We get to the heart and soul of entrepreneurs,
connect them with resources to grow their businesses and teach them how to balance work, life and play! 
Happy Black History Month and MWBE Monday on “Wednesday” to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Community Family!

We hope that everyone is safe, warm, healthy and getting through this week’s wintry Nor’easter. The New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area experienced howling winds, and rapid snowfall that limited travel and left more than 2 feet of snow in its path. Many schools and businesses closed for safety reasons. Many people worked remotely. Snow covered trees, streets, cars, etc. are beautiful sites to see. However, digging out from the snow is work and traveling through it could be very dangerous. Take your time. One step at a time. Slow down. The streets and steps to our house were a winter wonderland.
MHVC Jack and Jill at Fred’s Pantry

Let’s all be grateful for the warmth and security of our homes and have an “attitude of gratitude” as we check on our loved ones and neighbors to get through the beginning of 2021 together! We are still living through the global pandemic, encouraging social distancing, learning about and witnessing
the science and vaccinations to combat Covid-19.  Covid-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands, wear a mask and practice social distancing. We will do our best to continue to stay well-informed about this horrible disease and we encourage our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. community to do the same. We will continue to keep those who have lost loved ones due to Covid-19 and other diseases in our prayers. Let’s all do our best to ensure that no one in our communities go hungry. Food insecurities are very real. Donate today to your local food pantry or charity of your choice. On MLK Day 2021, the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter donated over 2,000 pounds of beans, potatoes and rice.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH

This month we join the nation and the world in celebrating Black History Month! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s co-founders Kecia Palmer-Cousins and Kevin Cousins are proud African Americans who are truly appreciative of all the historic achievements and accomplishments of African Americans past, present and future. We “are” because of “them”!
Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African American History Month.
CONGRATULATIONS TO AERO-BA-SOUL, INC’s CEO KECIA PALMER-COUSINS and SON, KENDALL COUSINS! 
Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend was extra special for the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. family last month.

First, our oldest son Kendall Cousins turned 18 years old on January 15th, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday!

On MLK Day 2021, January 18th, Kendall received a $2,500 Albertina Bloom Scholarship from the African American Men of Westchester and the Westchester Community Foundation. He and other scholastic teens received awards at the virtual 20th Annual MLK Legacy Youth Awards.
While participating at a MLK Day of Community Service food drop-off drive at Fred’s Pantry with our family and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, Kendall was also interviewed by Westchester News 12 regarding the Albertina Bloom Scholarship Award that he received.

In addition, Kendall also received The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau’s Darryl Francis Community Service Award. 


Kendall is an A honor role Senior at Peekskill High School. He plans on majoring in mechanical engineering at the college of his choice in the fall.  To date, he has been granted admittance to Morehouse College, University of Buffalo, Hampton, Howard and Temple Universities. He is awaiting responses from other colleges before making his final decision as to which school he will attend in the fall. We are very proud of Kendall and wish him much success during his collegiate journey. We hope that he has as much fun as we did in engineering school. (Kecia- Manufacturing Engineering at Boston University and Kevin – Civil Engineering at Northwestern University). Kendall loves spending downtime with his family, friends and playing his favorite sports, football and wrestling. He is a very humble, young man with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. His brother Kyle looks up to his big brother, is an A honor roll student too and can’t wait to be a Senior next year. We love both of our sons and wish them much success in their future endeavors.
Preservation Company Hosts 17th Annual MLK Day Event – Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins Receives Community Service Award

PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK – On Sunday, January 17th, The Preservation Company, Inc., part of the Sun River Health (formerly HRHCare) family, hosted their 17th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event – Continuing The Dream. This year’s honorees included Wheelabrator Technologies Westchester, Kecia Palmer-Cousins, MBA, Clifford Hames,
DDS, and Sun River Health CEO Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH. 

This year’s fundraising event was held virtually. Kecia MC’d this event a few years ago and was honored to be One of this years honorees. She was recognized for her local community service and her advocacy for MWBEs in Westchester County and the Metropolitan area. She was grateful and humbled to receive this award.

The Preservation Company
Founded through Sun River Health in response to the housing crisis in Westchester County, The Preservation Company, Inc. of Peekskill, New York increases access to housing for low and moderate-income families, and advances community development and revitalization.

