Taking the time to plan is crucial, now more than ever, if you're planning to start or pivot your business. Entrepreneurs who have business plans are
twice as likely to obtain capital
and more likely to grow than entrepreneurs who don’t.
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As you contemplate reopening or bringing your business to full time, there are a number of things you must do immediately and others you should decide at a later date.
Learn more about SMART goals.
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The economic slump is affecting businesses at all levels, spurring companies to get creative about retaining customers. Get actionable tips on how to increase sales.
Read these insightful tips.
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Protect your business from disasters, theft and more with this checklist to identify and minimize risk. The checklist includes several ways to prepare and protect your business.
Read the checklist.
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Take the Power of Women and Young Professionals Insights Survey
To better understand the needs of the professional women and young professionals in our region, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance need your help. Please take a few minutes to complete the short surveys below to improve and enrich the region in which we work, live and play.
Take the surveys by August 5, 2020
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SAVE THE DATE:
Join @SBAgov and @HiringOurHeroes for a virtual Military Spouse Entrepreneur Summit on
Wednesday, August 19 at 1 p.m. EDT
#SBAMilSpouseSummit
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Upcoming Local Workshops and Information
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In-Person Events Are Suspended;
SCORE Charlotte Online Support Is Available
The health of small business owners, their employees and our Mentors is our top priority. A
ll
SCORE chapters across the country have suspended in-person events, including mentoring sessions and workshops, until further notice.
Mentoring Sessions
Mentors are available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email and video. If you already have a SCORE mentor, ask them if you can use a remote mentoring method for your sessions. If you don’t already have a mentor, you can
request a business mentor today
. Our Intake Team will get your request and contact you.
Local Workshops - Simple Steps are virtual
Business Growth Workshops are BACK!
Sign up TODAY!
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First part of the Simple Steps Workshop Series;
Is Starting a Business Right for You?
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Is Starting a Business Right for You? Start-up Basics: This is an introductory workshop.
Start-up Basics: This introductory workshop focuses on the basics of testing your business idea and identifying the key factors that influence start-up success. Start-up Basics provides you with an overview of the skills and tools you need when deciding to start a business. In this session, you learn about: the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, the most profitable form for your business, and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Date: August 5
Registration ends: August 4
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Date: August 13
Registration ends: August 12
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Date: August 19
Registration ends: August 18
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Date: Sept 12
Registration ends: Sept 11
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Date: Sept 16
Registration ends: Sept 15
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Date: Sept 30
Registration ends: Sept 29
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Second part of the Simple Steps Workshop Series;
Next Steps To; Is Starting a Business Right for You?
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Next Steps To; Is Starting a Business Right for You?
Attend this comprehensive four part series of workshops to help you test your new business idea and gets you started on the right path. Free one-to-one counseling is also a part of the workshop process. Join us for 4 three-hour sessions that help you understand the basics of:
- the concepts involved with assessing a business idea,
- marketing your product or service,
- understanding business financials and how they work, and
- how to fund and finance your business.
Session 2: Business Concept
Session 3: Marketing Plan
Session 4: Financial Projections
Session 5: Funding Sources and Next Steps
Attend all four sessions for $150.00.
(Additional people from the same company are an additional $50.00 each. Contact [email protected] for discount code)
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop Series #2-5
Time: 12:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Date: Sept 15, 22, 29, Oct 6
Registration ends: Sept 14
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop Series #2-5
Time: 5:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Date: Nov 3, 10, 17, 24
Registration ends: Nov 2
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Business Growth Workshop Series Webinars
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Date: 12-Aug-2020
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
ZOOM Webinar
(Zoom Link will be sent prior to the event)
This is a FREE event
In this workshop, we will discuss how to structure the budget and how it goes beyond the numbers. Developing a financial model and/or budget can be overwhelming, but understanding what you're truly trying to accomplish with make this exercise a much simpler and enjoyable effort.
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Guest Speaker:
Cassmer Ward is the Consulting Partner at Nexagy, Inc.
