FUNDING: Grants, Loans, etc.
This year, Progressive is dedicating $1 million to award 20 deserving businesses with a $50,000 grant each. Grant recipients will also be invited to attend an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program, designed to equip business owners with the tools and resources to help them achieve their growth objectives. Applications are open through June 14, 2024 at 6 p.m. ET.
To qualify for the grant program, you must:
• Be an entrepreneur who is the leading executive of a for-profit business located and registered in one of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia; excluding U.S. Territories;
• Have 10 or fewer employees and less than $5M in annual gross revenue;
• Have a demonstrated need for a qualifying commercial vehicle to run your business and a clear plan for growth as a result of this vehicle purchase;
• Not be an independent contractor whose primary business is for a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, or third-party food delivery such as UberEats, DoorDash, PostMates, Grubhub, Instacart, etc. No purchase necessary. 18+, U.S. only. For official rules and how to enter, see the Terms and Conditions and FAQ. Apply by clicking here.
Don’t miss out on the Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator hosted by Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), and Etsy. Participants benefit from grant capital, expert advice, a valuable community of fellow entrepreneurs, and a tailored growth plan. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Apply by May 13 by clicking here.
Could your business use more funds to grow? Accion Opportunity Fund is here to help! A working capital loan up to $250,000 can be used for purchasing equipment, inventory, hiring new staff, advertising, and much more. Click here to see if a working capital loan is right for you.
Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity unveiled a $4.1 million grant program for Small and Micro Businesses in LA County affected by COVID-19 and the 2023 Hollywood Double Strikes. Visit For more information click here. Or visit grants.lacounty.gov to learn more and apply today!
Got a big idea for your small business? California Small Business Loan Match empowers entrepreneurs like you through responsible lending. Are you a small business owner looking for a good loan to grow your business? Let California Small Business Loan Match connect you with more than 20 pre-vetted, mission-driven lenders with loans you can trust, at no-cost. We’re powered by IBank, the state government agency helping to promote a healthy economic climate and improving quality of life in California communities. Get started in less than 10 minutes with a brief pre-application and no credit check required! Find funding by clicking here.
LISC LA’s Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) program was created to help small businesses owned by people of color in Los Angeles County grow their companies, build wealth, and create or maintain jobs. In partnership with LISC LA, Inclusive Action for the City is offering eligible business owners loan capital from $5,000 to $30,000 to support with the acquisition of machinery, equipment, and/or inventory.
The HerRise MicroGrants, offering $1,000 each, are open to women of color entrepreneurs across diverse fields. Your business must be 51% owned by women of color; Currently registered in the US; Less than $1 million in gross revenue. https://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/ for more information.
The Kitty Fund makes small micro-investments in Moms who are running employer-based small businesses with two or more employees. The $25,000 fund will make investments to 25 Mom business owners in the form of $1,000 micro-grants. https://foundersfirstcdc.org/kitty-fund for more info.
The Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program will provide over $46 million in direct financial assistance to qualified landlords to help mitigate the negative economic impacts of the pandemic that have left many tenants behind on rent.
The Rent Relief Program will offer grants of up to $30,000 per unit to eligible landlords for expenses dating from April 1, 2022, to the present. The program is specifically designed with a focus on helping small, mom-and-pop landlords who own up to four rental units. Its goal is to reduce tenant evictions due to rent arrears, maintain the viability of small-scale rental businesses, and ensure availability of affordable housing in LA County.
Landlords can apply for the LA County Rent Relief Program beginning in mid-December. The application process will be easy and straightforward, and applicants will receive free multilingual technical support from community partners to guide them through the process and assist with gathering the necessary documentation.
To receive program updates and be notified when the online application opens, register today at lacountyrentrelief.com.
Jewish Free Loan Association: Small Business loans up to $36,000 are available, with 2 guarantors.
Eligibility:
· Applicants must be permanent residents of Los Angeles or Ventura county.
· Applicants must have credit scores of 680 or better, demonstrate need, and have the ability to repay the loan.
· Two guarantors with good credit and steady income are required on each loan up to $36,000.
· Applicant must submit required documentation, by email, to JFLA prior to a virtual interview.
· Each applicant presents individual circumstances to be considered by Jewish Free Loan.
