168极速赛车开奖官网 small business Archives - The Cincinnati Herald https://thecincinnatiherald.newspackstaging.com/tag/small-business/ The Herald is Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio's leading source for Black news, offering health, entertainment, politics, sports, community and breaking news Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:49:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-cinciherald-high-quality-transparent-2-150x150.webp?crop=1 168极速赛车开奖官网 small business Archives - The Cincinnati Herald https://thecincinnatiherald.newspackstaging.com/tag/small-business/ 32 32 149222446 168极速赛车开奖官网 Mobile pet groomer eyes expansion following SCORE Pitch Contest https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/03/18/mobile-pet-grooming-business/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/03/18/mobile-pet-grooming-business/#respond Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=51603

By Theresa Katalinas Katalinascommunications@gmail.com Zakayla Riley had her heart set on a career in social work when the COVID-19 pandemic realigned her ambitions. “When all the groomers were shut down, I had to groom my own dog. I don’t like stinky dogs,” said Riley, a 2021 graduate of Northern Kentucky University, of Benji and Shadow, her […]

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By Theresa Katalinas 
Katalinascomm
unications@gmail.com

Zakayla Riley had her heart set on a career in social work when the COVID-19 pandemic realigned her ambitions.

“When all the groomers were shut down, I had to groom my own dog. I don’t like stinky dogs,” said Riley, a 2021 graduate of Northern Kentucky University, of Benji and Shadow, her mini and giant Schnauzers. “It came really naturally to me. I developed a stronger bond with my dogs.”

She toyed with the idea of becoming a professional dog groomer, first attending a pet grooming school through a Cincinnati-area pet store.

“I realized early on that the corporate grooming environment was very fast-paced and sometimes stressful for both the animals and the employees,” she said. “I decided to step it up but slow it down by opening my own grooming salon.”

In late 2021, she launched Pawpin’ Pawz Luxury Mobile Grooming, initially converting space in her customers’ homes into a grooming salon. In 2022 she bought a self-sufficient salon on wheels in a 6×10 trailer pulled by a Chevy Silverado. She provides curbside service to clients in Cincinnati and surrounding areas, grooming dogs in her vehicle while it’s parked in front of their homes.

Zakayla Riley grooming a dog.

Early on, she participated in the Mortar Entrepreneurship Academy and began working with SCORE Greater Cincinnati mentor Quinn Wang, who provided insight on business startup and pricing. SCORE is a national nonprofit organization that supports small businesses through free mentoring.

“He was very, very helpful in whatever it was that I needed,” Riley said. “I loved having Quinn in my back pocket. He’s still there four years later. I can pick up the phone and call him.”

Riley also took part in SCORE’s webinars and classes as well, because, as she noted, “more brains are better than one.”

Wang, who retired from SCORE two years, ago, still stays connected with his mentee.

“We have maintained contacts and met from time to time to discuss issues and challenges Zakayla may run into, or her future plans for her businesses,” Wang said. “I am always impressed with Zakayla’s drive and energy throughout the years.”

Her drive, coupled with a goal of “broadcasting” her business to a larger audience, led Riley to participate in SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition. She was one of 45 finalists.

More than 2,200 small businesses applied to compete in five pitch events. Contestants were pared down to 60 contenders. Participants were matched with SCORE mentors to refine their pitches, strengthen their presentations and hone their business plans.

“I’m not afraid of a little competition,” she said. “Fundraising is a top priority right now.”

Looking ahead, Riley plans to add another groomer and a second mobile grooming vehicle to her current solo operation.

“The demand is there,” Riley said. “I get a ton of inquiries and because of our current capacity, we have a growing wait list.”

On average, she sees 130 dogs every two months. Riley envisions continued growth on the horizon.

“My 10-year goal is to have at least four vans on the road,” she said. “In the long term, I want to open an indoor dog park.”

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor, or volunteer to be one, visit score.org. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit score.org.

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Identifying brands as Black-owned can pay off for businesses https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/03/03/identifying-brands-as-black-owned-can-pay-off-for-businesses/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/03/03/identifying-brands-as-black-owned-can-pay-off-for-businesses/#respond Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=50100

Restaurants labeled as Black-owned saw a 65% increase in online traffic.

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By Oren Reshef, Washington University in St. Louis; Abhay Aneja, University of California, Berkeley, and Michael Luca, Johns Hopkins University

Labeling businesses as Black-owned can significantly boost their sales, we found in a recent study.

In June 2020, the business-review website Yelp introduced a feature allowing consumers to search for Black-owned restaurants. As professors who study digitization, inequality and the economics of technology, we were interested in understanding its effect. So we analyzed more than two years of data from Yelp.

We found that restaurants labeled as Black-owned saw a 65% increase in online traffic, more searches and calls, and higher sales through food orders and in-person visits. These results suggest that for many Black-owned businesses, a simple change in their visibility can create new opportunities for growth.

