NAWBO CA Applauds President Biden’s Announcement on New Actions to Build Black Wealth and Narrow the Racial Wealth Gap
During the commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, President Biden announced an intentional measure to advance and support the nation’s Black-owned businesses. This announcement comes as the Black community reflects on the carnage and economic devastation that brought down Greenwood, a prosperous African American community, which included Black Wall Street.
The full White House Fact Sheet outlines President Biden’s historic remarks, which included aims to:
- Using the Government’s Purchasing Power to Drive an additional $100 Billion to Small Disadvantaged Business Owners. The federal government is the largest consumer of goods in the world, buying everything from software to elevator services to financial and asset management, Federal procurement is one of our most powerful tools to advance equity and build wealth in underserved communities. And yet, just roughly 10 percent of federal agencies’ total eligible contracting dollars typically go to small disadvantaged businesses (SDB), a category under federal law for which Black-owned, Latino-owned, and other minority-owned businesses are presumed to qualify. Increasing federal spending with these businesses will help more Americans realize their entrepreneurial dreams and help narrow racial wealth gaps. In 2019, for instance, the gap in business ownership between Black and Latino households, relative to White households, accounted for 25 percent of the overall racial wealth gap between these groups.
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Invest $31 Billion to Scale Up Efforts to Support Minority-Owned Small Businesses. Too many small businesses owned by people of color struggle to access loans and federal programs that can help them grow and succeed. President Biden has proposed a historic effort to tackle these persistent challenges and empower small business creation and expansion in communities of color. Specifically, the President’s American Jobs Plan will invest $30 billion in new Small Business Administration (SBA) initiatives that will reduce barriers to small business ownership and success. These initiatives will increase access to capital by establishing a new direct loan program for the smallest businesses, developing new loan products to support small manufacturers and businesses that invest in clean energy, and launching a new Small Business Investment Corporation that will make early-stage equity investments in small businesses with priority for those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The American Jobs Plan will also invest billions of dollars in SBA technical assistance programs that incubate and offer mentoring and technical assistance to 8(a) firms, reinforce the American subcontracting network to create pathways to prime contracting, encourage Fortune 500 firms to diversify their procurements, and bring more socially and economically disadvantaged businesses into federal research and development programs. These investments will also include an innovative new $1 billion grant program through the Minority Business Development Agency that will help minority-owned manufacturers access private capital.
The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Office of Government Contracting & Business Development manage more than two dozen Cabinet and Federal agencies in meeting the contracting goals as it relates to SBDs and economically disadvantaged firms. To learn more about this announcement, visit here.
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We have so much to celebrate this month. After a year of being cooped up indoors, I know we are ready to enjoy those longer days and more sunshine. We can do so by listening to some good music as we celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month.
Black Music Appreciation Month celebrates the music of African Americans. It can be traced back to the days of slavery.
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In the fields as slaves were working you could hear them singing songs to pass the time. As slaves became Christians, a religion forced upon them, they began singing hymns later termed spirituals. These spirituals later evolved into gospel music.
Hopefully, you downloaded the playlist from Propel. If not, here are a few women who will keep you motivated, inspired and hopefully moving.
Yes, We Can by: Sheila E
Rise Up by: Andra Day
Just Fine by Mary J. Blige
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Juneteenth is Saturday, June 19th. Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. |
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As you know ‘Diversity is an Absolute Asset:
We’re Celebrating LGBTQ + Pride.
While there are many ways to show your excitement for Pride (attending a march, sporting your rainbow all month long, volunteering your time or donating to LGBTQ+ organizations). One activity we love is supporting NAWBO CA LGBTQ+ women owned businesses — using our spending power to drive change. We know how powerful it can be when we let our dollars speak for us. We have a choice on where we spend our dollars. Let’s be intentional this month to find some amazing LGBTQ+ run businesses in California and make a commitment to support them all month long. It can be the Oprah approved popcorn, hair care, coaching and development, and/ or coffee.
