View as Webpage

March 2024

Inside Scoop

Bringing You the Latest Tools to Help Your Business

Be Cybersmart!

As you get ready for the busy season, make the time to ensure your business is vigilant about its cybersecurity. Here are tips from the Small Business Administration to help you prepare for ransomware attacks:

• Train your employees. Employees and emails are a leading cause of data breaches for small businesses because they are a direct path into your systems. Training employees on basic internet best practices can go a long way in preventing cyber-attacks. CISA, the nation's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, created a postcard on phishing, a form of social engineering that uses email or malicious websites to solicit personal information or to get you to download malicious software by posing as a trustworthy entity.

• Back up critical business data. Your data should be backed up regularly and should be accessible off-site, making cloud data solutions ideal options and unplugging backup drives from the internet.

• Use antivirus software and keep it updated automatically. Make sure each of your business’s computers are equipped with antivirus software and antispyware and updated regularly. Configure all software to install updates automatically.

• Secure your networks. Safeguard your Internet connection by using a firewall and encrypting information. If you have a Wi-Fi network, make sure it is secure and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the network name). Password-protect access to the router.

• Use a password manager and require multi-factor authentication. A password manager is one of the best ways to boost your online security. Multi-factor authentication increases security even if your password is compromised,. Unauthorized users will be unable to meet the second authentication requirement and will not be able to access your computer or network.

Schedule an appointment with Pam and Tricia to learn more.

Women's History Month

Women's History Month was created by Congress in March 1987 to recognize and honor the contributions of women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the United States. According to the National Women's Business Council, there are currently 14 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., making up 39.1% of all businesses -- a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023.

The CDP is focused on increasing women's access to capital and supporting entrepreneurship. Out of the nearly 3,000 businesses assisted by CDP over the past 30 years, 47% are led by women. We cannot do this work alone. We salute our clients and partners who are dedicated to advancing and improving the lives of women and women business owners in our community.

Pictured above, Jess Georges, a former CDP Client and owner/founder of Green Road Refill in Brewster, an earth-friendly shop dedicated to reducing Cape Cod's plastic footprint.

WE CAN Empowering Women welcomes women into a safe and inclusive space as they address challenges and explore opportunities in their lives. WE CAN supports and empowers women to build pathways to stability and self sufficiency. the CDP is fortunate to partner with WE CAN on small business roundtables, legal consults, the GROW program and more.

The Small Business Administration offers programs for women, including this workshop on March 26th: Navigating Small Business Ownership as Women.

SCORE offers resources for women entrepreneurs.

Spotlight: Women-Led Business

In 2013, co-founders, Amanda Converse and Jen Villa started Love Live Local with the intent to highlight positive stories, Cape Cod happenings and connect local businesses with customers and supporters. Eleven years later, Love Live Local is a powerful advocate for small businesses, producing editorial content that helps people understand the economic and social benefits of shopping local, as well as providing information about large corporations and their negative impacts on local economies, people and the environment.

In addition, Love Live Local has awarded $277,500 in small business grants and hosted over 20,000 guests at the Love Local Fests where people gather and to show their support for the local business community.

Cape Cod International Business Expo

March 23rd 8-1:30

Cape Cod Five Savings Bank Headquarters

1500 Iyannough Road, Hyannis

The CDP is pleased to once again sponsor and participate in the Cape Cod International Business Expo. Be part of the movement to educate and inspire small business owners to become successful entrepreneurs at the Cape Cod International Business Expo on Saturday, March 23rd. Bring your questions and we will provide answers. This will be an interactive, informational event! Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and four panels.

Pier to Plate Series

Local Economic Development Series

We are thrilled to be participating in this informative workshop series with our friends at the Provincetown Economic Development Committee, EforAll, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, BuyFreshBuyLocal and the Provincetown Commons. Workshops include:

3/27 - Economic Opportunities for Fisherman, Aquaculture Farmers & Seafood Entrepreneurs

4/7 - HAACP 101 & Direct to Consumer

5/1 - Buy Fresh: Getting in front of your customer and building brand

Pier to Plate Series

Digital Equity Community Workshop in Orleans on April 9th 5:30-7:30

The Town of Orleans is working with the Cape Cod Commission to draft a municipal digital equity plan. Learn more here.

Rockland Trust’s 7th Annual Small Business, Big Dreams contest is open. Applications due April 7th.

Small business owners can enter to win Rockland Trust's Small Business, Big Dreams contest by submitting their background information and give an overview of their strengths, challenges and plans for the future for a chance to win one of four prizes, including the Grand Prize of $20,000, two Runner Up prizes of $2,500 each and one Fan Favorite prize of $1,000.

Small Business Big Dreams Contest

Mass Growth Capital Corp's

Biz-M-Power Grant is open!

The Biz-M-Power crowdfunding matching grant program offers small businesses financial assistance with their acquisition, expansion, improvement or lease of a facility, purchase or capital lease of equipment, or with meeting other capital needs for the business. Deadline 6/30/24.

Businesses must crowdfund a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $20,000 to receive a 1:1 matching grant from MGCC for a total of $5,000 to $40,000.

LEARN MORE about Biz-M-Power

CDP Referral Program

Each month, anyone who refers an entrepreneur or business owner to the CDP will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate from a local business. We will draw a winner on the 15th of each month.

Be sure the person you refer to the CDP tells Pam or Tricia that you referred them
One entry per referral - refer three businesses, earn three entries
CDP Staff, Board Members and Advisory Council Members are ineligible to participate in the referral raffle program (although we welcome your referrals!)

Congratulations to Courtney Wittenstein of DeLude Communications who won a $100 gift certificate to Viv's Kitchen.

REFER A BUSINESS TODAY! YOU MAY BE APRIL'S LUCKY WINNER!

Upcoming Workshops

Read on to learn about lots of exciting workshops and opportunities to start, stabilize, or grown your business. As always, if there is a business topic that you need more information or assistance, please reach out to us and we will help find resources to answer your questions.

We look forward to working with you!

Pam & Tricia

CDP Small Business Workshops

3/26 Grants and Residencies - A Panel Discussion

4/9 Writing and Talking About Your Art

4/30 The Art of Creative Exploration: The CDP is excited to partner with Harwich Culture to offer a one day workshop during Art Week at The 204 Cultural Arts & Municipal Building. This workshop for artists, creatives, and makers will be a great mix of learning and community building. Follow the link to learn more about the Agenda and presenters.

4/18 Wage and Compliance Webinar

Other Resources for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Cape Light Compact Small Business Energy Programs

Business Law Consults

CDP's Small Business Services

QuickBooks Help

Do you need a microloan?

Regional Office Hours

Chatham Works, 3/26, 10 am-1 pm

Provincetown Commons, 4/2, 9 am-1 pm

Brewster Chamber of Commerce, 4/9 9-11 am

The 204 (Harwich), 4/11 1-4 pm

* The CDP thanks our community partners for the opportunity to use their space to meet with clients and for their support of small businesses and entrepreneurs on the Lower Cape.

Have you looked at MassHire's Cape & Islands Career Center lately?

Free job postings, job matching, candidate, and job fair calendar search are available on MassHire JobQuest.
MassHire Career Centers can assist businesses with candidate recruiting, screening and job fairs.
Employers can receive assistance with registered apprenticeships and provide trainees with hands-on experience in a structured environment.
Several types of employee training grants are available for employers of any size.
Grants are available for up to $25,000 for workplace safety training which provides funded preventative safety training.
OJT programs help businesses with the cost of hiring and training employees.