From A Woman's Perspective

FAWP A N N U A L

M A G A Z I N E

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2015 Edition

FROM A

WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Be Motivated

2015 is a great year for women!

Taking Care of Business Inspiring Stories of Successful Women & Entrepreneurs

Social Media Technology

Cutting edge technology trends to take your business and career to the next Level

Make Connections

Connecting women to professional networks and opportunities

Resources

Online resources, tools and training to promote life long learning and new opportunities!!!

A PREMIER RESOURCE FOR WOMEN GLOBALLY!!

WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL W MR TEU N O PO PO N I ’T YS P R O J E C T

ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITY PROJECT

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A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITY PROJECT

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BECOME A WEOP MEMBER TODAY! Join our circle of progressive and enterprising women.

Five Reasons to be a WEOP member: NETWORK

Join our circle of women and connect with other women on a global level.

STAY INVOLVED

Get monthly newsletters and email alerts about real issues that impact women.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

Hear from industry experts, attend workshops and meetings on entrepreneurship, professional development, emerging industries and so much more.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Receive announcements of special offers and discounts on products.

SUPPORT

Your membership supports our mission of promoting the economic advancement of women.

CONNECT FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Join a Circle of women sharing new opportunities and new innovations

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:

Free member only networking events Free editions of WEOP News and annual publications Discounted rates for WEOP’s signature training sessions Discounted admission to annual Women’s History Month event Free invitation to WEOP’s signature entrepreneurship meetings Access to online training sessions and webinars

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An annual publication for the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project, Inc.

Founding Editors Antionette Ball Marionette Ball

Content Editor Ayanna Jackson

Production Director Marionette Ball

Cover Design

Kaarin Mackinnon

Magazine Layout Saria Canady

Contributors

Marionette Ball Tina Douglas Juliet Charney Ayanna Jackson Briana Myrie Robyn Norwood Chardee Sneed

Publisher

Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project, Inc. 250 Georgia Ave., SE Suite 213 Atlanta, GA 30312 P 404-681-2497 www.weop.org www.women2contract.com www.womengomobile.com

Contact Us

Women@weop.org Copyright © 2015 All Rights Reserved

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contents FAWP

2015 Edition

4 Publisher’s Page 5 About WEOP FEATURE STORIES – POWER WOMEN 6 Supporting Business Growth in the Community Joyce Rhodes 7 A Well Lit Path to Success – Tracy Williams 8 Helping Businesses Succeed - Theresa Schroeder

WEOP SIGNATURE PROGRAMS 9 WEOP Business Contract Program 10 Women2contract 11 Women Go Mobile 12 Roundtable Series

BUSINESS FORWARD 13 Crowdfunding Site for Women In Business – Juliett Chaney 14 Certification For Women Owned Small Business Antionette Ball 15 Five Reasons to Blog – Briana Myrie

SPOTLIGHT- SUPPLIER DIVERSITY COMPANIES 16 J.E. Dunn 16 Georgia Power INFOGRAPHICS 17 Grow Your Business With Content Marketing WEOP EXTRAS 18 WEOP Picture Gallery 19 Small Business Success for Women - Cassius F. Butts 20 Resource List

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From a Circle of Women ... Helping Other Women

Words From the Publisher

T

hrough my work with WEOP, I have met some amazing women!

We have great volunteers, partners and others that continue to support WEOP’s mission. I can say that there are truly women that remain committed to WEOP’s mission of the economic advancement of women, especially women of color.

As women, we have experienced our own set of circumstances and truly understand the struggle. Women, especially women of color, face many obstacles from securing capital to building strong networks. We find ourselves asking, “Where can we lean into?” We can sit around in circles and realize how amazing we are, however, the reality is that we have to get out and create networks that support our success and help us achieve our Marionette Ball and Antionette Ball, WEOP founders. goals.

According to a recent American Express Open report, women-owned firms continue to grow at rates exceeding the national average. Statistics cite that African American women are building businesses at record highs and Georgia is experiencing one of the fastest growths in the number of women-owned businesses. Overall, reports continue to emphasize that women are making important strides in business and are creating jobs and opportunities.

