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 MWBE Monday to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Community Family!
We hope that everyone had a safe, socially distanced, healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
Wow! What a year it has been. It had milestones and challenges. However, we are all still standing and looking forward to better days for the remainder of this year and beyond. Let’s continue to keep our family, friends, clients, communities, etc. in our prayers as we seek an end to this Covid-19 pandemic.
The holiday blues are very real for many. Loss of loved ones, jobs, homes, health, food insecurities, disruptions in our educational system, etc. can lead many to be depressed. Let’s be kind, patient and gentle to each other every day! Friendly smiles and wellness checks go a long way!
|
|
PARTS OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY ADDED TO YELLOW ZONE LIST
Many of you know that Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins wears many hats. She is also the COO and co-owner of G&K Sweet Foods, LLC, a MWBE Certified baked goods company. Kecia and her friend, CEO and
co-owner, Gay Wheeler-Smith, manufacture a variety of “thaw and serve” desserts.
G&K Sweet Foods, LLC’s signature product, “Grandma’s Momma’s Legacy 'Licious Sweet Potato Pie”, is available as a frozen sweet potato pie mix in a pouch, sweet potato tarts, mini-, medium- and large-sized pies. They also offer a variety of chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, pound cake slices, cranberry almond granola bars and more. They were one of 35 caterers at the 2014 Super Bowl at Met Life Stadium. The G&K Sweet Foods, LLC team had fun serving over 1,500 of their mini pies to the attendees at the VIP 2014 Super Bowl party at the Super Bowl! Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child loved our pies!
|
|
|
|
914-788-3697 for additional information and or to place your pie and cookie order this holiday season.
|
|
Last Saturday, Kecia was interviewed on News 12 and provided safety tips as we gather together with our family and friends this week to celebrate Thanksgiving. G&K Sweet Foods, LLC was one of the vendors at the Peekskill Farmers Market (G&K Sweet Foods, LLC – Sweet Potato pies). The interview was featured as News12 Top Story! Thanks NEWS 12!!!!!!
BID President Bill Powers and BID Farmers Market Manager Chereese Jervis-Hill (Owner/CEO of Events to Remember and recently NYC MWBE Certified with Kecia’s assistance) were also interviewed. Watch here.
|
|
2020 ELECTION UPDATE
I have to admit that I am still trying to adjust to the days getting darker earlier.
|
|
However, I am truly happy that Election Day 2020 has finally come to an end and every single absentee ballot is and or will be counted.
What does Democracy look like? Well, the people have spoken and it looks like United States Presidential Candidate Joe Biden (former VP) and Vice-Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris (US Senator from California) are winners!
|
|
We survived Election Day 2020! Congratulations to the BIDEN-HARRIS Team on their victory. May God bless them and as they do their best to help heal our nation and ensure liberty and justice for all here in the United States. Much success to them and their growing transitional team!
Election Day was Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020! Thanks to everyone who voted!
|
|
MWBE MONDAY RESOURCES
Below are some financial resources that MWBES and small business owners can apply for to help them get through these challenging times. We’ve got your back! We’ve got your back!
|
|
HUDSON VALLEY GATEWAY BUSINESS OWNERS OF COLOR SURVEY |
|
The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber is conducting a survey to better understand the challenges faced by business owners of color. You do not need to be a Chamber member to complete the survey. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. Please consider sharing the survey with your business associates. The survey will be open until 12/4/20. Thank you in advance for your feedback!
Mission
The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce is an organization of business and civic members joined to promote and open opportunities for its members by exchanging ideas, educating and advocating on behalf of businesses in order to foster the growth and well-being of its members, and to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.
