool to leverage when working through a grant. Use it, but don’t abuse it.

What are the best practices to bridge AI and writing grants without looking like a copycat or cookie-cutter response? Here are my top five tips to maintain best practices.

First, understand AI’s role as a tool to enhance grant writing. It is not a tool to replace creativity and human contribution. AI does not have human emotion to support responses; it uses machine learning algorithms to provide relevant responses and answers. When responding to grants, you will need more than cookie-cutter responses derived from databases, asking all the grant applicants the same questions. Second, customizing your responses is critical. You may use AI to generate initial content to fit the specific needs and objectives for grant questions but take it further by encompassing it with uniqueness and distinctiveness to the business. Let the small business light shine and be compelling. Third, the

human touch is vital. The grant will have sections that, when writing, incorporate personal insights, anecdotes, and stories to add authenticity and depth to the grant proposal.

Then, complement and enhance with AI-generated wordsmith tweaking. Carefully and meticulously. Fourth, thoroughly review and revise AI-generated content to refine and customize it further, correcting any inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Remember, grant competitions are competitions, which means if you are thinking about using AI, so are your competitors. Ensure you write with depth as a person responding versus reading like an AI-generated grant response void of depth and feeling. Fifth and final, ensure the ethical use of AI in grant writing. Ethical considerations should be foremost to maintain transparency and integrity throughout the grant writing journey.

The bottom line is that you are the gap bridger between AI and the grant response. The human factor is the factor, and if you want to compete at a high level, you will insist that the human factor orchestrates a compelling grant response and not AI.

Unlocking: Running Your Next Level Race

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

/ https://kdow.

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Let’s start with the first question: What are your expectations for your life? Next, we’ll delve into the second question: are you frustrated with your life? Then, we’ll move on to the third question: what is your purpose? After that, we’ll explore the fourth question: what keeps you from running your next-level race? These are the questions that, with your active participation and honest answers, you can unlock and run your next-level race.

Locks keep things securely fastened. Life events can cause a person to lock up professionally, emotionally, and mentally. A person can stay locked up in an area for years. Here is a list of some types of locks,

Fear and Dread

· Pain and Trauma

· Loss

· Frustration and Discouragement

· Shame and Embarrassment

Internal Secrets

Imposter Syndrome

· Worry

· Anger and Bitterness

· Fear of Judgement

· Jealousy and Envy

Ageism

Lack of Commitment

· Lack of Education

Whatever your lock, there is always a way to unlock it. Some locks may take time to unpack and unlock and may need support from a therapist, psychologist, life coach, business/professional coach, minister, family, or friend.

Whatever the case, locks do unlock.

Having the wrong expectations is a lock. You may think you should be at a level of success in your life, but you are not there, so you are hard on yourself and feel like a failure. Are your expectations realistic and achievable? What are your expectations

for your life? When I coach my clients, I give them a S.M.A.R.T. Goals worksheet to develop shortterm, mid-term, and long-term goals so they can better manage their professional and personal expectations. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. We go over the worksheet together, and most times, we rework the objectives into realistic pieces, leading them on a path to accomplish their goals. Start with a S.M.A.R.T. goal worksheet to organize your expectations. If they need further adjustment, it is okay to readjust. Give yourself realistic time to achieve them, and when you do, reward yourself.

Frustration and discouragement stifle progress. You may feel that your past choices or experiences have frustrated and discouraged your future potential, which leads to more frustration and discouragement. It is a vicious cycle, a never-ending rollercoaster ride. You may get excited about something new, and when the honeymoon of opportunity is over, and commitment sets in, you cannot stick with it. You may ask why. I use three keys to get to the bottom of a lock.

1. Examine yourself and the situation. What are the guiding clues that may provide answers?

2. Investigate the guiding clues. Can they be categorized?

3. Identify the categories and see what you learn about the locks. What can be done about the locks to get them unlocked?

Honest answers will help with this process. If you’re irritated with a boss or a coworker, ask yourself why they bother you. Maybe you feel that they talk down to you. Even if it is unintentional, the feelings are real to you, making the work environment frustrating and discouraging. Which means it is a frustrating and discouraging lock and unproductive workspace. A possible course of action to pursue breaking the lock could be stating to that person, “I feel when you use words or tones like this or that, I feel like you are being condescending, talking down to me, or don’t respect me.” Try to have a constructive conversation to help move the relationship in a positive direction. It will allow them to validate that how you feel is real and allow them to respond. Be open to hearing their intentions and find a middle ground so that together, frustration and discouragement can be unlocked by creating a constructive dialogue. Feelings matter, and intentions matter. Bridging the gap between the differences can unlock misunderstandings that cause frustration and discouragement.

