September 12, 2023

Dear Ruth,

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a law that prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities and requires employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain these individuals.

If you have any questions, please contact us at OFCCPoutreach@dol.gov

Click Here to Register

SUCCESS STORY

Leafy Beans Coffee

Cynthia F. McConnell, founder of Leafy Beans Coffee LLC, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2021, driven by her passion for exceptional coffee. Her quest led her to the high-altitude farms of Chiapas, Mexico, where indigenous families, descendants of the Maya, have nurtured Arabic coffee beans in volcanic soil since 1850.

With the ability to speak Spanish, Cynthia directly engaged with these communities, forging a unique partnership. She not only sourced exquisite beans but also ensured fair wages for the local workers who picked and processed the coffee. Cynthia's commitment to sustainability extended to recycling unused bean parts, contributing to the land.

Cynthia discovered NEW-WBC through one of our partners, the Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce. She learned that our organization offered free resources and tools for women entrepreneurs like herself. After scheduling her first counseling session, the NEW-WBC opened networking opportunities for Leafy Beans Coffee! Cynthia attended general business courses such as, Web Design, Procurement and even signed up  for her first NEW-WBC community event, our own Food Expo as a vendor. 

Though venturing into the business world was a challenge, Cynthia persevered, supported by her loved ones. Her biggest hurdle was mastering the export/import process, but with determination, she succeeded.

Did we mention, she stopped by our Canoga Park office and graced us with her super delicious, Leafy Beans Coffee? Which by the way, is truly one of a kind!

Today, Leafy Beans Coffee stands apart for its direct engagement with indigenous communities and dedication to ethical practices. Cynthia's mission is clear: to introduce the world to the rich coffee beans of Mexico, one delicious cup at a time.

 “NEW-WBC has shown me that there is a lot of help and resources. Just ask and they will gladly help with a smile and at no cost!” - Cynthia McConnell

For more information, check out her website: www.leafybeanscoffee.com

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Ric Saenz, Finance Business Manager

The Small Business Lending Support Team

We highly recommend that you visit our upcoming Women’s Business Center entrepreneurial webinars on our website that may help you in putting your business in a stronger position to receive a Grant or a Loan using this link and scroll down. https://neworg.ecenterdirect.com/events?reset=1

GRANTS

The Grants below have deadlines so please make sure you read the requirements thoroughly and apply accordingly. If the links do not activate, please copy and paste to your browser.

-- Economic Workforce Development Department 

Monitor the following website for upcoming Grants. This website has provided the most grants of any organization in Los Angeles and maybe a Fourth Round of  $ 5,000 Grants will happen again.  See below….

https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/recovery/comebackla

1.    CA Grants Portal

The California Grants Portal (a project by the California State Library) is your one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.

https://www.grants.ca.gov/

2.  Clean Vehicle Grant Program

The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provides grants and affordable financing to help income-qualified Californians purchase or lease a new or used plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, or electric vehicle. Our goal is to make clean vehicles accessible and affordable to all who qualify.

The Grant program is for California residents who live in a disadvantage community (DAC) and meet the income requirement. Learn more about eligibility.

https://cleanvehiclegrants.org/

3.   LA County Performance Recovery Grant (Closed but sign up for newsletter)

Is a new grant initiative designed to support the region’s dynamic performing arts sector. Through this initiative, the LA County Department of Arts and Culture will deliver $1.2 million in one-time funding to artists, independent producers, and organizations that have a demonstrated history of developing, producing, and/or presenting work in the performing arts disciplines such as dance, music, theater, and folk and traditional arts. 

https://www.lacountyarts.org/funding/la-county-performing-arts-recovery-grant

4.  LA Optimized                                                                                                                           The City of Los Angeles Economic Workforce and Development Department (EWDD) in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and Council Districts with Braven Agency as Lead Operator are digitizing Los Angeles small businesses with LA Optimized!

LA Optimized will help small businesses adapt to this rapidly changing shift in consumer behavior and technological advances by assisting Small Businesses optimize their businesses for online sales and marketing by:

https://www.lacityoptimized.org/

5.   Hello Alice- Great Resource For Small Business Grants 

                                    (Must create an Account)

Discover small business grants for every stage of your small business adventure, recommended based on your unique profile and delivered to your inbox weekly. The search for free money doesn't get any easier!