About Cassmer Ward:
Cassmer Ward: Serial Entrepreneur | CFO of the Year | Author
Serial entrepreneur, Adjunct Professor at Queens University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Entrepreneurial Leadership Council at the university, hosts Influencing Entrepreneurs, and offers this content for free on YouTube to help aspiring entrepreneurs learn what it takes to find success. Authored the book, “How Much Does It Cost to Make a Donut? And Other Questions That Make Us Hate Accounting” in an effort to educate small business owners with practical accounting knowledge that they can apply to their own businesses. Cass earned his North Carolina Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license..
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Understanding and Managing Working Capital is a critical component of business success. This workshop provides emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs an overview of what Working Capital is, why it is important and how to measure and control it.
Date: 25-Aug-2020
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
ZOOM Webinar
(Zoom Link will be sent prior to the event)
This is a FREE event
I
n a start-up or small business environment cash is king. Working capital is incredibly important since it's needed to keep a business operating smoothly. This workshop will help you not only understand what working capital is but also how to leverage the concept of growth. You will walk away with an understanding of how to measure working capital, as well as what influences and drives each of the critical components so you can make better business decisions for growth. Understanding working capital helps you manage cash and cash flow. These are requirements of being a successful business owner and/or leader.
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Guest Speaker:
Fabyan Saxe, Certified SCORE Mentor, SCORE Charlotte
About Fabyan Saxe:
Fabyan has 15 years in start-up and small business Leadership and General Management. Prior to that, he had a successful 25-year career in a Fortune 500 company including leadership in Supply Chain Management, e- Commerce, and Information Technology. He has a B. S. Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and has been a SCORE, Certified Mentor since 2019.
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The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020, at 9:00 AM EDT in response to President Trump signing the program's extension legislation.
The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020.
Full Forgiveness Applications for the
Paycheck Protection Program
Below are additional links to assist with the application and calculation process:
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Empowered Women Empower Women
Since its inception, Spanx and The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation have been dedicated to elevating and supporting women through entrepreneurship. Knowing the ripple effect that empowering women can have to strengthen communities, the foundation donated $5 million to support female entrepreneurs in the wake of COVID-19 and teamed up with GlobalGiving to establish The Red Backpack Fund. GlobalGiving is making at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help alleviate the impact of the crisis. The fund is open to public donation, so anyone can partner with us to bolster these businesses in their hour of need.
The Red Backpack Fund application portal will next open from August 3-10. Sign up to be notified by email when the application portal opens. Please note, eligible applications from previous grant rounds will be rolled over and considered in this round.
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COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Stabilization Loan Fund
Mecklenburg County has committed $5 million for this fund, which is for businesses with up to 50 employees. Those companies can apply for loans of $5,000 to $35,000, which can cover expenses like payroll, utilities, rent, and equipment. The loans will be available for up to 10-year terms with an interest rate of 3%. You can find the
application here
.
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Micro Business Stabilization Fund
Another new program from Mecklenburg County, this fund is for even smaller small businesses, ones with five or fewer employees. The county has set aside $1 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for this program, and each business can apply for loans up to $10,000. Businesses can use these loans for routine expenses, such as payroll, rent, and utilities. The loans have a maturity of three years at 0% interest. You can find the
application here
.
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NC Covid-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program
The Golden LEAF Foundation has set aside $15 million for
a loan program
designed for North Carolina businesses that have suffered economic losses because of COVID-19. Businesses can take out loans of up to $50,000 with 0% interest and no payments for six months. If the loan is not repaid within six months, the loan will convert into a term loan. There is no cap on the number of employees applying businesses must have, a foundation spokeswoman says. There’s been significant demand for the program, and state officials are
considering
adding more money to it.
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Upcoming Certification Changes
In summer 2020, the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) will change as put forth by Congress in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The SBA expects that the regulations enacting the statutory requirement will be published on June 30, 2020, and will be effective 30 days later.
Once the changes go into effect:
· You will no longer be able to self-certify as a WOSB or EDWOSB.
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Free Resource for Covid Legal Issues
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UPCOMING Partner Programs - Subject to Change
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A group of local founders, mentors and entrepreneurial resources proudly hosts a monthly “Founder’s Meet-Up”.
First Wednesday of each month
Time: 5:30PM – 7:30PM.