However, the impact varied by location. The gains were strongest in politically liberal areas and places with lower levels of implicit racial bias, as measured by regional variation in implicit-association test scores. This suggests that platforms are in part channeling, as opposed to creating, customer demand. Interestingly, white customers drove most of the increase, suggesting the label helped raise awareness of businesses they might not have considered before.

This wasn’t just a 2020 trend – in follow-up analyses, we found similar results among businesses that opted into the feature later. We also collaborated with the online furniture company Wayfair, which launched a “Black Maker” label on its site in 2023, and found that it led to a 57% increase in web traffic. Finally, Yelp rolled out a Latino-owned label on the platform late that year, which led to a similar increase in consumer engagement.

Why it matters

This research has implications for business owners, digital platforms and policymakers. Growing awareness of racial inequality – partially driven by the Black Lives Matter movement, especially after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 — has led to increased corporate and customer interest in supporting minority-owned businesses. It also led many companies to make commitments to promote racial equity.

However, more recently, many companies have dismantled these efforts. For instance, Target recently announced that it was eliminating its program to spotlight Black-owned businesses. Our findings suggest that increasing the visibility of minority ownership – a relatively low-cost change – can substantially improve economic outcomes for Black-owned businesses.

Our results also show that diversity initiatives aren’t just about warm and fuzzy feelings. Businesses should measure and evaluate their impact to ensure their programs are effective. A well-designed program can benefit the bottom line, while a poorly designed one risks being ineffective or even counterproductive.

So it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks. Past research, including some of our own, indicates that revealing racial identity sometimes can lead to discrimination or backlash. While our findings suggest that labeling can have positive effects, a poorly implemented policy can backfire. Yelp’s initiative design empowered users looking to support Black-owned businesses while allowing other users to continue searching in alternative ways.

That means policy design is crucial. What matters isn’t just what information is revealed, but also how it’s communicated. Our analysis shows that customer demand and preferences vary considerably across locations and demographics, meaning that context also matters.

What still isn’t known

While our research suggests that businesses experienced economic benefits from adopting the label, it’s crucial to understand which policy designs work best in the long run. For instance, Yelp’s program used an opt-in feature, which may have contributed to its success.

However, open questions remain. How are platforms affected by labeling businesses? What other types of labels might be impactful, and for which types of businesses? Could some interventions backfire?

Another key question is, which customers respond to racial identity disclosures? Recent advances in data analytics can help companies refine their strategies, making it easier to target the right consumer groups for more effective initiatives.

Ultimately, our study is a step toward understanding how transparency and visibility can shape economic outcomes. It highlights a diversity initiative that has benefited both customers and businesses, and provides a road map for companies that want to design initiatives that matter. And, more broadly, it speaks to a question facing all companies: How can companies better understand and shape their societal footprint?

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Oren Reshef, Washington University in St. Louis; Abhay Aneja, University of California, Berkeley, and Michael Luca, Johns Hopkins University

Read more:

In the past, Oren Reshef has worked as an Economics Research Intern at Yelp. The company did not intervene in the analysis or the publication process of this article.

Michael Luca has done consulting for tech companies including Yelp.

Abhay Aneja does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Feature Image: Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

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168极速赛车开奖官网 The leadership hack that drives success: Being trustworthy https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/02/21/the-leadership-hack-that-drives-success-being-trustworthy/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/02/21/the-leadership-hack-that-drives-success-being-trustworthy/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=49567

It’s more than just a soft skill.

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By Yufei Ren, University of Minnesota Duluth

National Leadership Day, which takes place every Feb. 20, offers a chance to reflect on what truly defines leadership – not just strategy or decision-making, but the ability to build trust. In an era of rapid change, when teams look to leaders for stability and direction, trust is the invisible currency that fuels organizational success.

As an economist, I know there’s a lot of research proving this point. I’ve conducted some myself, including work on how trust is essential for leaders in cross-cultural business environments. In an expansive study of China’s fast-paced restaurant industry, my colleagues and I found that leaders who cultivate trust can significantly reduce employee churn and improve organizational performance.

While my study focuses on one sector, its lessons extend far beyond that. It offers insights for leaders in any field, from corporate executives to community organizers.

Understanding the impact

In China, as in the U.S., the restaurant industry is known for high turnover rates and cutthroat competition. But our study found that managers who demonstrate trustworthiness can keep employees from fleeing to rivals, creating a more stable and committed workforce.

First, we conducted a field experiment in which we asked managers at around 115 restaurants how much money they were willing to send to employees in an investment game – an indicator of trust. We then found that for every 10% increase in managers’ trust-driven actions, employee turnover fell by 3.7 percentage points. That’s a testament to the power of trust in the workplace.

When managers are trustworthy, workers tend to be more loyal, engaged in their job and productive. Employees who perceive their managers as trustworthy report higher job satisfaction and are more willing to exert extra effort, which directly benefits the organization.

We also found that when employees trust one another, managers get better performance evaluations. That makes sense, since trust fosters improved cooperation and innovation across the board.

