Collages LLC Mini Mag by collagesllc

Note from the Editor This is the time of year when growth is expected and prepared for proactively. Not only are we accustomed to seeing this growth in nature, but also in the business world. As business owners, it is our responsibility to make way for this in our operations. For some of us, Spring will be the time that we reevaluate the products and services that we offer. Others may focus solely on the things that our customers/clients have shown interest in. So, it is important to invest in the listening process during this and all seasons. None of us likes to waste time or money, which is why finetuning our offerings is paramount. This issue provides diverse stories that highlight national and international business operations and strategies. By incorporating these in our models, many of us could experience growth on a global basis this Spring.

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Holidays & Events to Remember April & May Easter (4/17) Earth Day (4/22) Cinco de Mayo (5/5) Memorial Day (5/30)

Massachusetts Helps Minority Businesses Series - Looking Nationwide By Athelda Ensley

If you are a minority business owner in the state of Massachusetts, there is a lifeline that can assist you now. The administration of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito is offering a $75M grant to businesses adversely affected by the pandemic. The goal of these resources is to aid in the recovery of business operations. They will also provide relief in times that are still challenging. This grant program was recently launched and focuses on firms owned by minorities, including women-owned businesses, as well. The breakdown of these resources is $50M that targets markets that have traditionally been underserved and underrepresented. Minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities all fit into this category of business owners. Ways to Revive Business Activity The $25M in this grant will assist owners who did not qualify for financial aid offered in 2020 by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. To qualify for this assistance, your business can have anywhere between 2 and 50 employees. It is also necessary to show proof that your 2020 revenues were $40K to $2.5M.

Second Chances for Owners Grant amounts range from $10K to $75K, despite whether you apply for either tier. Those awarded can utilize these funds for employee costs, employee benefits, rent, and interest payments on debt. This program is a part of the state’s bigger plan to spend $4B in funds for the American Rescue Plan. Many minority entrepreneurs struggled throughout the pandemic to keep their businesses open and relevant. This grant opportunity is a beneficial way to continue to do both for Massachusetts’ small business community. For some, this may be a chance to expand operations or to make necessary repairs. It’s obvious that this state is willing to invest in firms and businesses that are essential to the whole economy. Applications are open now through April 4 th, 2022.

Spring into Travel 2022 By Karen Nelson Springtime offers some of the best travel adventures: experience the beautiful spirit of Bali, take part in cherry blossom festivals in Japan, escape to the Caribbean and start working on your summer tan, enjoy favorite Mexico hotspots in Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, immerse yourself in the wonders of Greece, and so much more! For those prepared to just pack-and-go, I am ready to help you book your adventure today!! For those who like to spend a bit more time planning, let’s talk about your travel dreams for next year. Whether you prefer to travel solo, or together with friends and family, there are some great rates and promotions right now for cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and land tours at destinations around the world. Destination Highlights: Bali Visiting Bali feels like going on a never-ending adventure - there is an activity to suit every soul. From its idyllic beaches, captivating spiritual energy, terraced rice fields, and exotic sunsets, there is so much to see and experience on this magnificent island paradise. Japan The Land of the Rising Sun is a dynamic mix of modern and traditional that will absolutely fascinate you. From eating at robot restaurants to experiencing a mermaid manicure, to wandering through the cherry blossoms, there is a surprise around every corner in Japan.

Caribbean The Caribbean is what tropical dreams are made of. Each island has a different influence and history, and each destination in the Caribbean is unique. Some islands are known for white-sand beaches and resorts, while others are known for scuba diving and fishing. You can travel on a budget or spoil yourself in luxury. Mexico Cabo and Cancun are famous for beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and countless adventure activities. Roundtrip flights out of the US can cost less than $300 and resorts are always giving great deals on stays. I always love a fun Salsa and Salsa excursion. Greece The quintessential Mediterranean getaway, Greece can be a gorgeous destination any day of the year, and Spring is no exception. From Thessaloniki to Santorini to Mykonos to Athens and beyond, there is so much to see in this historically rich, pictureperfect Mediterranean paradise. Pro Tips: Be sure to pack Zippy Bags of all sizes. Larger bags for wet swimsuits, and muddy or sandy clothes and shoes. Smaller bags for packing food to save money while on day trip excursions and city tours, and for snacks/treats (prepacked at home) to enjoy during late-night shows. When onboard cruise ships and at all-inclusive resorts, purchases of snacks and candies from the gift shops can be expensive. And until next time remember…

I am Karen Nelson, Your Personal Travel Concierge, and founder of TAD Travel Services, a full-service international travel company. As a fully certified and

accredited travel advisor for more than 30 years, it is my goal and pleasure to help make travel dreams come true!! If you have any questions about travel, or would like to discuss planning your next amazing vacation experience, schedule a call: Travel Chat with Karen. Please join me on Facebook and Instagram. More information about Karen Nelson and TAD Travel Services can be found online at: www.tadtravelservices.com, and be sure to join my TAD Travel VIP Club!!