Must be a for-profit business. Apply Here
Webinars, Seminars, etc.
The San Gabriel Valley Area Chamber Executives are collaborating to bring a FREE series of webinars to our members.
The Chambers of Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Baldwin Park, Claremont, El Monte/South El Monte, Glendora, Greater West Covina, Monrovia, Pomona, Regional Chamber (Walnut/Diamond Bar), Rosemead, San Dimas, South Pasadena, Temple City and Whittier Area are presenting Renewal and Resilience: Navigating the Future of Business in 2024.
The webinars are free and open to the public. Attendance is limited, so sign up right away by clicking here.
From the Pasadena City College Small Business Development Center (https://pccsbdc.org/workshops):
May 2024
Break Out of the Sea of Sameness With the Power of Storytelling- Presented by: Aleya Harris- Thursday, May 9th 1:00 PM
As you look across the industry landscape, all you see is how the once extraordinary has become trite. It has become exhausting to stay ahead of the pack with game-changing creativity only to watch the masses steal it.
In this interactive session, Aleya will teach you how to use storytelling elements to stand out by standing in the power of your unique journey. She'll leverage her expert knowledge of the StoryBrand SB7 Framework, the hero's journey, and energy-recalibration techniques to help you develop a theft-proof narrative that will articulate your uniqueness, connect with your ideal client, and leave an enduring legacy.
Takeaways Include:
• How to tell a captivating story that differentiates you from the competition and takes your business to the next level
• How to combine your story with that of your ideal client to create the magic "Meeting the Mentor" moment that catalyzes connection, transformation, and abundance
• Tangible storytelling, introspection, and copywriting techniques to craft your narrative and immediately improve your marketing messages
Elevate Your Business Plan with Software Powered Innovation - Presented by: Craig Cappai- Wednesday, May 15th 11:00 AM
Unlock the true potential of your business with our upcoming webinar, "Elevate Your Business Plan with Software Powered Innovation." Dive into a comprehensive workshop designed to elevate your business planning process, ensuring that you not only chart a course for success but do so efficiently and effortlessly.
In this power-packed session, we will guide you through multiple facets of creating a robust business plan, whether you're forging an internal roadmap or seeking funding. Discover the art of setting measurable strategies and tactics, key elements that propel businesses towards their goals.
What Sets This Webinar Apart:
• Introducing a cutting-edge business plan software
• Creating a business plan will be more intuitive than ever before
• Say goodbye to complexity and welcome a seamless experience
Join us as we revolutionize your approach to business planning. It's not just a webinar; it's your gateway to strategic excellence and a future of unprecedented success. Don't miss out on this transformative event – secure your spot today!
"Wow! How?" Transform Your Pitch into a Startup Sensation! Presented by: Adam Chapnick Tuesday, May 21st 1:00 PM
Tired of hearing "Meh" when you talk about your startup? This workshop will get you turning heads instead! Whether you're wooing investors, charming customers, or rallying partners, we've got the secret sauce for you:
• Pinpoint the Pain To Make It Rain: Don your detective hat to uncover the key pain points plaguing your audience.
• The Power of Different Pitches: "Elevator," sales, and fundraising pitches – learn the differences and dominate them all.
• Sculpt Your Sales Wow: Transform the pain points into dazzling benefits. Craft a USP that makes your startup sing wherever customers find you.
• The "Wow How" Wizardry: Learn to drop jaws first and fill in the blanks later. Make them wonder, make them ponder, and then close with your how-to magic.
Led by startup financing veteran and creator of the Wow How Method, Adam Chapnick, this workshop promises laughs, learning, and a load of actionable insights. Wave goodbye to just telling people stuff, and hello to knocking 'em out. Ready to make your startup's story the one everyone remembers? Let's go!
Transform Your Small Business with Generative AI: Mastering ChatGPT, Canva Magic, and Google Gemini- Presented By: Deborah Deras, Mindful AI Expert Thursday, May 23rd 10:00 AM
In today's digital age, leveraging the power of Generative AI can set your small business apart. This hands-on training session is specifically designed for small business owners who are eager to explore the potential of Generative AI in transforming their business operations, marketing strategies, and customer engagement.