What is your purpose? A better way to ask this question is to ask yourself your intentional aim or goal. Purpose means you are targeting an intentional goal or aim. When we have locks, it can be challenging to pursue that goal. Your life’s potential is untapped power and influence. Your purpose in life may be getting in front of people, and you may need to improve public speaking. You may need to overcome imposter syndrome. You may need more education. Whatever the lock or locks, the truth about your purpose is that it is your born purpose to pursue. It means that everything you need to pursue your purpose is available within you, to you, and around you. Take a sledgehammer to the lock and break it open. Give yourself the freedom to do what you love and love what you do. Pursuing your purpose is wildly exciting and scary at the same time. Be encouraged that everyone has the same feelings. You are not standing alone.

Finally, what is keeping you from running your next-level race? Did you know that the Next Level phrase means a more advanced or successful situation than before? My favorite meaning is uncommonly impressive. Is Stephen Curry an uncommonly impressive three-point shooter? No doubt about it. Steve Jobs was an uncommonly impressive innovator. He was a genius. Mother Teresa was an uncommonly impressive and remarkable world lover and giver. She is affectionately remembered for her love for humanity. What did it take for ordinary people to become uncommonly impressive? They all had to make the same single choice: to become uncommonly remarkable, which was deciding to be resolute about their future. Eventually, you must draw the line and resolve to run your next-level race. Steve Jobs said, “You have to have passion.” The word passion means relentless endurance. Unlocking and running your next-level race as a lifestyle must be met with resolution and relentless endurance. Now, go for it and make your ding on the universe.

The Bottom Line

Grant Competitions for Small Businesses 2024

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

biz / https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

/ https://kdow.

Grants are competitive processes; they are not to be taken lightly or submitted on a whim. Do your research and provide a solid response. Use your business plan as a tool to respond to the grant opportunity. The business plan is an excellent ally to growing, developing, financing, and sustaining your business. Before you apply for the grant, read the entire grant before responding. Read the requirements to determine if you qualify to apply. If not, can it be remedied to qualify? If you are not eligible, quickly move on to the next grant opportunity. Watch out for grant submission deadlines and different time zones. Try to submit your grant the day before its due date. Give yourself time to submit the grant. It will remove the stress of submitting at the last minute. Enough said, don’t miss it—many grants cycle. If you missed an opportunity to apply for a grant this year, you can start preparing to compete in the next grant cycle. Take your time. Get the grant ready now.

Here are some 2024 Grants that cycle so prepare to win.

The Amber Grant

WomensNet founded the Amber Grant in 1998. It was established to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl, who died at 19. She had dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. The Amber Grant is a monthly grant competition that awards at least $30,000 to women entrepreneurs. It has four grant opportunities: the Monthly Amber Grant, the $25,000 Annual Amber Grant, the Startup Grant, and the Business Category Grant.

The $10,000 Business Category Grants are:

1. January - Skilled Trades

2. February - Health & Fitness

3. March - Food & Beverage

4. April - Sustainability

5. May - Mental & Emotional Support

6. June - Business Support Service

7. July - Animal Services

8. August - Hair Care & Skincare

9. September - Education & Child Care

10. October - Creative Arts

11. November - STEM

12. December - Fashion & Interior Design

https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant

The business development grant is worth up to $4,000 and can fund marketing, advertising, hiring, expansion, and other business needs. You will need to be a member to apply.

https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants

The Black Girl Venture - Highly Competitive

The Black Girl Venture pitch competition is open to Black or brown female business owners. The firstplace winner will receive a $10,000 grant, second place will receive $6,000, and third place will receive $2,000.

https://www.blackgirlventures.org/bgv-pitch

Visa Everywhere Initiative Competition

It is a competitive grant targeted toward startups and fintech small businesses innovating payment and commerce challenges for consumers and businesses. The awards range from $10,000 to $100,000. Prizes will also go to regions around the globe: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and CEMEA (Central Europe, Middle East, Africa)—which runs additional competitions

https://usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/everywhere-initiative/initiative.html#Prizes_a72e

Cartier Women’s Initiative

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is an annual International entrepreneurship thematic award program. It empowers women entrepreneurs with solid and sustainable social or environmental impact from any country and region. The call for 2024 applicants is closed, but be ready for 2025. Watch for the grant submission timeline on their website.

https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/

FedEx Small Business Grants Program 2024

FedEx has gained a stellar reputation as a solid small business supporter.

The FedEx Small Business Grant is for active FedEx business account holders operating over the previous six months before competing on the grant. You cannot get an account and not use it to try and apply for this contest. It must be a legitimate active FedEx business account. It is an annual contest. This application period is closed. Watch for the 2025 contest announcement. In the meantime, visit FedEx’s website and read the tips and experiences of the 2024 winners to get an edge on the competition for next year. Awards are one 50k grand prize and nine $20k second-place winners.