International Female Bosses Reimagine the Workplace By Athelda Ensley

For many years, the female boss term has had a connotation with working endlessly at the cost of other segments of life. Whether women were CEOs or leaders in different areas and fields, finding a realistic work-life balance was a challenge. The ability to personalize this challenge has led a variety of international female bosses to reimagine the existing workplace. According to Inc.com, bosses like New York’s co-founder of Golde, Trinity Wofford, and Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code are thinking about solutions. They along with other female business leaders participated in the International Women’s Day event. They considered how things have changed in the work environment since the pandemic began. Employees are working remotely, onsite, and in hybrid positions. Bosses who are accustomed to moving to the beat of the hustle culture of society now must pivot for the sake of their employees. A part of this involves being able to empathize with the impact workplace changes have made in everyone’s life. Female business leaders also are proficient when it comes to responding to productivity needs, despite the setting. The Harvard Business Review reports the findings of various studies conducted throughout the pandemic, as it relates to female leadership. Overwhelmingly, these studies have shown that women master pivoting of business processes and ongoing employee development. These skills have been paramount in the face of lockdowns and other workplace strategies. International leaders of all genders, now recognize how quickly things can change in the business world. This is true no matter what the field or industry. Employees are a huge

part of completing goals, quotas, and customer service objectives. The quality of their work environments is important as internal and external things move. Female bosses have discovered that focusing on these environments is the best way to achieve productivity aims. At the same time, it is essential to set the right example for employees, as well. This includes finding ways to address these areas: • • •

Praising Hard Work Recognizing Family Needs Embracing Performance Flexibility

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Business Through a Global Lens Embracing Opportunity Collages LLC

It doesn’t matter what your goods and services are as a business. The ability to really connect with those interested in those things is extremely important. This connection empowers your direction and can assist with expansion or lead to the opposite. Almost everything being sold these days can be done with a global focus. Business owners need to consider whether their offerings are needed by people outside of their local circle. At the same time, it is important to determine how to reach this potential clientele. Marketing in a way that reaches out to not simply one’s local community, but the entire globe could be the key to substantial growth as a business.

Electronic Services Are you a writer or an editor? Businesses that provide these electronic services can easily market to global clients. Along with producing and selling products in this category, additional services can be accommodated. These are online opportunities that are not inhibited or restricted based on location.

Universal Products Operating any business with a global lens means thinking about what you are selling. These should be products that are engaging and useful to anyone, anywhere. Tees, skincare, shoes, and office supplies are some examples. When connecting or collaborating globally, it is important to factor in supply chain issues.

Outsourcing Connections Does your business require daily recordkeeping? This is a service that is often outsourced to area professionals. In fact, it is possible to do this not only here in the U.S. You may opt to make these connections around the world and more affordably. Thinking outside the box for operations may be the right fit for your business.

Expansion Focus Would your profit margin increase by reducing supply costs? If so, it may be beneficial to consider suppliers around the world. This is true as it relates to entire products or individual parts that you need. Expansion is often a subject that requires time for businesses of most types. Hiring one employee or adding one new service is growth and fits with expansion. Using global connections and resources are great ways to grow your operations. These also allow business owners to take advantage of opportunities by using a global lens.

Why Target Supports Black-Owned Businesses? By Athelda Ensley

Anyone who loves this retailer and shops there regularly will have noticed more Blackowned business products over the past several years. Outside of Target’s astronomical investment announced in 2021 of $2B by 2025, there’s an even deeper purpose behind the support. According to the then Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, Christina Hennington, this chain giant wishes to continue with its rich history in this area. Having a reputation of offering diverse products from Black and other minority vendors, Target will continue to build these relationships and to “advance racial equity” overall.

Support Commitment The financial investment harmonizes with Target’s pledge to offer customers a wide array of products from 500+ Black-owned Businesses. Included in this process is a commitment to introduce strategies specifically designed to assist these businesses to grow and accommodate a massive retail industry.

Forward Founders Program Shoppers visiting stores during Black History Month would have seen apparel and supplemental marketing in this category. Black clothing design creators and founders, such as Jolie Noire, J. Dow Fitness, and Cee Cee’s Closet were displayed. These beautifully creative apparel products showcased trendy fashions and styles as a part of the Forward Founders Program.

Expanded Opportunities Along with highlighting products in the retail arena, Target is supporting other Blackowned businesses, as well. These include marketing, construction, and maintenance companies. There are many benefits to both the corporation and those being invested in when it comes to the $2B investment. One of the biggest of these is solidifying partnerships that are uniquely diverse. At the same time, this serves to show shoppers Target’s desire to offer a myriad of products across the panorama of skilled Black owners, creators, and designers.

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