Here a few recommendations:
As we celebrate Pride, let us not be confused. We also acknowledge the reality of inequality and discrimination that LGBTQ+ women face. For example, Black LGBTQ+ women in a same-sex couple are three times more likely to be poor than white women in same-sex couples. Latina women in same-sex couples are twice as likely to be poor. The average lesbian woman makes 12% less than the average heterosexual woman.
Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act that protects sex discrimination in the workplace applies to gay, lesbian and transgender workers as well. A step in the right direction, but there’s still plenty of work that needs to be done.
We do better when we do it together. If you want to grow, you must be willing to change. We must continue to Drive Change even through Diversity.
***MARK YOUR CALENDARS**
Join us June 30th at 1:00pm
For a Fire Side Chat with Tara Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate
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Tara Lynn Gray was appointed by Governor Newsom to Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate on March 19, 2021. Prior to her appointment, she was Chief Executive Officer of the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation (FMBCF), where she engaged, educated, and empowered small businesses in California’s Central Valley.
Gray has leveraged the green economy to advance equity, developed an employment & training program in green jobs for young adults 18-24 years old, and managed a network of organizations working to advance electric vehicle ownership. As part of the region’s DRIVE Investment Plan, Gray was instrumental in developing the local initiative Betting Big on Small Businesses Owned by Women and People of Color which aims to provide economic mobility for entrepreneurs in disinvested neighborhoods, closing opportunity gaps, and providing culturally competent entrepreneur education & technical assistance.
Gray has been an Advisor for Solano and Alameda County Small Business Development Centers, served as a non-profit Program Manager and Director of Operations as well as run her own consulting business. Past and present boards and commissions include Central Valley New Market Tax Credit Fund, CA Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Caltrans Small Business Council, State of CA Employment Development Department Small Business Employer Advisory Committee (EDD SBEAC), CA Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission, and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP).
Gray’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from St. Mary’s College, Moraga, CA; a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ; a Management Development for Entrepreneurs Certificate, UCLA Anderson School of Management; and various Information Technology certifications.
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2021 Upcoming Events
National Events:
Diversity Matters: Diversity is an ABSOLUTE ASSET
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Remember the work you do today, builds a better tomorrow. Vikita Poindexter
Blessings,
Vikita Poindexter, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP
CA Insurance License #0K21140
Poindexter Consulting Group, LLC.
2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Award Winner
2020 Women of Influence Awards Nominee, San Diego Woman’s Advocate Award
2019 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award Winner
2019 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Finalist
Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce
2008 and 2009 Citizen of the Year Nominee
2008 and 2009 Sterling Business of the Year Nominee
951.926.9069 OFFICE
866.608.5556 TOLL FREE
951.346.3581 FAX
President, NAWBO-CA
National Association of Women Business Owners, State of California
Executive Council Member
AARP California
Appointed Diversity Task Force Member
California Department of Insurance
Insurance Diversity Initiative (IDI)
Committee Member
Labor and Employment Issues/Workforce Skills and Education/Workers Compensation
California Small Business Association
Co-Chair Ambassador Committee
BizFed Los Angeles County Business Federation
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A Message from the President of the NAWBO-CA Education Fund |
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Is your NAWBO Chapter looking for new sponsors? It’s a loaded question, I know. The great news is I have a new avenue for you to consider.
As president of the NAWBO-CA Education Fund, our BOD and I want to encourage you to think beyond your current sponsors and even the relationships you have within each sponsor company.
Your Corporate sponsors graciously support your chapter 501(c )(6) through their marketing and business advocacy budgets. Some of these same sponsors who already know and love you, may also have foundation budgets. The foundation budgets can sponsor a 501 (c )(3). They don’t regularly associate that with NAWBO.
That’s where our Ed Fund comes in. We are a 501(c )(3) charitable organization formed in 2010 to expand educational opportunities for emerging and established women entrepreneurs. The Ed Fund can help any of our chapters, even if you already have a 501 (c )(3) that operates parallel to your NAWBO chapter BOD.
Our programs are strictly educational in nature – think leadership, governance, organizational growth, anything non-advocacy. Our largest current program is Pathways to Corporate Boards sponsored by Southern California Edison.