About Sun River Health
Sun River Health is a system of 43 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing primary, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health care to over 245,000 patients annually. With a dedicated staff of 2,000 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most. Sun River Health started in 1975 when four African American mothers spearheaded efforts to open our first health center in Peekskill, New York and deliver accessible, high-quality, affordable services to patients in need – no matter their race, religion, income, or insurance status. Today, after 45 years of service, Sun River Health is still delivering on that promise to communities across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. sunriver.org

Many Minority and Women Owned Businesses, especially African American businesses were hit hard last year due to the global pandemic. Let’s continue to lift each other up so that we can stay in business past 2021! Remember, we are here to help with the health and wellness of your business!
MWBE MONDAY RESOURCES

Below are some networks and resources that MWBES and small business owners can connect with to help them get through these challenging times. We’ve got your back!
Many minority and women business enterprise entrepreneurs use their local, County and State Agencies to stay current and tap into potential resources and procurement opportunities for their businesses and their communities. Getting MWBE Certified and procuring government contracts can help MWBEs build their businesses!
MARTHA LOPEZ – PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR of MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Congratulations to Martha Lopez! Latimer Appoints Martha Lopez to Senior Position

Lopez will take on new role as Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer is proud to announce the promotion of a Martha Lopez to serve as Director of Minority and Women-owned Business Development.
Lopez, who from 2001 to 2009 served as the Director for Hispanic Affairs for Westchester County and currently serves as Director of Program and Policy for MWBE and Immigrant Affairs, will begin her new role on Feb. 1, 2021.
Latimer said: “Martha is a consistent advocate for improving the lives of Westchester residents – both while on the County team and in her personal life. This new role will allow her to expand her opportunities to serve our community and make real, tangible, positive change in the lives of the people who call Westchester home.”

Lopez, a resident of New Rochelle, is a longtime fixture in Westchester’s Hispanic community. She was a founding member of the Board of Directors of KEEPS, an after-school program for children in Mamaroneck, a former Member of the Westchester Hispanic Advisory Board, and in 1999 Lopez co-founded the Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont/Mamaroneck (now known as the Community Resource Center) and for two years served as its president.

In her new role, Lopez will be tasked with expanding opportunities for Minority and Women Owned businesses to work with County Departments, local governments and larger companies seeking to diversify their subcontractor rosters and assist MWBE’s with state or county certification. She will also manage the County’s Technical Assistance Advisory Committee.

Lopez said: “My goal each day is to find solutions to the challenges Westchester residents face. Working with County Executive Latimer, I look forward to further advancing this goal from a new position.”

Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “The role that MWBEs play in Westchester’s economic future is one that must be elevated going forward. Martha will be bringing her experience and can-do attitude to this effort and the people of Westchester will stand to benefit from it.”
Recognizing that diversity, inclusion, equality, and equity are fundamental growth drivers across all businesses and organizations, the Business Council of Westchester will hold an important half-day conference for businesses and organizations of all types featuring speakers and experts covering best practices, resources and guidance on issues related to diversity and inclusion.
Friday, February 5
8:30 AM–12:00 PM
PROGRAM
8:30 AM
Welcome Remarks

8:40–8:45 AM
Focus on Government
Westchester County Executive, George Latimer will share the county's success strategies on bringing diversity into government.
8:45–9:05 AM
Keynote Speaker

Alphonso David, President of the Human Rights Campaign, will be the event’s keynote speaker. He previously served as Deputy Secretary and Counsel for Civil Rights for Governor Andrew Cuomo.
9:05–9:35 AM
Lessons Learned from Corporate America
Moderated by Josephine Bertrams, SVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Heineken USA and will feature Camille Y. Bragg, Vice President, Supplier Diversity Manager, KeyBank; Randall Tucker, Chief Inclusion Officer, Mastercard; Ramcess Jean-Louis, VP, Global Head, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Verizon Media and Samantha Diliberti, Sr. Manager, Government & Community Affairs, Northeast Starbucks.

9:35–9:40 AM
Focus on Non-Profit
Maria Imperial, Executive Director of the YWCA of White Plains, will discuss best practices.

9:45–10:15 AM
Applying Diversity Practices for Small & Mid-Size Companies
Moderated by Wiley Harrison, President, Business of Your Business, LLC and will feature Eon Nichols, Partner, Cuddy & Feder LLP; Maria Trusa, CEO, Forme Medical Center and Urgent Care; Peter Herrero, President, NY Hospitality Group and Jennifer Flowers, Founder and CEO, Accreditation Guru.

10:15–10:20 AM
Focus on Education
Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College, will describe best practices in education.

10:20–10:25 AM
Focus on Healthcare
Mecca (Santana) Mitchell, Senior Vice President Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Westchester Medical Center Health Network will focus on how to create a diverse environment in the health care space.

10:30–11:00 AM
Diversity & Inclusion in Practice: The Resources
Moderated by Taryn Duffy, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and will feature Wendy Wollner, CEO and President, Balancing Life’s Issues; Sujata Chaudhry, Founder and CEO, Tangible Development; John Kelly, Human Resources Consultant and Business Development Officer, Pinnacle Human Resources, LLC and Darcel Dillard-Suite, President, Full Circle Health

11:00–11:05 AM
Focus on Construction
Liz Duncan-Gilmour Esq, Executive Director and General Counsel, Minority Business Development Institute, will focus on how to build the capacity of diverse businesses in the field.