This organization partners with major companies that are offering specialized Grants.

https://helloalice.com/funding/grants/

6.    14 Small Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

https://www.hiscox.com/blog/15-small-business-grants-women-entrepreneurs

7.  Minority Business Message Board

Discover the power of the Minority Business 365 Message Boards and see how our 300,000 members can benefit you AND your small business!

https://minoritybusiness365.com/

8.  Amber Grants 

The Foundation awards $10,000 to a different women-owned business every month.  There are also $ 10.000 Monthly Grants for Startups, Non-profits, and Business Category.     At the end of each year, 2 of the 12 grant winners are awarded an additional $ 25,000.

https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/

9.   VERIZON FOUNDATION GRANT

Verizon Foundation has a grant of $10,000 every 6 months. All you need to do is watch two videos and they will add you to the list. Every six months, 100 companies are selected for the grant. 

 https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-training?utm_source=lisc-new-economics-for-women-(new)&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=digital-ready-launch&utm_term=local-champion-los-angeles

10.   Bank of America® Down Payment Grant Program

The program is designed to drive business growth and generational wealth opportunities for women and minority-owned small to mid-sized businesses.

https://promotions.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/downpaymentgrant

11.   Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program

(Round 1 is now closed.  Stay connected to apply as soon as Round 2 opens)

Did your small business provide supplemental paid leave during the pandemic? Apply today for a CA Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Grant of $5,000-$50,000!

The Program will award funds to eligible businesses and nonprofits that have incurred costs for COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave pursuant to Sections 248.6 and 248.7 of the Labor Code.  Funds are limited and will be awarded based on eligibility and availability of funds.

www.caspsl.com

12. FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund (2023) You Must Create a Hello Alice Account

Deadline: Oct 06, 2023 at 3:00pm PDT

Start your FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund application by creating an account on the right. This program aims to support military-connected entrepreneurs and/or entrepreneurs with disabilities.

https://app.helloalice.com/grants/fedex-entrepreneur-fund-2023?utm_source=Newsletter_Inclusions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FedEx_Grant_2023

LOANS

If you need a quick Loan from $ 1,000 to $ 36,000 with no Limited Financial Documentation @ 0% for 12-36 months, you may want to consider applying to the organizations below.

1.    Kiva Los Angeles

Since 2005 KIVA has been helping borrowers crowd-Lend up to $ 15,000 @ 0% with payment terms of 12-36 months depending on the Loan you are awarded.

Sign up for “How to Succeed In Getting a Kiva Loan” Webinar, Sept. 20 @ 3pm

https://neworg.ecenterdirect.com/events/1021486

2.    Jewish Free Loan Association

A Non-Profit organization offering interest free loans since 1904. Assisting all communities with 0% no fee loans up to $36,000. Must have a FICO score of 680+ for any request over $7,500 and two qualified guarantors. Loans under $7,500 require a FICO score of 580+ and one qualified guarantor.  

Must be a US citizen and complete an online application and submit supporting documents. A virtual interview is required, and the process generally takes 2-4 weeks. If approved, funds are deposited into your bank account and payment begins approximately 30-45 days after funding. Loans are paid back in 36 months.

www.jfla.org     

3.  The Black Cooperative Investment Fund (BCIF) information.

Founded in 2016 and launched in January 2017, the Black Cooperative Investment Fund (BCIF) is a a 501(c)3, community-based organization rooted in self-help economics that provides microloans to the Black community through pooled dollars and raises awareness about the importance of economic empowerment, equity, and wealth building for the Black community.

http://www.bcifund.org/

4. The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

IBank’s Small Business finance Center features a loan guarantee program designed to assist small businesses that experience capital access barriers. The Small Business Loan Guarantee program encourages lenders to provide funds to small businesses to help them grow and prosper.

https://ibank.ca.gov/small-business/loan-guarantees/  

Much Success To All Of You!

NEW Women’s Business Center                                            

"We Exist To Spark Economic Mobility"

https://neworg.ecenterdirect.com/events?reset=1

WWW.NEW-WBC.ORG

Irene Vazquez

Program Manager

ivazquez@neworg.uss 

818-650-1168

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

Date: Thursday, October 19th

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

General Admission: $35.00

Join us to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States.

We will have an amazing afternoon sharing delicious food, networking and learning about opportunities to export their products and services.

Secrets of Food and Product Photography for

Your Restaurant

Date: 9/13/2023

Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (PDT) 

Description:

Do you wish your food pictures were more Instagram-worthy? Learn how to take pictures of your food products using the iPhone or Android. Topics discussed will be composition, lighting, and editing apps to create pictures that sell!