January 2024, Issue 8


Things we can do for you:

Our goal is to serve small business owners not eligible for traditional banking systems by offering access to capital and financial how-to assistance. Whether we assist you in skill or knowledge, loans, or other financial aid, McCIF can help your small business grow and prosper.


McCIF can provide loans for the following:


Working Capital

Equipment Purchase/Repair

Vehicle Purchase/Repair

Inventory Purchase

Refinance Existing Debt

Real Estate Purchase or Refinance



Click here to inquire about a loan

Educate Yourself

Information Buffet


Information Buffet is a luncheon that provides a variety of knowledge to further your business and help answer questions you have during daily operations. Here's what to expect:


- Network with other business owners


- An overview from local resources available in the area


- Q&A session with our expert guest speakers


- Free delicious lunch and refreshments


Our next IB will be January 18th on Bookkeeping 101 with Reign Bookkeeping owner, Krystal Rodriguez. Click the link below for more info.


More Info

Information Buffet Survey


Your input plays a crucial role in shaping the initiatives for McLennan Community Investment Fund. By actively participating in the 3 questions survey, you become an integral part of fostering positive change and development within the McLennan community.

Additional Resources

We are delighted to highlight free business development training resources for our community in our monthly newsletter. These free online workshops are offered by reputable organizations, such as SCORE, SBDC, and Google.


Please see below for a list of upcoming free online workshops that offer the knowledge you need to help you grow and maintain your business:


Simplifying QuickBooks

(from Score)

This is a very basic introduction to QuickBooks that prepares you for individual help with setting up your company.

Thurs Jan 4, 10:00 – 11:30 AM


Bookkeeping Made EASY

(from Texas South-West SBDCs)

Learn practical tips and tools to streamline your financial records and gain control over your business finances. Discover simplified bookkeeping practices that will help you track income, expenses, and cash flow accurately.

Tues, Jan 9, 10:00 – 11:00 AM


Accessing Nonprofit Grants, Sponsorships & Resources

The discussion addresses the following objectives: (1) the best grant databases and websites, (2) where to locate corporate sponsors, and (3) nonprofit resources that will help you further your mission.

Wed, Jan 10, 10:00 – 11:30 AM


Launch Your Business with Customer-Focused Marketing

(from Google)

As a new entrepreneur, you’ll need more than good products or services to grow your business. It’s also important to have strong customer-focused marketing strategies to reach your audience and turn them into loyal customers. Learn how to create a compelling brand, define your audience, convert customers, and build loyalty and advocacy.

Wed, Jan 10, 11:00 am – Noon


Credit Personal and Business

(from Texas South-West SBDCs)

Good credit is important to both your personal and business needs. Lenders can look at how you have handled your past obligations even if you are a corporate officer signing for the business. Many business owners have had credit issues because of the pandemic. This two (2) hour presentation covers aspects of becoming an educated credit user.

Tues, Jan 16, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM


Prepare Financial Projections for Your Business Plan

An important section of your written business plan is your financial projection. Phil will give you the guidance and tools to prepare financial projections that are acceptable to lenders and investors, as well as providing comfort that your business can be a success.

Wed, Jan 17, 10:00 AM – Noon


Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs

(from Google)

Discover how to create a collaborative environment where everyone is responsible for design. You will go through design challenges and sprints that can be incorporated into any workplace or startup to unlock creativity and innovative thinking. We’ll cover the principles of the design thinking process, applying the design thinking process to solve problems, and the basics of prototyping your ideas.

Wed, Jan 17, 11:00 am – Noon


Women: Unleash the Leader Within

(from Texas South-West SBDCs)

Being an entrepreneur is hard for anyone, but women founders face extra obstacles that make leadership uniquely challenging. Whether it’s dealing with unconscious bias from male investors or overcoming imposter syndrome, you need to leverage your strengths to thrive as a leader. You will get techniques and tips on unleashing your leadership potential as a female entrepreneur.

Wed, Jan 17, Noon – 1:00 pm


Legal Considerations: Starting a Business & Asset Protection

Running a business has risks associated with it. There are simple steps business owners can take to protect their personal and business assets against those risks. This workshop will look at ways to protect assets through business formation decisions, trade secret protection, and appropriate legal documents. It is always better to make some protective decisions early on than to put out fires later.

Thurs, Jan 18, 10:00 – 11:30 AM


The People Behind McCIF

Cris Houston

Executive Director

 

Cris Houston, Esq. obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Harvard Law School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Hampton University. Cris is a licensed attorney and a mediator in the State of Texas.

Cris’s career as a professor, attorney, Legal Research and Writing Program Director, Academic Success and Bar Preparation Program Director, and Compliance professional spans a combined total of eighteen (18) years. Cris has taught Business Law, Business Leadership and Ethics, Employment Law, Legal Research and Writing, Appellate Advocacy, Academic Success, Bar Preparation, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure courses.  

Learn more about Cris

"Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."


—Newt Gingrich

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