Practical steps to foster trust

Fortunately for managers – and workers – there’s a lot of research into how to be a more trustworthy leader. Here are a few insights:

Empower your team. Let employees take ownership of their responsibilities and make decisions within their roles. This not only boosts their engagement but also aligns their objectives with the broader goals of the organization. Empowerment is a key strategy in building trust.

Be fair and transparent. Managers should strive to be consistent in their actions, address concerns promptly and distribute rewards equitably. Those practices can create a psychologically safe and supportive work environment.

Promote collaboration. Encourage an atmosphere in which employees can openly share ideas and support one another. Activities that promote team cohesion and open communication can significantly enhance trust within the team.

Measure and manage trust. Implementing regular surveys or feedback sessions can help assess and manage trust levels within an organization. Consider integrating trust metrics into performance evaluations to emphasize their importance.

Some takeaways for National Leadership Day

Whether helming a business, a nonprofit or a local community initiative, leaders should recognize that being trustworthy isn’t just a “soft skill.” It’s a measurable force that drives success. By making trust-building a deliberate goal, leaders can create stronger, more resilient teams.

So this National Leadership Day is a good time to reflect: How do you build trust in your leadership? And how can you foster a culture of trustworthiness?

Managers should commit to leading with trust, acting with integrity and fostering workplaces where people feel valued and empowered. The impact will speak for itself.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Yufei Ren, University of Minnesota Duluth

Read more:

Yufei Ren does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Feature Image: Trustworthy managers get better performance reviews, recent research shows. Andrey Popov/Getty Images

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168极速赛车开奖官网 The 10 best small business grants for women (2025) https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/01/04/the-10-best-small-business-grants-for-women-2025/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/01/04/the-10-best-small-business-grants-for-women-2025/#respond Sat, 04 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=45876

By Carolyn Albee Women’s business ownership is a driving force in the American economy, creating millions of jobs and generating trillions in revenue. Beyond impressive numbers, women entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, addressing gaps in industries ranging from technology to education to health care. Yet these entrepreneurs face the same challenges […]

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By Carolyn Albee

Women’s business ownership is a driving force in the American economy, creating millions of jobs and generating trillions in revenue. Beyond impressive numbers, women entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, addressing gaps in industries ranging from technology to education to health care.

Yet these entrepreneurs face the same challenges as any other—especially when it comes to finding the money to start and grow a business. Grant funding can be an important resource for achieving your goals, but it’s hard to know where to begin. Luckily, there are small business grants for women that are a great place to start, LegalZoom reports.

How Do Small Business Grants Work?

Grants for small businesses are financial awards that help entrepreneurs launch a new business idea or expand their operations. Each grant program has its own eligibility requirements, which might include factors like the type of business idea, its location, or its contribution to a specific cause or goal. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid, so they’re a great option for business owners to get a little extra financial assistance without taking on debt.

Types of Small Business Grants

Grant money can come from a variety of sources, including federal agencies, private organizations, and nonprofit groups. Here are the most common sources of grants.

Federal Business Grants

Federal government grants are offered by U.S. government agencies, including the Small Business Administration, or SBA, and other departments focused on innovation, research, and economic development. This grant money is often awarded based on federal government priorities, like developing certain technologies, reducing environmental impact, or creating jobs in certain areas.

State Business Grants

State-level grants are funded by state governments and often focus on creating economic growth within specific regions. These grants might prioritize small businesses in rural areas, minority-owned businesses, or those that promote local job creation. Business owners should research opportunities in their state to find programs that match their business goals.

Private Business Grants

Private business grants are funded by corporations, foundations, or industry organizations and often focus on specific groups, such as supporting women entrepreneurs or minority-owned businesses. Unlike government grants, private grant funding typically has unique application processes and eligibility criteria based on the organization’s priorities.

Research and Development Grants

Research and development, or R&D, grants are designed for technology businesses working on innovative projects. Grant funding can come from private organizations or government and federal agencies. For example, while they’re not grants for women specifically, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs provide resources for businesses working toward federal R&D objectives.  

Nonprofit and Community Development Grants

These grants are for businesses and nonprofit organizations that contribute to community improvement or address social challenges, so they often come from local governments or private organizations with a specific mission. Businesses focused on education, housing, or health initiatives often qualify for these grants. For entrepreneurs with a business that is a local empowerment program or has a mission-driven approach, it’s worth looking into these grants.

Industry-Specific Grants

Many local, federal, and private grants target specific industries, such as health care, agriculture, manufacturing, or the arts. These programs are often supported by trade associations or industry groups that want to advance innovation or growth. Exploring grant funding related to a business’s specific field can uncover these opportunities.

10 of the Best Small Business Grants for Women in 2025

There are thousands of grants available for ambitious business owners, so narrowing it down can be helpful. With few exceptions, the grants below are generally available only to women-owned small businesses at the national level, meaning they’re not region-specific. There may be even more small business grants for women in your particular area.

1. Amber Grant Foundation

The Amber Grant Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the legacy of Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who died before realizing her business dreams. The nonprofit organization gives away three $10,000 grants each month as well as three $25,000 year-end Amber Grants for women-owned small businesses. 