What You Will Learn:
• Introduction to Generative AI: Understand the basics of Generative AI and how it can be applied to various aspects of your business.
• Mastering ChatGPT for Enhanced Customer Interaction: Discover how ChatGPT can revolutionize your customer service and engagement, from automating responses to creating personalized interactions.
• Creative Design with Canva Magic: Dive into the world of Canva Magic, where we'll show you how to use its AI-driven design capabilities to create stunning graphics, marketing materials, and social media content effortlessly.
• Boost Your Online Presence with Google Gemini: Get to grips with Google Gemini, exploring how its AI capabilities can help optimize your online advertising campaigns.
• Integration Strategies: Understand how to seamlessly integrate ChatGPT, Canva Magic, and Google Gemini into your existing business workflows.
• Real-World Applications and Success Stories: Be inspired by success stories from small businesses that have successfully integrated these Generative AI tools.
What is the Best Legal Structure for my Company? What are the Tax Advantages? Presented by: Lori Williams-Tuesday, May 28th 8:00 AM
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of the various tax structures. The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings. The requirement for accounting, quarterly tax estimates and W2 salaries.
This webinar will cover:
1. Difference between a sole prop, LLC and S Corporation
2. Tax differences between the legal structures
3. Documents required for filling including annual reports
4. Tax estimates and reasonable salary requirements
Pacific Coast regional SBDC (PCR) https://pcrsbdc.org/workshops
May, 2024
Restaurant Academy: Restaurant Academy: Permits and Licenses for RestaurantsMay 13 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm-Webinar – PCR United States-Free
Restaurant Academy: Permits and Licenses for Restaurants Not sure of the legal process to start your food service business? We've got you covered! We will provide a step-by-step process to complete the state and local business registration steps. This will include incorporation, Fictitious Business Statement, Business License, Seller's Permit, how to quickly and cost effectively obtain your health permit for operation. Bring your questions, we've got answers.
Business Plan Essentials: How to Write Your Business Plan-May 21 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm-Webinar – PCR United States-Free
This workshop to help your businesses develop your business plan. You will review the purpose and benefits of a business plan, key components of the plan, and resources to help with research, business plan formats, and putting it all together. Plus get ready for homework, as you will review key components of your plan with the instructor or your advisor in a couple of weeks after the workshop. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »
Financial Fitness: Smart Credit Strategies for Entrepreneurs-May 25 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm-Webinar – PCR United States-Free
The "Improve Your Personal Credit for Lending Opportunities" workshop is designed to help individuals and business owners understand the factors that affect their credit scores and learn strategies to improve them. Whether you are looking to apply for a personal loan, business loan, or credit line, having a strong credit score can significantly increase your chances of approval and favorable terms. During this workshop, participants will learn about the different credit bureaus and how they calculate credit scores, the common…
June 2024
Increasing Your Profits: Sell More Spend Less-June 5 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm-Webinar – PCR United States-Free
Do you know how to use what you know to make your profits grow? During this workshop you will learn the steps you need to take to create a 90 day action plan to increase your sales. Have you been in business two years or more and hit a wall in your sales? We will teach you how to use the insights specifically around your customers to make changes and grow. Your BEST Customers value lower costs, increased profitability, reduced risk, greater efficiency,…
Business Plan Essentials: How to Write Your Business Plan- June 18 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Webinar – PCR United States - Free
This workshop to help your businesses develop your business plan. You will review the purpose and benefits of a business plan, key components of the plan, and resources to help with research, business plan formats, and putting it all together. Plus get ready for homework, as you will review key components of your plan with the instructor or your advisor in a couple of weeks after the workshop.
Restaurant Academy: Human Resources: Secrets to Being a Superstar Supervisor- June 24 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Webinar – PCR United States - Free
Human Resources: Secrets to Being a Superstar Supervisor You were an outstanding employee and now it’s your turn to be the Supervisor. Shifting from a task focused job position to a team leading position requires a shift in thinking and communicating. In this workshop, we will introduce to you the skills that will make you a successful leader whether you have just been promoted or have been a manager for a while. You will learn and receive tools on: The behaviors…
July 2024
Business Plan Essentials: How to Write Your Business Plan- July 16 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Webinar – PCR United States - Free
This workshop to help your businesses develop your business plan. You will review the purpose and benefits of a business plan, key components of the plan, and resources to help with research, business plan formats, and putting it all together. Plus get ready for homework, as you will review key components of your plan with the instructor or your advisor in a couple of weeks after the workshop.