11:05–11:10 AM
Focus on Transgender & Non-Binary Identities
Raina Nelson, Workplace Equality Program Manager, Human Rights Campaign

11:15-11:45 AM
Supplier Diversity Opportunities
Moderated by April Horton, Director, External Affairs & Government Affairs, Verizon and will feature Martha Lopez, Director, MWBE Program and Immigrant Affairs, Westchester County; Michael Jones-Bey, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility Department, Con Edison; Michael Garner, MBA, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, MTA and Kenyatta Z. Lewis, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity & Sustainable Procurement, MGM Resorts International® | Global Procurement and others providing opportunity for BCW members and non-members to gain information and access to minority-owned resources, vendors, and suppliers.

The Driving Diversity and Inclusion conference is the latest initiative from the BCW as part of their organization’s ongoing anti-racism agenda.
SPONSORS
EVENT PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNER
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER & THE NEW YORK STATE
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Shuttered Venue Operator Grant Webinar
Wednesday, February 3
9:00 AM

Join the Business Council of Westchester and the New York State Small Business Development Center for a webinar to review the Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program that was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small
Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

Eligible entities include:
  • Live venue operators or promoters
  • Theatrical producers
  • Live performing arts organization operators
  • Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
  • Motion picture theater operators
  • Talent representatives, and
  • Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements

Other requirements of note:
  • Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
  • Venue or promoter must not have received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020
  • For an eligible entity in operation on January 1, 2019, grants will be for an amount equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue OR $10 million, whichever is less.
  • For an eligible entity that began operation after January 1, 2019, grants will be for the average monthly gross revenue for each full month you were in operation during 2019 multiplied by six (6) OR $10 million, whichever is less.
Upcoming Webinars for Women-Owned
Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Register Today! Seats are Limited.

Wed. Feb. 3, 2021 at 10:00AM Eastern Time (LIC Partnership)
Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVO Grants/Save our Stages)

Wed. Feb. 3, 2021 at 2:00PM Eastern Time (QEDC Women’s Business Center)
New PPP First Draw/Second Draw (Briefing) and Forgiveness (details), EIDL Application

Thurs, Feb. 4, 2021 at 9:30AM East Time (Queens College)
SBA Coronavirus Relief Five Programs : PPP 1st and 2nd Draw Loans, PPP Forgiveness, EIDL, Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, SBA Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief

Thurs, Feb. 4, 2021 at 2:00PM East Time
(Ulster County Department of Economic Development)
Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVO Grants/Save our Stages)

Fri, Feb. 5, 2021 at 12:00PM East Time
(Greater New York Chamber of Commerce)
SBA Coronavirus Relief Five Programs : PPP 1st and 2nd Draw Loans, PPP Forgiveness, EIDL, Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, SBA Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief
Please click the link below to join the webinar with Passcode: 796243
News for Small Businesses
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
SBA is currently accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and private nonprofit organizations.

You can request for Reconsideration if you receive a declined letter. You can also request for Increase if you can prove you need more than you have received.

*If you have already applied via the streamlined application portal, please do not resubmit your application.

*Deadline has been extended to: November 30th, 2023
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Have a safe and great week! Stay connected with us so you stay connected! Follow us on our social media! We will get through the year end of 2021 together! We thank each and everyone of you for your continued support and business!
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc! We help MWBEs focus on the health and wellness of their business! Let’s get it done, in 2021!

Happy Black History Month!

Sincerely,
Kecia and Kevin
Contact Kecia with questions about
starting or growing your business!

At Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. we bring dreams to life with heart and soul! Like a trusted friend and confidante, our personal project managers tap into their vivid imaginations, hearts and souls to analyze clients’ projects, processes and people training. Stop suffering in silence! Rent our brainpower and we will connect you with the resources and technical assistance to address your needs and build your business.

Entrepreneurs and non-profits constantly juggle projects and their own self-care. Breathe! We can relate! We are small business owners who have survived and thrived by collaborating with a “think tank” of other socially conscious businesses/community partners! Our work life balance trainers help clients project manage their busy lives and get to the heart and soul of their business and their life! We help clients execute well so they can escape back to what makes them feel great! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc….the ”just ask us” therapists! You talk, we listen. We share, we collaborate, You breathe!

Our services include:
  • Business Management Consulting Services
  • Life Coaching
  • MWBE Consulting/Prepare NYC/NYS MWBE Certification Applications
  • Public Speaking
  • Project Management
  • Training
  • Career Preparation
  • Customer Service
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Networking
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.,
a Certified NYC & NYS Minority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)
Kecia Palmer-Cousins, MBA

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.

Office: 914.737.7237
Cell: 914.512.4373

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.