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Upcoming events from The Women's Business Center of Charlotte
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UPCOMING NATIONAL WEBINARS
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August 6 | 1 PM ET
Sponsored by Progressive Commercial Insurance. Whether you’ve already reopened or will be opening this summer, August will be an ideal time to assess and develop a strategic plan for the rest of the year.
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August 11 |11 AM ET
A virtual assistant can be a valuable asset for any business but especially when resources are scarce and access to funds is limited, such as during the current pandemic.
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August 13 | 1 PM ET
Sponsored by Progressive Commercial Insurance. Learn the key aspects of a SWOT analysis, how it fits into your business's strategic plan, and develop an understanding of doing this for your business.
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August 20 | 1 PM ET
Sponsored by Deluxe. In trying times, you may be looking to close or sell a business. This session will share key considerations for the process of closing your business.
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August 25 | 1 PM ET
Sponsored by
Constant Contact
. Running virtual events can be challenging, however with a little preparation, tips, and knowing what to expect, you can rock your next virtual event.
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What you Might Have Missed
Browse Our Webinars
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Did you miss a live SCORE webinar?
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You can view the recordings online anytime. Watch and learn at your convenience.
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Find Your Business Mentor
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Talk to a SCORE mentor for expert answers to any of your business questions - no question is too big or too small.
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SCORE Charlotte adds its' first mentor in Cleveland County
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Dr. Renee Dyer of Shelby, NC has been certified as a SCORE mentor.
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Get Advice from SCORE Mentors Live
in our Real-Time Mentoring Platform
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-5 pm
Chat with business mentors, get free resources and information from popular companies, and participate in online peer support discussions. Brought to you by SCORE and Constant Contact.
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Register to access this virtual, live mentoring platform at no cost.
Join when convenient for you.
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Small Business Resilience Hub
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Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side. Don't miss out on the latest resources, training and mentoring opportunities to help you survive and thrive.
Visit the Hub
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Book a Librarian - Business Research (Virtual)
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Book a 1-hour time slot for a 1-on-1 video call with a librarian!
Learn how you can access the library's online business resources including directories, databases with demographics, mapping tools, market and industry reports, and more.
Registration Note: A
valid email address
is required in order to receive instructions before the meeting.
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These are available Monday - Friday, 11:00am-noon.
Questions or assistance:
Mimi Curlee,
Librarian
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Information Services - Main Library
704-416-0106
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Tool for Small Businesses to Connect with
CDFIs, Small Asset Lenders Participating in PPP
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Lender Match is a
free tool
that takes the mystery out of getting an SBA-backed loan and streamlines the process.
Finding the right lender and finding the time to obtain a loan can be the biggest challenge for prospective borrowers. Lender Match solves this problem.
This free online referral tool connects small business borrowers with participating SBA lenders.
The future is upon us, and the SBA is proud to be leading the way. To learn more about Lender Match visit
www.sba.gov
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SCORE Charlotte Local Sponsors and Partners
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Helping entrepreneurs find the best franchise opportunities. At FranNet Carolina, they partner with aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals interested in becoming business owners.
Through their free consulting services, their consultants will provide the valuable research and guidance necessary to feel truly confident in your decision.
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Your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library understands that the key to successful business management and healthy growth is convenient and swift access to the best resources. They provide reference services and library resources to help the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area businesses succeed.
Their Mission: To improve lives and build a stronger community.
Mimi Curlee, Librarian
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - Main
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Find and Reach Your Ideal Audience
The advertising solutions you need to engage the right customers and grow your business.
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At MassMutual Carolinas, they listen closely to gain a thorough understanding of your goals and your dreams. They then provide you with guidance and expertise to help you make sound financial decisions that can help protect your future. They also help you protect your most important assets - your family.
Headquartered in Charlotte, MassMutual Carolinas has been a Carolina tradition of excellence and industry leadership since 1890.
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For more than 100 years, customers have trusted First Citizens Bank with their money ... and their futures.
First Citizens Bank. Forever First®.
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IBM is a global technology and innovation company. IBM offers a wide range of technology and consulting services; a broad portfolio of middleware for collaboration, predictive analytics, software development and systems management; and the world's most advanced servers and supercomputers.
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SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for more than 50 years.
Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and thanks to our network of 10,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at a very low cost.
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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
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