Vision
To be the leading advocate and resource for promoting and supporting businesses of all types and sizes, including being the leading resource sought by the public for information about tourism, local events, and business education in the communities we serve.
|
|
|
|
Deborah Milone is the
President of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce
Marianne Oros is the
Chairman of the Board
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s CEO
Kecia Palmer-Cousins is a HVGCC Board Member and member of the HVGCC
Equity and Diversity Committee
The HVGCC Equity and
Diversity Committee is chaired by Jann Mirchandani
|
|
|
Check out this HVGCC link to find out more about the great things that the chamber does every day to support our local businesses! Join today! You’ll be glad that you did!
|
|
THE RIVER JOURNAL and
RIVER JOURNAL NORTH
Jann Mirchandani (r), with HV Gateway Chamber board member
Kecia Palmer-Cousins (l) and Chair Marianne Oros. Photo by Kevin Cousins
|
|
River Journal Online – News for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Irvington, Ossining, & Briarcliff Manor
The River Journal and River Journal North publications support local businesses like yours by offering the opportunity to reach and engage with our 135,000+ consumers online and in their print editions, delivered directly by USPS to the mailboxes of virtually EVERY household in the communities they serve.
Congratulations also to other colleagues of Kecia that were featured in this article:
- Peekskill NAACP President Valerie Eaton
- Black Diamond Academic Success Program’s CEO Martin McDonald
- The Business Council of Westchester's CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon.
Renewed demands for racial equity in America following the death of George Floyd have resulted in many promises of change, including at the local level.
At Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, based in Peekskill and also covering Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, and other areas, Jann Mirchandani, chair of its new Equity and Diversity Committee, said, “The Chamber board wanted to speak as one voice, and stand behind the movement for justice and equity. We’re committed to putting action behind our words.”
The new committee seeks to assist Black and minority business owners with problems such as access to capital, finding usable space, and networking. “We don’t want to presume that we know the answers. We want to ask business owners where the gaps are and what they need.” The work has started with a survey that was distributed in early November, but “There’s no road map. We are all feeling our way,” Mirchandani said.
|
|
|
|
‘We can’t do this alone.’
– Valerie Eaton
‘Systemic racism is pervasive, intentional and nasty.’ – Martin McDonald
|
|
|
NAACP OUTREACH
One source of valuable support has been the Peekskill branch of NAACP, to whom Mirchandani reached out. President Valerie Eaton welcomed its initiative: “We have been fighting for social justice for many years and we can’t do this alone,” she said. “Together we can make effective change.” Eaton is optimistic about the shift and local awareness to push for change. “2020 has provided 20/20 vision,” she said. She urges groups to join forces with NAACP, citing its advocacy experience to address inequalities.
Entrepreneur Martin McDonald has a new non-profit, Black Diamonds Academic Success, Inc., which aims to empower and encourage young men of color to make academic excellence ‘the new normal’ in school districts across the state of New York.
MAKING PROGRESS
“I actually think that my business will benefit in some ways from the heightened awareness around racial inequity that is experienced by many minority–owned
businesses,” he said. “I am optimistic some of the challenges of systemic racism will be diminished. We are making progress, but have a ways to go. There is much more to be done because systemic racism is so pervasive, intentional and nasty.”
|
|
|
|
‘The challenge will be to keep the business community focused on these issues.’ – Marsha Gordon
Among the most prominent groups supporting systemic change is the Business Council of Westchester (BCW). Marsha Gordon, President and CEO, says, “The BCW has always worked to have a diverse, inclusive culture, but the George Floyd crisis certainly spurred our organization to develop a comprehensive program and action–oriented response.”
|
|
RESOURCE CENTER
The BCW has launched an Anti-Racism Resource Center, providing free programming to members and their employees with a variety of topics such as Fostering Inclusion in the Workplace and Coping with Civil Unrest. “The challenge,” says Gordon, “will be to keep the community and the business community for the BCW focused on these issues and continue to make positive strides in the area of diversity and inclusion.”
The Ossining Public Library’s website has a resource page listing “Community Organizations Committed to Equity” including a link to the Facebook page of "Race Amity of Northern Westchester and Putnam.”
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson formed a Diversity & Inclusion Committee two years ago. Recently, the Croton-Harmon school district hosted a robust
Community Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion in our Schools that drew nearly 80 participants on Zoom for a nearly two-hour, candid exchange of experiences perceptions on a broad range of topics.
