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New Year, Same Committed Support!
Hello, Founder Forward Community! As we step into the new year, let's carry forward the unwavering support that has fueled our journey thus far. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and remember: New Year, Same Committed Support—because together, we create the foundation for remarkable growth and enduring success. Here's to another year of empowerment, resilience, and shared triumphs!
Unlocking Big Contracts: A Blueprint for Business Success
The pursuit of contracts in business is an exhilarating ride. Whether you're steering a new startup or captaining an established startup, the journey to land those game-changing contracts is marked by strategic navigation. Let's embark on a thrilling exploration of four key ways to secure lucrative contracting deals, irrespective of the stage of your business.
- Beyond the Surface: Elevate Your Branding. Branding isn’t just about logos and color schemes; it’s a powerful force that can propel your business into the spotlight. Dive deep into your brand positioning, unraveling what sets you apart. Craft a narrative that not only speaks volumes about your products or services but resonates with your audience. When your brand becomes a story worth telling, it naturally attracts attention and positions you as a formidable contender in the eyes of potential partners.
- Forge Alliances: Partnering for Power. In the pursuit of big contracts, consider partnering with established businesses. Collaborations bring synergy, merging your strengths with theirs. This not only adds weight to your proposals but also instills confidence in potential clients. Seek partnerships that align with your values and goals, creating a formidable alliance that amplifies your collective impact in the market. Remember, in the world of big contracts, the strength of your network is a game-changer.
- Testimonials: The Loudest Applause. In the digital age, testimonials are the modern-day applause that echoes the loudest. Cultivate quality testimonials from your followers and customers. Showcase success stories that highlight the tangible impact of your products or services. Potential clients are more likely to trust the words of others who’ve engaged before them. Authentic, compelling testimonials serve as a beacon, guiding big contracts to your doorstep.
- The Silent Arbiter: Uphold Your Digital Reputation. In the digital realm, your reputation precedes you. Maintain a stellar digital presence that speaks volumes about your reliability and expertise. Actively engage with your audience on social media, respond to reviews, maintain an active website, and showcase your achievements. A great digital reputation not only attracts big contracts but also acts as a silent arbiter, vouching for your credibility when potential clients conduct their online due diligence.
As you set sail on the quest for big contracts, remember that it’s not just about the destination; the journey is equally transformative. Elevate your branding, forge powerful alliances, let testimonials tell your story, and guard your digital reputation with diligence.
In the spirit of reflecting on contracting, we’re excited to announce the founders of our newest Founder Forward cohort! Powered by Render Capital, this cohort will pave paths in diversifying contracts and procurement. In the ever-evolving landscape of contracts and procurement, diversity is not just a goal; it's a powerful catalyst for innovation and success. The founders pioneering this space understand that true prosperity lies in gaining expertise to retain and sustain contracts. With the support of our partners and volunteers, these founders will forge the powerful narratives, perspectives, and strategies needed to propel their businesses forward.
Featured Founders:
Mo Sloan | Founder, EZ-Chow Inc.
Tony Mudd | Founder, Sensori Safety
Guillermo A. Sollano | Founder, Greater Art Solutions
Courtney Pettway | Founder, KidVestors
Funding Opportunities
- Through a partnership with the Sage Foundation, a global organization dedicated to grant giving and investment collaboration, The BOSS Impact Fund grants access to capital and mentorship opportunities for entrepreneurs. The collaborative initiative, known as the Invest in Progress 2024 grants has launched its application process! A total of twenty-five grants will be awarded to Black women founders nationwide, with seven earmarked for entrepreneurs in Atlanta. This program not only provides business grants of $10,000, but also includes training, networking, and extensive mentorship opportunities through The BOSS Network. If you're interested, make sure to submit your applications by February 23.
News, Guides, & Tools
- Entrepreneurs who have utilized both Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are receiving a reprieve from the Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding repayment. In an official statement, the SBA has introduced a 60-day goodwill grace period, exempting loans under $100,000 from being forwarded to the IRS or Treasury Department for collections if they are delinquent. During this grace period, the SBA is dedicated to supporting PPP borrowers in navigating the loan forgiveness process and ensuring that EIDL borrowers are well-versed in all available repayment options, including those related to hardship. To know the status of their loans, borrowers can access MySBA loan portal, where all SBA loans, including PPP loans, are listed, along with their current statuses.
- Etsy is betting on the use of machine learning and generative AI to support gift-giving. The feature called “Gift Mode” launched just in time for the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day.
- Across the nation, local governments are trying to figure out how to combat vacant spaces and bring foot traffic back to business districts. DC’s Mayor Bowser is investing $3 million in recovery grants for construction, rent, and utilities for new or existing businesses.
Featured Founder of the Month
Aslan Tudor
NDN Comics & Games
Our Featured Founder of the Month is Aslan Tudor, founder of NDN Comics and Games (NDN). NDN Comics and Games is a comic and game store highlighting Native creatives. Aslan is our youngest founder at just 15 years old. Aslan started NDN after noticing a gap in the presence of Native-owned comic and board game stores. His goal was to fill that void with Indigenous worldbuilding. By connecting with other comic book enthusiasts, he hopes to help other creatives in the comic and board game space. As he builds his business, he wants to share Indigenous content with the non-Native world. There is a wealth of amazing pop culture within the Indigenous community and Aslan aims to celebrate it! Check him out!
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Keep moving forward,
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