As a woman, what does this mean for you? We understand that the economy has created a different reality for women. Instead of looking for jobs, we have to consider business opportunities or contract work as a way to earn an income. We have to find creative strategies to earn incomes that will sustain our families. For this reason, the work of WEOP is very important. Just think how many community-related nonprofits exist today that provide supportive networks for women.

Our work is only beginning! As an organization with roots imbedded within our community, we understand the intricate needs of women. It is our goal to deliver quality programs and engage in activities that support women’s economic self-sufficiency.

Here at WEOP, we focus on strategies that closely align with the needs of women. We are excited about 2015 and will continue to strive to reach our best work. We have an active board of director’s committed to supporting our growth.

With that said, we thank all the women that have joined and support our journey!

Ant ionette & Marionette Ball Sincerely,

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About WEOP

By Antionette Ball

T

he Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project, Inc. (WEOP) is a nonprofit, community based organization dedicated to the mission of providing programs and services for women. The organization operates on the core belief that helping women achieve economic sustainability bears compounding benefits

for families, communities and the economy at large.

The concept for WEOP was the vision of twin sisters Antionette and Marionette Ball. “As women, we have experienced first hand the value of programs that provide support, networks and resources,” according to Antoinette Ball. “With that in mind, it was our intention to operate an organization that would support the economic growth of women.”

Over the last decade, WEOP’s programs have focused on services that develop the talents of aspiring entrepreneurs, while helping women expand their career options and supporting the expansion of female-owned small businesses. During 2014, the organization conducted several activities that included supplier diversity roundtable discussions, business networking events, career information seminars and an annual Women’s History Month celebration. Through these initiatives, WEOP has impacted hundreds of female entrepreneurs in the Georgia community.

WEOP has also leveraged technology to expand its reach by launching two online educational portals: women2contract.com and womengomobile.com. Both sites provide valuable information and resources for women in business. WEOP also publishes an annual print and digital magazine, From A Woman’s Perspective (FAWP.) Readers can access the FAWP blog site through www.weop.org. Technology has been an invaluable tool that allows the organization to reach thousands of women globally. Our women2contract members are comprised of an international community of women.

This year marked the launch of the organization’s membership component for women interested in joining WEOP. Membership benefits include discounted rates for classes, free events and are featured at WEOP events.

As we look forward to 2015, it will focus on three defined signature programs: Advancing Women Business Opportunities Ventures and Enterprises (ABOVE), Women Go Mobile, and women2contract.

For additional information, you are encouraged to visit the WEOP website at: www.weop.org and subscribe to the newsletter.

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Featured Story

Supporting Business Growth in the Community

J

By Robyn Norwood

oyce Rhodes has been on a 21-year mission, promoting social welfare and quality of life for those within in her community.

With an unrelenting desire to witness communities thrive, Joyce Rhodes became a catalyst for change in interest of the economical and ecological advancement of Fulton county and abroad.

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the historic Pratt Institute, her senses were awakened as she became eager to put her collaborative and aesthetic skills to good use.

In the early 1980’s, Rhodes became an invaluable component of an architectural firm located in the city of New York, NY. The heartbeat of the mission there was solely invested in the redevelopment and preservation of communities within the state of New York — a mission that she actively embraced. The ability to serve communities in this capacity begins with a positive mindset that is contagious for those she had the privilege to serve. Rhodes states “I started doing many things to encourage individuals within the community. I helped them become more involved and engaged while moving them away from the perception and poor mindset that they would always be dumped on.”

Amid her work in NYC, Rhodes organized a community band, senior citizens program, neighborhood watch, meals on wheels, volunteer services and an expansive youth program featuring top notch sports teams complete with cheerleaders.

“Small businesses are the fabric of the community and it is our intention to support their growth and sustainability. I have always had a passion for the elderly population and programs that support business development for entrepreneurs age 55 and over. ... I look forward to retiring, but I’ll never stop working!”

