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News & Announcements
Black
All the CEO Ladies August meetup
Wednesday, August 12, 2020: 5-6:30pm via Google Meet

RSVP on this form and we will send you an invite! 

Our special guest speaker Nzinga Hart will lead a conversation about "Strategic Planning for Your Side Hustle" -- Sometimes your passion has to fit in between multiple priorities, which could include school, a full-time job, and family needs. Find out how to keep your purpose the top priority while setting and achieving goals.
are you coming?
Client Vick Searcy & Sauce the City Takes Over Galley
Sauce the City Galley Signs First Food Tenant, Twisted Taino Latin Eatery | Scene and Heard: Scene's News Blog
Chef Jose Miguel Melendez applied for one of the original kitchen spots at the Ohio City Galley, making it all the way to the final round before losing out. Two years later, he’s preparing to open a restaurant there after all, one that builds upon his experience as a catering chef with Latin roots. The business, Twisted Taino, is the first to join Victor Searcy Jr. at what is now referred to as “Sauce the City Galley” (1400 W. 25th St.) since that chef took over management of the space and reopened his signature fried chicken concept.
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Flashes Safe Seven
Kent State University’s reopening committees continue to work for a safe return to our campuses. We plan to resume residential living in August.
To ensure an outstanding and safe experience for our students, faculty, staff and visitors, everyone should practice daily symptom checks and the Flashes Safe Seven.
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Campus Kitchen Pivots Operations to Food Pantry
From its home kitchen inside Beall Hall on the Kent Campus, the organization distributes between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds of food to people in need every Friday between 1 and 4 p.m.
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Competitions, Events, Opportunities
This workshop is focused on proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs.
The Courier Fresh Fund is now open 
The US$50,000 fund will offer grants to Black founders in the US and UK, aged 25 and under, who have a business idea they want to get off the ground.

JumpStart has partnered with The Annek Group for a free in-person deep dive designed to help you implement Digital Marketing.

WBENC is proud to introduce the WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence, a new integrated education and funding program for women entrepreneurs. WBENC LIFT will provide comprehensive financial support and resources, including education, coaching, networking and funding opportunities.

This statewide series will examine and promote the vibrant technology and innovation ecosystems which exist in the Buckeye State. We’ll talk to leaders from diverse backgrounds - BigCo, software companies, universities, startups, and more - to learn about the work happening in cities across Ohio. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 OhioX Tech Tour will be virtual.
To be considered for the cohort:
  • Entrepreneurs who live or work in the city of Cleveland and its neighborhoods
  • Entrepreneurs outside of Cleveland who are currently impacting (in a significant way) the citizens of the city of Cleveland or will impact the city of Cleveland via job growth over the next 18-24 months.
  • Must have met with one of our business advisers to be considered; appointments to meet with an advisor must take place by August 3, 2020.
  • Ideal candidates are businesses generating more than $25,000 in annual revenue.
Applications Close – 8/3/2020
The Black Girl Magic Digital Summit is 2 days of jam-packed content that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home! 

Creating community, sharing resources, and planning for the future is more critical than ever. We want to rally to serve our community in the areas they need most by pivoting to bring tools and resources to all women nationally during our emerging normal.
 Case Western Reserve University is hosting a variety of free online conversations with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, etc. over the course of the summer. 
Useful Info for your Biz
Copyright for Educational Use in the Age of COVID
Monday, August 10, 2020

Copyright has become front and center now that faculty are rapidly restructuring classes to online or hybrid status. 
5 mental models distinguish "product-Founders" from successful "Founder-CEOs". Trulia Founder, Pete Flint, breaks them down for Founders everywhere.

A curated list of exceptional resources catered to the self-employed

Organized and up-to-date finances are essential if you're looking for financial help. Here are five simple ways to organize your business finances.
SBA’s Lender Match is an additional resource for pandemic-affected small businesses who have not applied for or received an approved PPP loan to connect with lenders.  The forgivable PPP loan is emergency relief assistance aimed at sustaining businesses and keeping employees on payroll. 
 Every Thursday, Small Business Lifeline provides strategies and actionable insights for rebuilding your business and strengthening it for the future.
Be healthy. Be better.

Venture capitalists have voiced their support for Black founders since the killing of George Floyd. These investment firms--and some grantmaking institutions--are walking the walk.

A page full of great anti-racism resources & info, including an interview with Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to be an AntiRacist
THRIVE: Staying Well During the Pandemic and Why Self-Compassion is Not Self-Indulgence
August 27,  2020 | Noon – 1 p.m.
LaunchNET
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