Criteria:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Businesses must be at least 50% women-owned.
  • Businesses must operate within the U.S. or Canada.

2. HerRise MicroGrant

The HerRise MicroGrant provides $1,000 monthly grants to women-owned small businesses, with a focus on women of color. These small business grants for Black women and other women of color provide quick financial assistance for smaller projects like launching a website, buying new equipment, or creating marketing materials. For women entrepreneurs—and all small business owners—every dollar counts.

Criteria:

  • Business must be 51% women-owned.
  • Must be currently registered in the U.S.
  • Gross revenue must not exceed $1 million.

3. IFundWomen Grants

IFundWomen is a community for women entrepreneurs that connects them with business training and grant opportunities sponsored by corporate partners. Owners of women-owned small businesses simply fill out the Universal Grant Application to be entered into the database. As the organization creates grant partnerships, eligible small businesses are matched with funding opportunities. 

Criteria:

  • Must be a women-owned small business to be entered into the database.
  • Eligibility depends on the specific grant and its sponsoring partner.

4. Cartier Women’s Initiative Grants

This global grant program offers nine regional grants in addition to a science and technology grant. Judges choose the top three businesses from each of the nine regions, and grant recipients get $100,000 for first place, $60,000 for second place, and $30,000 for third place. The separate Science and Technology Pioneer Award has similar criteria but is specifically for women-owned small businesses that require a long R&D process or high initial investment.

Criteria:

  • Businesses must be for-profit and revenue-generating for at least one year.
  • Must be in the initial phase of development (less than six years old).
  • Applicant must be a woman in a leadership position (e.g., CEO or COO) at the business.

5. BMO Celebrating Women Grant

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant helps women-owned small businesses in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate clear plans for growth and a commitment to innovation. The most recent funding opportunities provided $10,000 to 15 women-owned businesses. Recipients often use funds to launch new products, invest in marketing, or expand their teams.

Criteria:

  • Businesses must be at least 51% owned and operated by women.
  • Must be a for-profit business operating in the U.S. or Canada.

6. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship emphasizes community building, financial support, and business training. It offers not only $5,000 education grants, but also access to 0% interest loans, workshops, and networking opportunities. Fifty fellows from women-owned small businesses are selected each year, with applications typically opening in the fall, fellows selected in the spring, and the fellowship beginning in the summer.

Criteria:

  • Businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women.
  • Businesses must be for-profit, revenue-generating, and less than five years old.
  • Applicant must be a U.S. woman who owns the largest or equal stake in the business.

7. Enthuse Foundation Annual Pitch Competition

During the Enthuse Foundation Annual Pitch Competition, which focuses on food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods, or CPG, women entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas in front of industry experts in New York City. The grand prize gets $15,000, the runner-up gets $10,000, and an audience choice winner gets $3,000. It’s a dynamic way for a women-owned small business to gain funding and visibility.

Criteria:

  • Women must own at least 51% of the business.
  • Businesses must have annual revenue over $10,000 but under $750,000.
  • Business must have launched on or after Jan. 1, 2020.
  • Must be in the food, beverage, or CPG industry.

8. Women Founders Network Pitch Competition

The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch event promotes women’s business ownership with two tracks: one for tech companies and another for consumer goods businesses. First-place winners in each category receive $25,000, with an additional $5,000 Junior Venture Capitalist Award. Applications typically open in the spring.

Criteria:

  • Must have a female founder, co-founder, or CEO, or be majority-owned by women.
  • Businesses can be pre-revenue but must have raised less than $750,000 in funding.
  • Must be U.S.-based and able to attend the pitch event in person.

9. She’s Connected Grant

The She’s Connected Program, sponsored by AT&T, offers $50,000 grants and additional resources to women entrepreneurs. Participants also gain exposure through the “She’s Connected” web series, which highlights winners and their business stories. Applicants submit essays explaining their business mission and its alignment with AT&T’s values.

Criteria:

  • Applicants must be U.S. residents and the sole or majority owner of a women-owned small business.
  • Businesses must have no more than 50 full- or part-time employees.

10. Comcast RISE Grant

Although not exclusive to women, Comcast RISE has supported thousands of small businesses since 2020, focusing on those with the greatest need as well as the ability to uplift the local community. The most recent round awarded 500 recipients in five cities with a $5,000 grant, coaching and mentorship, production of a 30-second TV commercial, a media plan, and more.

Criteria:

  • Applicant must be actively involved in the business.
  • Businesses must employ fewer than 100 people.
  • Business must be established for at least three years and revenue-generating for at least one year.
  • Must be located in an applicable city, which may change from year to year.

How to Apply for a Small Business Grant

Grants for small businesses can be competitive, and some have complex application processes. Breaking it into smaller steps can make applying for a small business grant more manageable.

Step 1: Create a list of relevant grants

Start by researching grant opportunities that align with your business idea and your goals. Use online databases, government websites, and industry-specific resources to create a list of potential grants. 