In 1992, she relocated to Atlanta and landed another highly respected position with Fulton County’s Economic Development Division. In her current role, she provides business recruitment, retention and financing for both domestic and international projects. As demonstrated throughout decades of community service, her work allows her to support the development of women and minority owned business enterprises.

In 2013, she organized a planning committee and invited numerous organizations to assist in the formation of a forum geared toward small business owners. The event was a success with over three hundred individuals in active participation! Afterwards, she went on to coordinate an awards ceremony for these businesses.

In this endeavor, her overall goal was to provide CEO’s with guidance and resources to assist in the growth and diversity of their companies. “Small

businesses are the fabric of the community and it is our intention to support their growth and sustainability.

I have always had a passion for the elderly population and programs that support business development for entrepreneurs age 55 and over. It’s important that we never duplicate what is already out there. I look forward to retiring, but I’ll never stop working!”

Rhodes is an engaging supporter of WEOP, she currently serves as a member of the Board of Director’s.

She advocates for women peaking their interest with subjects on supplier diversity and procurement opportunities. Additionally, she supports WEOP’s Business Contract Professional (BCP) program which provides training and education for women interested in pursuing contracts in the public and private sector. She offers practical wisdom and business strategies for those who want to learn the key to entrepreneurial success. W

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Featured Story

A WELL-LIT PATH TO SUCCESS

By Robyn Norwood

In 2011, Tracy Williams joined AccuClean, a company that was started by her father in 2000.

Although she admired her father for starting his own business, she never really thought about running a business herself. Williams’ father had bigger plans for her. He knew she had the potential to run the company and take it to the next level.

With the intention to step down and enjoy his retirement days, Williams’ father started grooming her to take complete control as the CEO of the family business. She quickly adapted, assuming full responsibility for managing the daily operations of AccuClean, which includes overseeing financials, customer support and public relations.

Williams has risen to the challenge. She enjoys the challenges and understands the opportunity she’s been afforded. She is excited to have the opportunity to learn a new field; especially one that is male dominated. Over the years, she has developed her own personal strategy that she shares with the following quote: “When you work in a non traditional industry, where most of the interaction is with men 99% of the time, people respect you on the job – as long as you know the job and have all the capabilities” Williams understands that this is an incredible opportunity for her as a woman, while appreciating the ability to walk into a job that supports the growth of family business. She thinks about the legacy that she can create for her children and the opportunity for them to see her at the helm of a business. She believes that women are emerging in the field of building service contractors. “This is an exciting field that trains you for adaptability. There is constant

“When you work in a non traditional industry, where most of the interaction is with men 99% of the time, people respect you on the job – as long as you know the job and have all the capabilities.”

Tracy Williams innovation in the field including LEED building certifications. Also, there is a trend for green cleaning and addressing the need to institute programs to make sure everything is environmentally friendly” states Williams.

One of her success tools is seeking opportunities to network and connect with others. As an active member of WEOP, she attends the supplier diversity roundtable sessions. Through the sessions, Williams meets women who are supporting the efforts of other women seeking contracts within the private sector. She also encourages women to network within associations related to their industry. She is also a member of the Building

Owners and Managers Association of Georgia [BOMA]. Networking within this association connects her directly to property managers who can be potential customers.

One extremely rewarding aspect of her company is the ability to employ women. Employing a female workforce provides a second income to women and helps them maintain their economic stability.

The company also provides women with janitorial safety and floor technical training. Williams has been instrumental in nurturing employees in starting their own cleaning businesses and contracting opportunities.

Williams includes the following quote in her employee newsletters: “Service is the lifeblood of any organization – everything flows from it and is nourished by it and customer service is not a department – it is an attitude.” W

About the writer

Robyn Leigh A. Norwood is a freelance writer and columnist residing in Powder Springs, GA. She is the author of “Help Meet for the Soul: Encouragement for God’s People.” When she’s not writing or volunteering, she enjoys baking, sewing, blogging and spending quality time with family.