Grow With Google: Learn The Basics of Google Ads- July 29 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Webinar – PCR United States- Free
In this workshop you will learn how to reach more customers and grow your business with Google Ads. We will cover how to create an account and set up an ad campaign, how to improve ad performance, and how to measure success.
October 2024
Grow With Google: Sell Online With ECommerce Tools- October 28 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm-Webinar – PCR United States- Free
Learn how to sell your products online. We'll walk through listing your products for free with a Google Business Profile and Merchant Center. And we'll show you one way to sell on your website, using an E-Commerce store built with Shopify. Plus, learn about more helpful tools to stand out online, such as Local Opportunity Finder and Grow My Store.
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS SBDC https://cocsbdc.org/workshops/
Webinar – Business Planning #2- May 8 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am-Webinar – COC-Free
Come ready to work on your business in this two-part training. Business planning is a tool to help your business! It’s an opportunity to create a road map and tell the story of the business with a focus on key elements. Highlighted Topics: Creating a Business Plan Goal Development Business Development Marketing Plans Advertising Strategies Financials – Overview
Webinar – 8 Steps to Improving Your Business’ Local SEO-May 8 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am-Webinar – COC-Free
Is your business not appearing in search returns from within your local market area? This is the webinar you will want to attend. Join SBDC Web Developer and Marketing Consultant, Darren Elliott as he explains the HOW, WHERE and WHY to improving your visibility with search returns from within your target area. The webinar is educational, informative, and fun! Sign up today, to help improve your Local Search Engine results.
Webinar – Explore Starting Your Home Based Business-May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
This informational Webinar, will give you a good overview of what it takes to Start Your Own Home-Based Business. Having this knowledge will nurture your dream of being self-employed and doing what you want to do in life. From selecting a business and getting it registered to how to balance your home life with our work life, this introduction will help you move forward towards entrepreneurship!
Webinar: Improving Employee Retention, Recruitment and Culture-May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
Description: As employers nationwide continue to struggle to find quality employees, employers must focus on their current staff and company culture to attract the best candidates for new available positions. This webinar will touch on ways to improve your current staff morale, offer tips for recruiting the best available candidates, and focus on your overall company culture. Presented by Kevin McVearry, a business advisor for the SBDC since 2012, with over 25 years of experience recruiting, training, and retaining employees…
Webinar – 8 Things to Know & Remember About Keyword Strategies-May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
You don’t have to be web savvy to know how to develop a good keyword strategy for your website. You will however, want to at least know the 8 key points to keep in mind before you take on the task. Join me, Darren Elliott for the second presentation of this three-part series, that’s all about understanding how keywords works, and how we can strengthen them, by having a smart strategy in place.
Webinar – DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Certification-May 9 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm -Webinar – COC-Free
This webinar will give you a detailed overview of the DBE application as well as the required documents Department of Transportation(DOT) will request. Be aware of the additional benefit that 25% of all DOT contracts must go to DBE certified companies. Join us and learn how to apply.
Webinar – Doing Business Online: Electronic Contracts, Signatures and Records-May 9 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Webinar – COC-Free-This webinar will discuss legal issues in ecommerce, such as using electronic contracts, signatures and records with clients and vendors; state and federal laws; and reducing liability online.
Webinar – WAVE Introducción (español)-May 9 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm -Webinar – COC-Free
WAVE Introducción: Este seminario web está dirigido a personas que no tienen experiencia financiera y desean comprender mejor las características de WAVE, junto con los conceptos básicos de contabilidad. Cubriremos cómo navegar por la herramienta, realizar configuraciones e introducir brevemente las opciones del menú principal. Nuestro objetivo principal será generar confianza y ayudarle a sentirse más seguro al utilizar la herramienta.