Rebeccah Worth is a freelance writer based in Northern Westchester.
|
|
GARDEN STATE MINORITY, WOMEN and VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS 2020 VIRTUAL MARKETPLACE EXCHANGE SUMMIT |
|
Join us on December 9th
The NJ Office of Diversity and Inclusion has partnered with the NJ Economic Development Authority and NJ Supplier Diversity Development Council to provide the first-of-its-kind full-day Virtual Marketplace Exchange Summit for diverse business owners and entrepreneurs. On Wednesday, December 9th, we will bring you center stage to the key sector industries of Construction, Technology, Transportation, Financial Services, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Commodities, and Utilities. Moving the event online will allow us to host two keynote panels and 1000 Matchmaking Sessions that will deliver real contract opportunities and access to capital directly to your desktop or device. We are excited to kick off the event and can’t wait for you to join us from wherever you are.
Who Should Attend:
- Minority, Women, Veteran, and LGBTQ business owners and entrepreneurs interested in working with Federal, State, County, and Municipal Government Agencies, Corporate Buyers, and Prime Contractors
- Corporations and nonprofits looking to introduce their organizations to NJ’s diverse business community.
For registered Attendees, the Summit offers:
- Opportunities to connect with Government Agencies, Corporate Buyers and Prime Contractors
-
Procurement Matchmaking Sessions (Spaces are limited.)
- Virtual Exhibit Booths (live networking and downloadable resources)
|
|
NEW YORK WOMEN’s CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPCOMING WEBINARS
for Women-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurs
|
|
Every startup’s funding journey is different, but most share one thing in common: they are long and complicated. How does a budding entrepreneur secure the funding needed to scale without relinquishing equity? Through Online fundraising!
Join this virtual lunch and learn led by Virginia Almendarez, Startup Coach at IFundWomen, the go-to funding marketplace for women-owned businesses and the people who want to support them with access to capital, coaching, and connections. Virginia will advise on how to navigate each step of your fundraising journey with great intention. This session will equip you with insider insights that will give you the confidence to carry out an online fundraising campaign that will propel your business to the next level!
When: December 2, 2020; 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
Where: Online via Webex
|
|
Join our Partners at the Harlem Community Development Corporation (HCDC)
for Their Next Free Webinar!
|
|
Dear Neighbors,
-
Tenants with legal and/or housing court-related questions are warmly invited to join City Council Member, Helen Rosenthal for her December Housing Clinic – "Breaking Down the Basics of Non-Payment Eviction Cases" – next Wednesday, December 2nd, from 6 to 7pm. The clinic will be conducted via Zoom.
- You can submit questions in advance when you register, and questions will also be taken during the event via Zoom's chat function. The presentation will be led by Goddard Riverside Law Project.
|
|
If you are facing a possible eviction, help is available. You can access free legal services on Council Member, Helen Rosenthal's website HERE.
|
|
To help PPP borrowers prepare their PPP Forgiveness Application package before 2021, SBA New York District Office has scheduled the weekly webinar in December.
|
|
PPP Forgiveness Application and
EIDL Request for Reconsideration
Join SBA to learn about qualifications and instructions of PPP Forgiveness Form 3508S, Form 3508 and Form 3508EZ; Changes of Ownership, and EDIL Request for Reconsideration!
Following Date of Webinars:
-
Thurs. Dec 3, 2020 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
-
Mon. Dec 14, 2020 at 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
-
Mon. Dec 21, 2020 at 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
-
Mon. Dec 28, 2020 at 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
To register, please contact Ms. Man-Li Lin at man-li.li@sba.gov providing the date/time that you want to attend, and you will receive the Zoom link.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
|
|
2020 NEW YORK STATE MWBE VIRTUAL FORUM
10 YEARS OF CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
Even though registration is closed, the website is still a great resource to tap into as part of MWBE procurement journey. Contact the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team today and let us be your guide to navigating your way through government procurement!
|
|
Have a safe and great week! Stay connected with us so you stay connected! Follow us on our social media! We will get through 2020 together!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