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Featured Story

DEDICATION

TO HELP BUSINESSES SUCCEED

By Chardee Sneed

A

successful “leap of faith” hinges on a person’s ability to harness their inner strength and confidence, especially when the outcome is unknown. So, when Theresa Schroeder was asked to be the Director of Regional Affairs at Turner Construction, an international construction company with offices in Atlanta, she saw the opportunity as a blessing. With no experience in the construction industry, Theresa was Theresa able to use her experience in marketing and public relations to flourish in her new position.

Fast forward 10 years later and Theresa is a natural. Her work with Turner has been integral in building relationships within the community and creating new programs that reach Turner’s varying customer base. Theresa is responsible for the success of ACE, one of Turners initiatives that provides mentoring to students. According to Theresa, “My duties include managing Turner’s corporate affairs, minority and women-owned business enterprise program, equal employment, and educational programs.”

As an active member of the community, Theresa was attracted to Turner’s dedication to community relations and empowering minority and women owned businesses to stay educated about the changing market. Additionally, Theresa advises, “Turners total awards to M/WBE’s and involvement with M/WBE

joint venture partnerships exceeded $14.4 billion. I also coordinate an award winning and widely recognized program that was awarded the U.S. Civil Rights Commission’s Award for Best Practices.” This passion for outreach has allowed Theresa to be a key player in Turner’s corporate efforts of awarding business to M/WBE’s.

Not only is giving back a priority for Theresa, but nurturing the youth of the community is of the utmost importance. Theresa explains that Schroeder through Turners Youth Force 2020 program, Turner is able to promote gender and race equality, expose students to the construction industry, and encourages youth to continue their education. This program is close to Theresa’s heart because according to her, “Service above self is my motto. I believe that businesses who give back to their community are the ones that you want to do business with.”

Overall, Theresa loves helping others, seeing that her hard work is benefiting her customers. When asked about what she considers the best aspect of her new position Theresa replied, “Helping my customers increase revenue and solve their problems is just a perk.” In the service industry, few people have such kind and sincere words for their employers. However, for a woman who enjoys her “alone time” in her car on her way to work, Theresa Schroeder is showing no signs of slowing down. W

About the writer Chardee Sneed’s love for the written word grew out of curiosity of the Who, What, When, Where and Why. With a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Marketing Chardee enjoys dissecting the big picture for her readers. When she is not working at her day job she moonlights as a freelance writer in Atlanta, traveling overseas and perfecting her jalapeno cornbread recipe.

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Signature Program

Business Contract Professional (BCP) can help you meet your contracting goals!

By Antionette Ball

A

s an entrepreneur, you are always seeking opportunities to grow your business with revenue from potential contract and procurement opportunities. You should explore all of your options which includes pursuing contracts with the Federal government, corporations, educational entities, local counties, states and the list can grow. Before you take the leap, it is time for you to develop a strategic plan of action. Before you make your approach to a potential Contracting Officer or Supplier Diversity professional, be prepared to do business the right way.

For example, prior to pursuing federal contracting, you should register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM) and select your NAICS codes. Also, take time to research the agencies and companies that you plan to approach.

As with anything in business, an intelligent educated entrepreneur you can set yourself up for success.

If you are interested in pursuing contracts in the private sector with corporations, you should understand supplier diversity programs and how they can benefit you as a women owned small business. If you are interested in federal contracting, you should understand the registration processes and how to respond to a bid and solicitation. Learn about the programs that can help you leverage yourself as a women or minority

owned small business.

For this reason, WEOP offers the Business Contract Professional (BCP) Class. (BCP) is one of WEOP’s signature programs conducted under the ABOVE program component The program conducted in partnership Atlanta Technical College (ATC) consist of five weeks of hands on

instructor led classroom training classes, specialized workshops with industry experts, mentoring sessions and team projects. Participants successfully completing the program will acquire the skills, tools and knowledge to pursue contracting opportunities.

Incorporated into the training includes an overview of marketing strategies and research techniques.

We discuss a range of strategies that can benefit small business owners and Independent Contractors.