Imagine a grant to the Ed Fund, then funneled through us to your chapter for a small fee, that will cover a leadership development day, a business-building workshop, a BOD governance seminar. These are all examples of how a sponsor’s foundation grant can be used for the women business owners in your area.
I hope your wheels are spinning now. We have a flyer with additional information here. If you are interested in learning more, please connect with me or Andrea at NAWBO-CA. Thank you!
Mindy Bortness
Founder, Communication Works, Inc.
President, NAWBO CA Education Fund
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Special event: Coffee and Conversation with Hilda Kennedy |
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Grab your coffee and join us online to meet Hilda Kennedy, founder of AmPac Business Capital, NAWBO-SFBA Board member, NAWBO-IE member, and NAWBO-CA 2021 Woman Business Owner of the Year! Learn about Hilda's journey from Chief of Staff for the City of Inglewood Mayor’s Office to the White House serving underserved communities as part of the Small Business Administration Council. We'll start at 10:30 with small breakout sessions, then join Hilda at 11:00.
June 16 | 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
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Register for CAMEO’s second virtual Advocacy Day! We started 2021 with a new proposed infrastructure plan and grants for California's small businesses but we can do more.
Join us on June 8, 2021 from 10:00am to 5:00pm for a day filled with amazing speakers, meetings with legislatures, and let's not forget, FUN!
We'll be joined by Tara Lynn Gray, the new Director, Office of the Small Business Advocate, California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
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The Women's Business Enterprise Council Pacific presents: Empower U - Level Up Marketing for CEOs on June 9 from 1:00 - 2:00.
Marketing information, tailored for a business owner, will answer questions such as:
- How much money should I spend on marketing?
- How can I improve our lead generation campaigns without breaking the bank?
- What marketing tactics do I need to do to get noticed?
- What do Supplier Diversity Managers look for in our marketing materials?
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NAWBO-CA Advocacy & Public Policy report
June is already shaping up to be an active month as several bills supported by NAWBO-CA and important to women business owners are moving ahead through the legislative process.
Legislation that would increase access to capital and expand procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses are advancing largely due to NAWBO-CA’s support. We have proved to be a major influence with the Legislature as the Budget Committee reviews NAWBO-CA’s support of important funding to the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) whose mission is to provide assistance and guidance to small and start-up businesses at no charge.
The status of key bills important to women business owners, as well as information related to GO-Biz, gubernatorial actions, and more is in our June report. A brief summary of all tracked bills is here.
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NAWBO SFBA is proud to partner with the Official Cyber Security Summit this year for the Virtual 4th Annual Silicon Valley Cyber Security Summit on Wednesday, June 9.
Admission is normally $95, but SFBA has secured Exclusive FREE Admission!
Earn up to 8 Continuing Education Credits by attending the day in full.
Join virtually and learn about the latest cyber security threats facing your company, best cyber hygiene practices, solutions to protect against a cyber attack, and much more.
The Director of Operations of The NSA, Red Team will be leading a Security Keynote – “Looking Through the Eyes of the Cyber Attacker” - Exclusively at the Cyber Security Summit!
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NAWBO Ventura County invites you to the 21st BRAVA Awards (previously known as BRAVO). Join Ventura as they celebrate six outstanding and fearless women who represent this year’s theme: “Diversity, Resilience, Transformation: Bold Women Creating Her-story.”
This year’s awards celebration is sponsored in part by Chase and includes lunch, an "Extraordinary Woman" Gift bag and a powerful and inspirational talk by our NAWBO-CA President, Vikita Poindexter.
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NAWBO Ventura County was thrilled to see their NAWBO sisters, Seana-Marie Sesma, Mary Maranville and Lynnette Coverly included in such an amazing group of women as finalist for this years Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards. Thank you to Women's Economic Ventures for the the recognition of these amazing women.
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We want to extend a very warm and heartfelt congratulations to all the other finalists and a special shout out to two NAWBO sisters that won in their category: Lynnette Coverly, Coverly Pro in the Media and Communications category and Mary Maranville, SEE-ag in the Non-Profit category. NAWBO VC is so proud of these two women that are making a difference in the world of marketing and non-profits. |
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