Archive for the Community Service Category
The U.S. Small Business Administration is searching for participants in this year’s Emerging 200 Program.
The goal of the SBA Emerging 200 initiative is to identify 200 inner-city businesses across the country that show a high potential for growth—and to provide them the network, resources and motivation required to build a sustainable business of size and scale. The initiative will run executive training series in a number of urban areas and Native American communities during the 2010 cycle.
This initiative is a jobs and growth stimulation effort targeting promising inner-city small businesses. It focuses on small, poised-for-growth inner-city companies with potential for job creation. The six month intensive and comprehensive curriculum focuses on winning local strategies and attracting capital to fuel growth. In addition to 40 hours of class instruction, this includes 14 hours of mentoring.
The program is free of charge and will run from April, 2010 to November, 2010. All that is required on the part of the small business is a time commitment (60- 80 hours total) by the senior executive of the firm and a desire to take your business to the next level.
Small business owners interested in the E200 program are encouraged to contact their closest local office and/or the Emerging 200 Program at e200@sba.gov.
My colleague, Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, a wealth coach has written two recent blog posts that I recommend you read:
- 5 Books on Wealth and Money Psychology.
- 5 Tips for Fighting Fair Financially. If you have problems talking to your significant other, business partner or children, check out this post.
Kathleen and I share a commitment to helping people become more financially literate. I think you will find valuable information in both of these posts.
The earthquake last week in Haiti was and continues to be horrific. In the aftermath, some unsavory characters are thwarting the best efforts of people who want to donate money to support the rescue and rebuilding efforts.
The Better Business Bureau recommends checking to make sure your contribution goes to a legitimate organization. They have posted a list of the Charities Providing Haiti Earthquake Relief. Click on the link to view.
The Better Business Bureau also provided the following tips:
- Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity.
- Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims.
- Be cautious when giving online.
- Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas.
- Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups.
- Gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations are not yet needed. Cash is needed most to buy water, food and medical supplies.
You can go to a link on the Bettter Business Bureau site to research charities and relief organizations to verify that they are accredited by the BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Give wisely.