Step 2: Double-check eligibility requirements

Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each grant to confirm your business qualifies. Pay attention to details like the required business size, location, or industry focus. If you’re unsure about requirements, reach out to the grant provider for more information.

Step 3: Prepare the required documentation

Most grants for small businesses require documents like a business plan, financial statements, proof of business registration, and sometimes letters of recommendation or essays. Be sure to customize your application to highlight how your business aligns with the grant’s purpose.

Step 4: Tell your business’ story

A compelling application often includes a narrative that explains your business’s mission, goals, and impact. Use this opportunity to share your passion and describe how the grant will help you grow. Be specific about your plans and how the funding will be used.

Step 5: Submit your application

Follow the application instructions carefully and double-check everything before submitting. Missing a document or filling out a section incorrectly could disqualify you. Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute stress.

Step 6: Follow up if necessary

If you haven’t heard back after the expected timeline, it’s okay to contact the grant provider to check your application’s status. Even if you don’t win the grant, some organizations might give you feedback to help you improve your future applications.

Business Grant vs. Business Loan: How Are They Different?

A small business grant is free funding that doesn’t need to be paid back, while a business loan requires repayment, often with interest. Grants are often awarded for specific purposes and have eligibility criteria that must be met, whereas loans are available to a broader range of businesses and offer flexibility.

Many small business owners leverage multiple funding opportunities, including both grant money and loans. As you work through the process of business formation, an attorney can be a valuable resource to answer your questions and help you determine how to fund your small business.

This story was produced by LegalZoom and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Feature Image: M_Agency // Shutterstock

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Op-Ed: How to legally prepare your business for holidays https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/11/23/legally-prepare-business-holidays/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/11/23/legally-prepare-business-holidays/#respond Sat, 23 Nov 2024 20:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=42893

By Taalib Saber, attorney and owner of The Saber Firm As the holiday season approaches, the nation prepares for one of the busiest sales periods of the year. Promotions, special deals, and heightened online activity make this an ideal time to attract new customers.  However, customer attraction also brings unique legal challenges. Whether you’re launching […]

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By Taalib Saber, attorney and owner of The Saber Firm

As the holiday season approaches, the nation prepares for one of the busiest sales periods of the year. Promotions, special deals, and heightened online activity make this an ideal time to attract new customers. 

However, customer attraction also brings unique legal challenges. Whether you’re launching seasonal marketing campaigns or handling increased sales, you must ensure local, state, and federal compliance to safeguard your brand. Here are some key legal tips that you should consider as you navigate this terrain.  

Define Clear Terms and Conditions for Promotions

Promotional deals, discounts, and limited-time offers are incredibly powerful tools that boost engagement and attract new clients. But without clear terms and conditions, they can also lead to misunderstandings and even legal disputes. To avoid any issues, be explicit about eligibility criteria, timeframes, redemption limitations, and any exclusions. 

By clearly defining these terms upfront, you not only protect your business from potential disputes but also build credibility with your customers, who appreciate transparency. Any agreement you draft should have well-crafted and explicit terms and conditions to avoid ambiguity regarding your promotion.

Protect Your Brand with Trademark and Copyright Compliance

The holiday season inspires creativity. However, businesses must avoid infringing on copyrighted or trademarked materials belonging to other brands. Using copyrighted holiday graphics, music, or phrases without permission can lead to stalled sales and eventually, to costly lawsuits. 

Additionally, ensure that your original content is protected, too, by registering your trademark, if applicable. Originality not only prevents legal troubles but also strengthens your brand’s reputation in the market.

Prioritize Data Protection and Compliance

In today’s digital age, gathering customer data is as gold but it is extremely sensitive information and comes with responsibility. Data breaches are costly and can damage your reputation beyond repair, especially if customer data is mishandled. 

To comply with data protection laws, only collect essential information, securely store it, and have clear privacy policies outlining how data is used. Failing to protect customer data can lead to hefty fines and loss of customer trust, so taking steps to enhance your data protection practices is crucial.

Manage Increased Demand with Secure Supplier Agreements

The holiday season can put a strain on your supply chain, and managing inventory is key to keeping customers satisfied and protecting your business. Review and update your supplier contracts well before the holiday rush to clarify terms around inventory, delivery timelines, and contingencies for potential delays. If demand exceeds your expectations, having a well-refined agreement ensures you have the support needed to fulfill orders. Additionally, understanding the penalties or provisions in case of supplier defaults can save your business from unexpected costs and help you plan better.

Adhere to Advertising Laws

While it may be tempting to use bold claims to stand out, remember that advertising is subject to strict regulations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that businesses avoid false or misleading advertising. This means any claims you make in your holiday campaigns, from product benefits to limited-time offers, must be truthful and verifiable. 

Failure to comply can result in fines, legal action, and/or a damaged reputation. Transparent advertising not only keeps your business compliant but also helps to foster customer loyalty.