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/ grants.html#/

Finding grants is similar to a treasure hunt. You must map it out, search for it, and dig it up on the Internet to locate it. Learn from your grant submission experiences; they will guide you to new grant opportunities and strengthen your responses to compete vigorously. The grant journey is exciting and held with much anticipation of winning. Please do not get discouraged by the losses; learn from them. Adjust your strategies as needed and keep track of your submission with a funding spreadsheet of your grant submissions. If you do the work and invest, you will win some and still do the work; you will lose some. You can improve your hit rate and be better prepared when submitting and learning from your losses. Who will win the grant? The person who wins submits a grant that competes vigorously against every other submission in the contest. You want it to be you.

Acords – The United Nations of Insurance Forms

By: Warren Wettenstein ¦ Wettenstein Insurance ¦ https://www.ourinsuranceguru.com

Acords are universal forms most agencies and carriers use as crucial fact-finders. The critical information included and attested to enables underwriters, financial institutions, and other third parties to communicate clearly. Of the many forms (13-page list), there are just a few that most businesspeople should be aware of in routine usage.

Applications

Many small “Main Street” businesses qualify for Business Owner Policies (BOP) that provide standard coverage for those niches. Those businesses that do not qualify for a BOP usually need to complete Acords. An agent may complete those behind the scenes, but to prevent any incorrect information input, you should work with your agent to review and attest to the accuracy before submitting to Underwriting. The more complete the Acord, the quicker and more accurate the quote.

The most common applications for Commercial use are 125, 126, and 140 Acords.

Acord 125: Commercial Insurance Application gathers basic information, including contacts, effective date, addresses, employees, business operations, etc. Space to include additional buildings/operations and losses. It is also considered a coversheet for any relevant Attachments. Prior carrier information section gathers information about what types of coverage, carriers, premiums and may indicate gaps/lapses. It is the kind of information you would provide in your initial conversation with your agent. It is essential to be candid.

Acord 125

Acord 126

Acord 140

Acord 126: The Common General Liability Section asks about deductibles, coverage, hazards, and claims. There are many yes/no questions, and most no answers require a brief explanation of why. The types of products dealt with and requested Additional Insureds. There is also room to explain any special situations. It is where you would explain why the previous claims might not be repeated due to improved operations.

Acord 140: The Property Section discusses construction, upgrades, security measures, hazardous neighbors, distance to fire hydrants/stations, and substantial space to describe special circumstances that might affect your suitability for insurance. Underwriters legally have access to many databases, so it is always prudent to be honest on these forms to prevent or minimize underwriters’ declining to cover your risk.

Supplemental Acords: Depending on the particular risk, carriers may require specialized forms to gather more specific information, i.e., Habitational for Hotels/Apartments.

Acord 130: Workers Compensation Application gathers information for Workers Compensation(WC). WC is required in some states and optional, though recommended, in others. The application is looking for employee exposures, estimated payroll for full and part-timers, specific classifications of workers, and certain officers who may be excluded from being legally required to have WC, depending on state regulations. Many firms meeting certain qualifications will have an Experience Modification assigned to them. New firms are considered 1.0. Those safer than others in their industry might be considered less than 1.0. Those with lots of claims might be greater than 1.0. The Experience/Merit Modifications would be listed if known in this form. Insurance carriers have access to databases that include prior claims, prior carriers, and experience mods. There is space to explain anything relevant that is not covered elsewhere. Again, any No answers should have an explanation as to why.

Many third parties usually request certificates. Landlords want to be additionally insured on policies. Lenders want to be assured insurance is in place. Clients may require vendors to show that they have insurance that meets/exceeds their minimum requirements. Sometimes, Evidence of Insurance is required. Other times, Certificates of Insurance are required. Sometimes, sample forms are provided to simplify the process. If so, deliver to your agent so they can see any unique wording or requirements that somebody might otherwise miss. Many who receive certificates will want to be updated if coverage is canceled/changed/renewed. General Contractors usually need many certificates.

Acord 24: is a Certificate of Property Insurance usually required by landlords and lenders to validate appropriate coverage. It lists the property carriers, coverages, deductibles, effective/expiration dates, and any special coverages that the policyholder has that might not be listed elsewhere. It also shows Additional Insureds, special wording, and the Certificate Holder’s name/address.

Acord 25: is a Certificate of Liability Insurance that includes the particular carriers, coverages, expiration dates, and other descriptions. Contractors and consultants may need to provide this to visit clients at premises outside their own offices.

As you can see, these popular Acords provide succinct information for specific purposes. Please keep in mind that these forms are periodically updated, so always use the latest versions. You can always check for updated forms at the accord.org website.

13 pages delineating all the Acord forms: https://www.acord.org/docs/default-source/forms/ forms_index.pdf?sfvrsn=12f77dd7_329

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