Want to learn more – join the BCP class and optimize your potential to be contract ready. Classes will also soon be offered online for our members in other cities! W

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Signature Program

Women2contract

As we move forward in 2015, we continue to leverage technology to reach a global audience of women. Are you ready to join women2contract?

Women2contract.com is a powerful social networking site targeting aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, Independent contractors, consultants and anyone seeking business and contract opportunities in the public and private sectors.

This free membership site provides readers with educational articles, information and resources

related to contract opportunities and supplier diversity programs. Members can engage in business discussions, receive event notifications, join groups, post articles, share videos and engage in discussions through the blog. The goal will be to expand the site to thousands of members by the year end 2015. Currently, the site has increased to a membership base of over 1,500 subscribers representing a range of countries which includes Brazil, Spain, Poland, Canada, and Hawaii. W

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Signature Program

WOMEN GO MOBILE

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Helping women become tech-savvy

W

EOP’s “Women Go Mobile” is a technology program that trains and educates women on mobile applications and new cutting edge technology trends. The overall purpose is to encourage women to maximize the usage of smart phones, Ipads and mobile devices for business solutions, career advancement and personal management. Through our work with WEOP, we continue to come in contact with women who are not aware of new technology trends, therefore, the purpose of WGM is to educate and empower women with information.

We are excited about providing a calendar of activities in 2015! The women go mobile dedicated web site will feature technology demonstrations, training videos, webinars and links to online resources to reach women globally.

During 2015, WGM will conduct a technology symposium and workshops on a range of topics which includes Cloud Computing, Mobile Apps, Digital Marketing and so much more!!! The training and workshops will be facilitated by technology professionals and entrepreneurs.

Join our professional network of women and learn to market your brand, update your skills and develop a

strategy to stay relevant. You can learn new technology to promote your business, expand your career and increase your business productivity. Visit WGM online for access to educational resources, videos, workshops and online training: www.womengomobile.com WOMEN GO MOBILE TIP: How to make your website mobile friendly WGM Budget Business Technology Tip … Is your website mobile friendly?

A mobile website is designed to be compatible to be viewed on a mobile device or tablet. There are free online tools that will quickly convert your website into a mobile friendly format in minutes. Two free tools are the Google Mobile Optimizer offered by Google. If you have a Wordpress site, mobilepress is a free plug-in to convert your website to a mobile friendly format. There are numerous online tools to convert your website for mobile devices. Conduct your research and find the tools that will best fit your website format. W

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Signature Program

WEOP’S Roundtable Series Helps Georgia Business Women Benefit From Supplier Diversity Programs

By Juliet Charney Minority and women-owned enterprises have become one of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the U.S. economy. Women-owned companies, according to the Center for Women’s Business research, employ 19 million people and they produce 2 ½ trillion dollars in annual revenue. Georgia leads the entire nation with the most rapid growth of women-owned firms. So it is no wonder more female small business owners in Georgia are looking for ways to set up supplier partnerships with large corporations and government enterprises.

Women looking to score supplier contracts should not be discouraged; many corporations and companies have set up Supplier Diversity programs to help women and minorities compete for contracts. Qualifying for WOSB (Women Owned Small Business) contracts can be daunting and confusing, and obtaining those contracts takes homework, marketing savvy, and an understanding of the process. WEOP’s Supplier Diversity Roundtable series is designed to take the mystery out of the qualifying process.

The idea for the roundtable series grew out of conversations between the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project (WEOP) and Supplier Diversity Officers.

The officers pointed out situations that occurred when approached

WEOP’s Supplier Diversity Roundtable series was designed to take mystery out of the qualifying process. by women-owned small businesses. They stated that in some cases, the entrepreneurs needed additional preparation before they approached a corporation for a contract. The Supplier Diversity roundtables are designed to connect female entrepreneurs with contracting officers, providing guidance and instruction on how to successfully prepare for and navigate the process.