Legal Readiness Strengthens Customer Trust and Brand Integrity

Preparing your business legally for holiday promotions isn’t just about avoiding fines, penalties, or sanctions—it’s about building a foundation of trust with your customers. When your promotions are legally sound, customers can shop confidently, knowing that your brand prioritizes transparency, safety, and reliability. In the competitive holiday market, these qualities can set your business apart.

By setting clear terms and conditions, safeguarding intellectual property, protecting consumer data, securing supplier relationships, and adhering to advertising laws, you’re taking concrete steps to ensure that your holiday promotions run smoothly. Legal compliance may not seem as festive as holiday decorations, but it’s the cornerstone of a successful, resilient, and trustworthy business strategy.

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Black entrepreneurs are removing barriers, earning capital https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/11/23/black-entrepreneurs-removing-barriers/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/11/23/black-entrepreneurs-removing-barriers/#respond Sat, 23 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=42720

Black business owners are often frustrated by systemic racial disparities, but a new study shows how they are using race to capitalize on their ventures.

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By SherRhonda Gibbs, Morehouse College; Eric Liguori, Florida State University; Michael H. Morris, University of Notre Dame, and Susana C. Santos, Florida State University

Daymond John and Tracee Ellis Ross attend Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Apollo Theater on Oct. 22, 2022, in New York City. Johnny Nunez/WireImage via Getty Images

It’s never easy to create a successful business, but it’s a lot harder if you’re Black.

Research shows that Black startup founders face significant, racially specific hurdles, including limited access to entrepreneurship training programs and challenges accessing predominantly white networking and mentorship opportunities.

It’s harder for Black founders to raise money, too. Recent TechCrunch data shows Black business founders received less than half of 1% of total startup capital in 2023. And, to date in 2024, there’s only continued stagnation.

Tope Awotona, founder of Calendly, a free online appointment-scheduling platform, experienced this struggle.

“Everyone said no,” he told NPR in 2020. “Meanwhile, I watched other people who fit a different profile get money thrown at them. Those VCs were ignorant and short-sighted … the only thing I could attribute it to was that I was Black.”

Yet there are high-profile Black entrepreneurship success stories. They include Black Entertainment Television founder Robert Johnson, Daymond John, an investor on the reality TV series Shark Tank, and the thousands of Black startup founders running innovative businesses across the United States right now.

To better understand the intersection of race and entrepreneurship, we studied the experiences of successful Black entrepreneurs in the U.S., as shared on NPR’s “How I Built This” podcast. The challenges Black entrepreneurs face are well documented, so we focused our research on a different question: How does someone’s identity as an entrepreneur intersect with their racial identity?

Two key insights emerged.

A step toward equality

We found that while race can be a liability in some respects, some successful entrepreneurs have found ways to capitalize on race in their startups.

Most Black entrepreneurs, for example, understand their communities much better than outsiders typically do. This understanding lets them better and more quickly see opportunities in their respective communities.

That’s the competitive advantage John leveraged in 1992 when he founded the clothing company FUBU, which stands for, “For Us, By Us.” As he said on “How I Built This” in 2019, “I wanted to create a brand that loved and respected the people who love and respect hip-hop.”

John knew the market he wanted to serve better than most because he was a part of it. He recognized the opportunity when outsiders could not.

Other business founders echo John’s sentiment.

Tristan Walker, founder of Walker & Company, a personal grooming products company focused on Black men, said his purpose is “to create a health and beauty products company for people who look like me.”

And the McBride sisters, in naming their flagship wine Black Girl Magic, told “How I Built This”: “If there’s like a moment for Black women in which they can celebrate … whatever it is … we just wanted to be able to be there to celebrate with her with just like beautiful, high-quality wines.”

Black entrepreneurs appear on stage to greet a crowd.
FUBU clothing brand co-founders Carlton Brown and Daymond John greet the crowd at the Actively Black fashion brand’s The Black Mixtape 2 runway show at Sony Hall on Sept. 8, 2023, in New York City.
Shannon Finney/Getty Images

In this sense, some Black entrepreneurs find themselves uniquely positioned to create products others would never think of. And, our research found, they are better positioned to sell to a community eager to support them.

A recent study from Pew Research Center found the majority of Black adults believe that purchasing from Black businesses is a step toward racial equality.

Meaning as mission

Our study also found that many Black entrepreneurs care about creating a company with meaning. That’s especially true when it can help lift up others in their race. For them, giving back to – and inspiring – their communities matters.

In other words, Black startup founders frequently build businesses that reflect their racial identity. It’s part of their purpose in becoming an entrepreneur.

“I’ve always felt that my company’s mission had to be of service to my community,” Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, a station focused on Black culture, told “How I Built This” in 2017. “Being the first African American woman (in charge) of a publicly traded corporation … my whole purpose for being in business was to be a voice, and an assistant to my community,” she said.

Many other people in our study mirrored this sentiment, identifying role modeling, racial pride and the empowerment of future generations as a deliberate part of their mission as Black business owners.