Webinar – Business Model #1-May 15 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am-Webinar – COC-Free
This is the ideal workshop where business owners at all levels will learn how to build, design, and define a business model. A business model is what defines a business and its practice. In this workshop attendees will learn how to first define their business model. They will be introduced to a business model canvas as a tool. Topics are below: · Business Idea to Business Model · Introduction to the Business Models · Steps to Define, Design and Build…
Webinar – Sales Strategy Tips for Your Business-May 15 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm -Webinar – COC-Free
Come ready to learn Sales Strategies Tips for Your Business as you explore the following: Skill Set vs. Style Pricing Competitive Advantage Value Proposition
Webinar – Creating Financial Projections-May 15 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
Have you tried to create detailed start-up costs, key assumptions and financial projections? Ran into a few obstacles along the way? Learn how to easily create your own with a few steps.
Webinar – Ways to Impact Your Sales and Increase Customer Engagement-May 15 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
Have customers…are you reaching them? Want and need customers? Come ready to learn tips and techniques to help increase engagement and attract potential new customers using social media and other tools.
Webinar – A Roadmap To Unlock The Complexity of Taxation For Corporations and LLCs-May 15 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
LLCs, S-Corps and C-Corps each have their own income tax implications and compliance requirements. Learn how it impacts you as a member of an LLC or shareholder in a corporation (S or C ).
Webinar – Filing a Federal Trademark Registration Application: The Basics-May 16 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
Navigating the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark registration process can be confusing, and a minefield for small businesses. The filing fees are nonrefundable, so getting it right the first time is a must. This webinar will explain how to help you: Obtain a USPTO federal trademark registration, including pre-application considerations Selecting the TEAS or TEAS-Plus application Selecting the 1a (“Use”) or 1b (“Intent to Use”) basis Determining class numbers and descriptions of goods and services Overcoming USPTO…
Webinar – Veterans, Military and Spouses Series: Finding Funding-May 16 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
Explore a variety of funding types for your business. Capital is critical for all businesses. The type of business, your capital needs, and additional factors may influence what you explore. There are many types of capital including owner investment, profit reinvestment, loans from a bank, loans from an alternative financial resources(non-banks), equipment financing, tax credits, supplier credit, credit lines, equity lines, Angel Investors, Venture Capital Investors, money invested by family & friends, Crowd Funding, etc.
Webinar – Veterans, Military and Spouses Series: Introduction to Entrepreneurship-May 16 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm-Webinar – COC
Free
Some are entrepreneurs or naturally entrepreneurial. This is an opportunity to explore the “entrepreneur in you”. The session will highlight entrepreneurship as an option to generate income and cash flow and how to bring your vision to life. Participants will also be introduced to resources to help you take the next step in starting or growing your business, or transitioning from current activity into a formal business. Featured Topics: Common Characteristics of an Entrepreneur Types of Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurship Economic Impact…
Webinar – QuickBooks Online Introducción (español)-May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm-Webinar – COC-Free
QUICKBOOKS ONLINE - lntroduccion Este seminario web está dirigido a personas que no tienen experiencia financiera y desean comprender mejor las características de QuickBooks In línea, junto con los conceptos básicos de conta bilidad. Cubriremos cómo navegar por la herramienta, realizar configuraciones e introducir brevemente las opciones del menú principal. Nuestro objetivo principal será generar confianza y ayudarle a sentirse más seguro al utilizar la herramienta.
Webinar – Business Model #2-May 22 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am-Webinar – COC-Free
This is the ideal workshop where business owners at all levels will learn how to build, design, and define a business model. A business model is what defines a business and its practice. In this workshop attendees will learn how to first define their business model. They will be introduced to a business model canvas as a tool. Topics are below: · Building Blocks for the Business Model · Introduction to Business Model Tool
Webinar – WAVE Transacciones Comunes (español)- May 23 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Webinar – COC-Free
WAVE- Transacciones Comunes Este seminario web está diseñado para aquellos que no tienen experiencia financiera pero han asistido a nuestro seminario web introductorio. Utilizaremos ejemplos sencillos para demostrar cómo gestionar transacciones comerciales básicas, como facturación, compras, importación y conciliacion de transacciones bancarias. Nuestro principal objetivo es ayudarle a sentirse mas comodo y seguro al utilizar la herramienta generando confianza.