This initiative is made possible with the support of WEOP’s board Chair, Ms. Glenda Stinson, Supplier Development Consultant

with Georgia Power. In 2014, the monthly “Supplier Diversity” workshops featured speakers from various corporations, including Lockheed Martin, MARTA, J.E. Dunn, Porsche, The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Fulton County, Economic Development Division.

Each session has been successful and always reached full capacity.

We have five roundtables planned for 2015 and will feature dynamic local companies, agencies and organizations. W

About the writer Juliet Charney is a social Media Editor, certified L.E.A.N. Coach, Event Coordinator, Public Relations, Blogger, PR person, bookseller and event coordinator. As a L.E.A.N. Coach, she looks forward to helping others adopt a whole food based lifestyle. She shares her views in her blog “thebountifulbite.”

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Business Forward

CROWDFUNDING

TARGETS WOMEN IN BUSINESS

By Juliet Charney Women are launching businesses at record rates. Seven out of ten start-ups in 2012 were female owned. The Census Bureau reports that over the last 17 years, the number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. increased by 68 percent, double the growth rate for men. Women are turning to entrepreneurship as a direct result of a difficult job market and the quest to achieve economic stability.

Venture capital is less readily available to women and they tend to launch with smaller initial outlays and rely more on self-funding. Lack of investment capital and fewer techoriented business plans create a great need for inventive, alternative sources of capital for women-owned enterprises.

This is where Crowdfunding steps in. Made popular by sites such as Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and Angel List, “Crowdfunding” is the practice of raising money via the internet, by giving multiple donors or investors in your network the chance to contribute to a single venture.

Former investment banker Deborah Jackson recognizes that women look for alternate ways of funding start-ups, and wants to help them. She built Plum Alley as a crowdfunding resource, that hopes to help close this gender gap with a site specifically for women-owned businesses and those seeking to invest in them.

Women entrepreneurs go about funding differently than their male counterparts, and CEO Deborah Jackson hopes Plum Alley’s funding platform will draw more women entrepreneurs by speaking to the types of ventures women own and the social networks they rely on. “ Women and their talent are under-utilized in the world.

I saw it on Wall Street. I see it in academia, in media, in government – everywhere. We need women to be in more leadership positions because they have different skills, values, interests and perspectives.”

Recognizing that women’s businesses usually fall into certain areas such as fitness, arts and design, food, education, and social good, Plum Alley is organized around these categories. The site uses rewards based fundraising, which is part of the crowdfunding donation model.

Plum Alley’s website encourages fundraisers to post videos, reach out to the press, keep a campaign calendar with daily “asks”, and link their social media to their donations page. Fundraisers can also list donor rewards right on their page. A mere 12% of all angel funders are

women, making gender preference a significant stumbling block for women seeking venture capital. By contrast, in the crowdfunding arena Wharton School of Business found that on average, 37% of all women-led Kickstarter ventures were funded.

Crowdfunding may or may not be ideal for you. It depends on the size of your network, the overall site traffic, the amount of capitol you need and what type of project you are launching. Proceed with information — before you choose a crowdfunding platform, examine it carefully to see if it will help you reach your personal target! W 13

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Business Forward

Are You Thinking About Certification for Your Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)?

By Antionette Ball Quite often one of the topics of discussion among small business owners is “certification”. To push the thought process a little further, I will usually ask; “What type of certification are you seeking and who are you planning to do business with?” For example, if you are seeking to grow your business with federal contracting you should explore certifications with The Small Business Administration (SBA). Yes, you can certify with the SBA as a Women Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Business and Veteran Owned Small Business.

The certification process with the SBA is free and you can do it yourself.

Since the federal government has ‘set asides’ for both contract and bid opportunities, certification may be quite beneficial for your small business.

If your goal is to work within the private sector, perhaps with a major corporation, you may want to consider a national certification.

However, there are fees associated with third party certification councils including fees for annual renewals.

Your certifications should align with your business strategy. I always stress to business owners the importance of understanding the different types of certifications and how it will align with your business goals.

Prior to making any investment of your time or money in pursuit of certification, I cannot stress the importance of doing your research.