Role models matter

Communities benefit from homegrown entrepreneurs. These are people who demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship and show that a career as an entrepreneur is possible.

Yet many minority communities lack such success stories. Just 3% of U.S. businesses were Black-owned in 2021, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

That’s one reason we wanted to document Black success stories in the first place. We believe they have the potential to be transformational. Each new success shows others in those communities that it’s possible, and that entrepreneurship can provide a pathway to a more prosperous future.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: SherRhonda Gibbs, Morehouse College; Eric Liguori, Florida State University; Michael H. Morris, University of Notre Dame, and Susana C. Santos, Florida St

Read more:

Susana C. Santos disclosed that this work was partially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, grant UIDB/00315/2020 (https://doi. org/ 10. 54499/ UIDB/ 00315/ 2020).

Eric Liguori, Michael H. Morris, and SherRhonda Gibbs do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Hamilton county celebrates thriving small businesses https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/05/29/hamilton-county-small-business-day/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/05/29/hamilton-county-small-business-day/#respond Wed, 29 May 2024 21:03:07 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=30917

Hamilton County Commissioners have announced a new program to increase commercial property ownership among small businesses, teaming up with Alloy Development Co. and the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce to host the second-annual Hamilton County Small Business Day.

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The state of Hamilton County Small Business is booming. 

Hamilton County Commissioners marked the first year of the Office of Small Business report on the State of Small Business by announcing a new program to increase commercial property ownership among small businesses.

Hamilton County Commissioners teamed up with Alloy Development Co. and the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce in hosting the second-annual Hamilton County Small Business Day. Over 1,400 entrepreneurs RSVP’d to grow their small businesses and startups at the Sharonville Convention Center on May 20.      

Commissioners kicked off the event by announcing a new program designed to increase the number of small businesses commercial property owners in the county. The Hamilton County Downpayment Match Program run by Alloy, offers an assistance match up to $50,000  small businesses that qualify for an SBA 504 Loan but face the common obstacle of insufficient funds for the down payment.

More than 1,400 small business owners filled the room for the introduction to the Small Business Day event before heading downstairs of the Sharonville Convention Center for breakout and innovation sessions. Credit: Lyons Photography

Alloy Development Co., based in Cincinnati, is a marketplace where organizations, businesses and communities can find the resources they need to grow. Alloy is a commercial capital lender, a growth lab for startups and an economic development partner all under one roof, which makes it an active and influential business partner, able to assist any organization at any stage of growth.

For information, visit alloydev.org or email dpmatch@alloydev.org.

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Jasmine Williams elevates Chico’s Cheesecakes https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/04/17/chico-cheesecakes-jasmine-williams-herald-beauty/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2024/04/17/chico-cheesecakes-jasmine-williams-herald-beauty/#respond Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=27300

Jasmine Williams, CEO of Chico's Cheesecakes, is a visionary leader in Black women entrepreneurship, and recently graduated from the Findlay Market's Findlay Learn program, showcasing her culinary creativity and commitment to empowerment.

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Contributed

In partnership with Herald Beauty, All In Cincinnati is proud to spotlight “Chico’s Cheesecakes,” led by the visionary CEO Jasmine Williams. Rooted in cherished family traditions, Jasmine’s cheesecakes bring a taste of community joy and heritage.

Chico’s stands as a beacon of Black women’s entrepreneurship, with this month’s Blueberry/Lemon Blueberry flavor showcasing their culinary creativity. Celebrating a recent triumph, Jasmine graduated from the Findlay Market’s Findlay Learn program, marking a significant step in Chico’s journey towards excellence.

Use this link www.chicoscheesecakes.com to connect with Jasmine today! Let’s rally around Chico’s Cheesecakes, supporting a legacy of empowerment and the vibrant impact of Black-owned businesses in our community.

A Question for Herald Beauty: What’s Jasmine’s 3 Beauty Products She Can’t Live Without

  1. Butta – Skin care bundle pack
  2. Kaleidoscope – Da Brat Collection
  3. Oils By Faith – Strands

* Trumell Beauty for makeup

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Small business administrator visits Ohio to celebrate Black Business Month and federal resources https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2023/09/25/small-business-administrator-visits-ohio-to-celebrate-black-business-month-and-federal-resources/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2023/09/25/small-business-administrator-visits-ohio-to-celebrate-black-business-month-and-federal-resources/#respond Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=20764

The Administrator of the US Small Business Administration, Isabella Guzman, and Congressman Greg Landsman visited Southwest Ohio to celebrate Black Business Month and discuss federal resources available to help small businesses thrive.

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Contributed

Isabella Guzman, Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration was recently  invited by Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-1stD) to Southwest Ohio to tour small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, to celebrate August as Black Business Month.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to talk with Ms. Guzman at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce,” said Eric H. Kearney, president of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce. “She discussed federal resources that are available to help our businesses to thrive.”

The visit was meant to highlight how President Biden’s Investing in America economic agenda has led to a historic small business boom in Ohio.

