Ideas worth putting to work

Securing the right funding is one of the most critical steps for any business, yet many entrepreneurs struggle to find the financial support that truly matches their needs. In the U.S., about 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, and nearly 50% fail within five years, often due to cash flow issues and…

Running a women-owned business often means juggling multiple responsibilities with limited resources. In such an environment, finding ways to maximize your business's potential without overextending yourself is crucial. One of the smartest investments you can make is bringing on interns. Not only can they provide…

August is a powerful month for the Black community, marked by the dual celebrations of Black Business Month and Black Philanthropy Month. These observances shine a spotlight on the significant contributions and enduring legacy of Black entrepreneurship and collective giving, which are vital forces driving social…

In the fast-paced world of business, understanding your customers is paramount. Whether you're a small business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur, the ability to connect with your target audience can make or break your success. That's why I'm thrilled to share insights from our recent webinar, "Reach Your Ideal…

In today's business landscape, traditional forms of commerce like bartering are experiencing a resurgence, offering entrepreneurs a powerful tool to exchange goods and services without the exchange of money. For female entrepreneurs, particularly women of color, bartering represents an innovative way to grow their…

Starting or growing a business requires multiple forms of capital - financial, social, and customer. Each form plays a valuable role in your business and personal success. Today, let's explore financial capital and the role of relationships as a secret ingredient to unlocking the funding vault. One of the keys to…

Hey there, savvy business owners! Let's explore the art of cash flow management by industry.Whether you're creating physical products, serving up culinary delights, or building skyscrapers, understanding where your industry stands in the cash flow spectrum is key to steering your business operations in the right…

Here’s some of what we did:

Funders Want To Know That You Are Growing Sales

As February dawns, it brings with it a period of reflection, celebration, and education that is Black History Month. This annual observance is not just a time to recount the trials and triumphs of African Americans throughout U.S. history but also a crucial opportunity to recognize and appreciate the profound…

The holiday season is here, and I’m excited.

I want to talk about something that has been affecting Black women entrepreneurs' access to capital - student loan debt.

Corporate gifting isn't a new practice but has grown in popularity with the rise in entrepreneurship and remote work. Presenting clients, employees, partners, event attendees and others with gifts of gratitude provides an opportunity to build and foster relationships. The purpose isn't to influence business…

It's no secret that Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs in the United States. Nationally, Black women entrepreneurs own about 2.7 million businesses. We are forward thinkers, creating something special for those around us. With all the greatness coming out of our communities, Black women-owned…

Securing funds for a project can be difficult, especially for those just starting out with limited financial resources. Fortunately, there are few business challenges that can’t be overcome with persistence, confidence, a solid network, technology and access to the right information.

Completing critical business projects is a challenging process, especially for those of with limited time, expertise and cash. While financial capital is one of the best sources of completing projects, don't underestimate the value of social capital.

Finding small business grant funding to start a business can be challenging. Most grant programs prioritize established businesses - these businesses are less risky and more likely to achieve the desired outcomes and goals of the granting organization. Don't despair, as a newer business, there are a few avenues and…

Fem Equity has been in business for two years in December.

Tamika is one of those colleagues who became a friend for life. I've had the pleasure of working with her for the past for years and have seen her advocate for and pour into entrepreneurs of color in Upstate New York and provide them with opportunities to get funding through the many pitch competitions that she has…

7 Questions With A Black Woman FemTech Founder

Dr. Erika Pryor is the one of the movers and doers behind the scenes of Get The Bag. As Fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) Erika helps develop high-impact strategies and outreach campaigns while managing the people and projects that bring Get The Bag to more current and aspiring entrepreneurs. I've had the…

I recently had the opportunity to connect with Moji Ojun, founder of Blue Daisi, a consulting firm that helps small businesses operate more sustainably, while potentially saving money and attracting new eco-conscious clients as a result. Moji was funded last year to work with several small businesses in the…

It’s hard to stress this point enough: Internships are lifelines for emerging professionals and the structures in which they are interning.

Never in my entire 25 years of working with entrepreneurs have I ever seen so many grants for business owners. Driven by the pandemic and a desire by large corporations and philanthropy to support Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs after the protests against racism in 2021, there at times seems to be more grants than a…

Dana Wilson is the Founder and CEO of CHIP, which is an online platform to help individuals find culturally competent Black and Latinx financial professionals. Dana has been featured in Forbes, Minority Money and Founders Get Funds and was recently recognized as one of 2020's Fintech Females by NYC Fintech Women.…

I think we've all heard by now of the gross disparities and inequities in the distribution of CARES Act PPP Funding to Black business owners. Just 2% of all Black-owned businesses received PPP and/or EIDL loans in 2020. There were many reasons cited for this, but the issue garnered significant attention in the…

Taj Ahmad-Eldridge currently serves as Senior Director of investments at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), focusing on companies in the energy, transportation, and the circular economy.

"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence; It is self-preservation. And that is an act of political warfare." - Audre Lorde

I love chocolate. It’s more than a food, it’s my joy enhancing, tear drying, health boosting superfood. I mean, for all situations in life – just add chocolate.

We've all had that insurance agent swear that we need to take out an insurance policy and build up some cash value as an investment option. Rashunda Rene, business advisor and social entrepreneur and CEO of The Innovative Entrepreneurs Hub in Los Angeles, recently spoke to someone she trusted to help point us in…

Access to affordable health insurance, at first glance is an overwhelming concept to process, let alone navigate. Amplify the experience with having to factor in being an entrepreneur with a pre-existing health condition AND being a Black woman in America— the annual task becomes nearly nauseating. Nevertheless,…

I am an entrepreneur, a woman in technology, a mother, a wife, a daughter, corporate executive and many other titles. These are all but titles. At my core, I am a beautiful spirit having a human experience. Spirit is the binding, impenetrable, omnipotent intelligence that holds planets together in orbit, and surely…

Author: Odest Riley, Jr CEO WLM Realty

As we start to transition beyond the initial shock and disruption of the coronavirus pandemic on our lives and we are adjusting to the fact that the world and the way we operated in it will be forever changed. We’re also realizing, that we must turn to our own communities, networks and ingenuity to create a new…