To start the day, Administrator Guzman and Congressman Landsman had breakfast at Sleepy Bee Restaurant in downtown Cincinnati before participating in an Investing in America Small Business Roundtable hosted by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, where Administrator Guzman and Congressman Landsman were able to hear firsthand from local leaders and entrepreneurs about the issues business owners in southwest Ohio face every day. 

Following the roundtable, Administrator Guzman and Congressman Landsman visited Rover the Rhine, a full-service veterinary hospital in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, to meet with its owner, Dr. Kamaria Catalan (“Dr. Cat”). With a second location in Anderson Township, Rover the Rhine is a Black and woman-owned small business. To finish off the morning, Administrator Guzman and Congressman Landsman stopped by AJL Group, a woman-owned roofing and construction company, to learn more about their operations and current projects. 

In the afternoon, Administrator Guzman and Congressman Landsman had lunch at local favorite Just Q’in BBQ, a Black-owned business, before ending the day at Water Lily Learning Center LLC. A five-star rated childcare facility, Water Lily Learning Center serves hundreds of children in the Cincinnati area, with the vast majority of students receiving state assistance. Center Director Regina Morris provided a tour of the facility as well as an overview of their services and operations. 

President Biden’s first 31 months in office have been the greatest period for new small business growth in American history, with 13.1 million new business applications nationwide, including 355,800 in Ohio alone. 

Landsman said, “The visit by Guzman was meant to build strong coalitions. Minority-owned businesses are facing a number of challenges, namely access to affordable capital and a workforce shortage. These are big priorities in our work on the House Small Business Committee and alongside the Small Business Administration.

“This to me is the best part of the job: meeting people where they are and learning how we can be more helpful.

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Current Open Applications for Cincinnati DCED jobs https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2023/09/07/current-open-applications-for-cincinnati-dced-jobs/ https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2023/09/07/current-open-applications-for-cincinnati-dced-jobs/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:31:53 +0000 https://thecincinnatiherald.com/?p=20483

Contributed The City of Cincinnati’s Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) offers a wide variety of programming throughout the year to invest in the vitality and success of our city’s neighborhoods, businesses, and residents. The following programs are currently accepting applications:  Cincinnati Commercial Tenant Improvement Program (CCTIP)  The goal of this new program is to reduce […]

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Contributed

The City of Cincinnati’s Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) offers a wide variety of programming throughout the year to invest in the vitality and success of our city’s neighborhoods, businesses, and residents.

The following programs are currently accepting applications: 

Cincinnati Commercial Tenant Improvement Program (CCTIP) 

The goal of this new program is to reduce financial barriers small businesses face  when securing commercial space.  

Through CCTIP, DCED will grant up to $20,000 for tenant improvements to small  businesses (1) relocating to Cincinnati, (2) opening a new business in Cincinnati, or (3)  expanding within Cincinnati. 

The deadline to apply is 5 P.M. EDT on Monday, September 18, 2023. 

More info and application details can be found here

Neighborhood Catalytic Capital Investment RFP (NCCI) 

After a successful first round of projects, DCED is excited to announce the continuation  of NCCI with applications now open to a second round of transformative projects across  Cincinnati. The NCCI RFP targets transformative neighborhood proposals requiring  pre-development resources needed for future construction. 

The deadline to apply is 12 P.M. EDT on Friday, October 20th, 2023. 

More info and application details can be found here

Notice of Funding Availability Loan Program (NOFA-B) 

DCED is celebrating a decade of our NOFA program with a new round of applications  for transformative housing projects making a positive, visible impact on our  communities. NOFA, a public gap financing tool, leverages private financing to develop  quality housing throughout the city.  

NOFA loans are awarded through a competitive application process through which  DCED staff evaluate and recommend projects based on how well they meet the City’s housing policy objectives; we especially intend to support projects that help to provide  a full spectrum of healthy housing options, improve housing quality, and increase  affordability.

The required ‘Intent to Apply’ form deadline is 3 P.M. EDT on Friday, September 15th,  2023. The companion NOFA-B Application deadline is 3 P.M. EDT on Friday, October  13th, 2023. More info and application details can be found here.

Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (OHPTC) Program  

In a historic city like Cincinnati – where our housing stock consistently ranks in the top  10 cities for the oldest housing inventory in the nation – programs that catalyze historic  preservation of housing are instrumental. 

OHPTC is a highly competitive state-level program providing tax credits to leverage  private redevelopment of historic buildings. Applicants can receive a tax credit up to  25% of qualified rehabilitation expenditures incurred during a project. 

Applicants file an application with the Ohio Development Services Agency and historic  rehabilitation documentation with the State Historic Preservation Office. Submissions  are received bi-annually in March and September. 

DCED can help by providing a local ‘letter of support’ to make your application more competitive. The deadline for the current round of request forms for a letter of support  is 4 P.M. EDT on Friday, September 8th, 2023. 

More info and application details can be found here

As always, DCED looks forward to seeing how these programs activate critical local  housing, small business, and neighborhood revitalization projects.

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