Also, as a contractor or supplier, you should become familiar with

Utilize online information and websites to equip you with vital information related to the company, its goals, its commitment to diversity, and any other strategies that can help you prepare for contract opportunities. the terminology of contracting. If you are pursuing federal contracting, you should become familiar with acronyms. For example, if you are seeking contracts in the private sector you should understand the meaning of terms such as vendor, supplier diversity programs and contracting tiers.

Utilize online information and websites to equip you with vital information related to the company, its goals, its commitment to diversity, and any other strategies that can help you prepare for contract

opportunities. View their “Supplier Diversity” programs specifically targeted toward women and minority owned businesses. Leveraging your status as a women-owned small business can have its advantages. The Federal government, corporations, state and local governments have established goals that commit a certain percentage of business for women owned companies.

A word to the wise, make sure you are an informed business owner as you enter the world of contracting, there could be a range of opportunities available to help you compete for contracts that can grow your business. W

About the writer Antionette Ball is the CEO and co-founder of WEOP, she devotes her time to developing WEOP programs, fundraising, networking and business coaching.

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5Reasons to blog!

Business Forward

By Briana Myrie

It’s no secret that everything in our world is moving towards web-based applications. We read online, we shop online, we talk online and even order our food online. If it is not already a web-based company, businesses are almost required to have a website or some form of digital, consumer engagement without customers actually being in-store. When it comes to developing and expanding your business, blogs are proving to be an essential tool in social marketing.

Blogs are one of the simplest tools to implement and provide an outlet to connect with your customers. Let me share with you five reasons that it makes sense to have a blog for your business:

1. Blogging allows you to share

a personal connection with your customers and secures a network of supporters that can grow your brand basically free of charge.

2. You can use your blog to pitch

a product, notify customers of new products and sales, quickly and efficiently.

3. Your blog positions you as

an expert, where you can engage your customers and stimulate conversations.

4. Leveraging your blog space to

share helpful information and tips to your customers show them your

reliability and your level of expertise.

5.Blogging can drive traffic to your

website, thus increasing your rank on Google and other search engines.

While blogging does require committed time, it does not have to be a challenge. The vast Internet has an audience for everything, so the simplest advice is to write about things that you would like to read related to your field. Using keywords specific to your products and services will increase your rank in search engines making your business more visible to potential customers. Updating your site daily

with new content will lead to higher traffic to your website, which leads to prospective sales. There are tools that you can use such as “Hoot Suite” to help you make timely posts.

I hope this article sheds a little light on the world of blogging!

Don’t forget to visit my blog: www. girlspotblog.com W

About the writer

Briana Myrie Blogger & Creator of “The Girl Spot” “A place where Girlfriends connect on all things social.”

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“We light that entrepreneurial fire again” Cherelle Cortez helps construction related women-owned and minority businesses grow and mature.

As East Region Diversity Manager for JE Dunn Construction, she understands the challenges small businesses face in the rough and tumble construction world. Often they lack experience, bonding power and industry connections. Sometimes the issue is business management skills.

JE Dunn’s Minority Contractor Business Development (MCBD) Program is building hope and opportunity.

Cortez oversees the program regionally, including in Atlanta. “We help business owners light that entrepreneurial fire again, so they’re enthused and thinking about the future, rather than just getting by,” Cortez says.

Women-owned businesses represented 40% of combined participants in Atlanta’s 2012 and 2013 MCBD classes. A woman-owned landscape firm has reaped contracts valued at $300,000.

Offered free of charge to competitively selected companies, the program covers areas—from leadership to legal— that sharpen business skills and forge relationships.

Says Cortez: “I love it when businesses stop operating like mom-and-pops and make changes—new policies and hiring practices, for example—that show they’re committed to progressing to the next level.”

Cortez, a WEOP board member, can be reached at 678.781.2574.

Strong partnerShipS minority contractor business development program minority contractor b deliver cuStomer value

opment program

Shannon Riley One Stop Environmental LLC

Traci Williams Crescent Construction Services

Our customers deserve the best we can give them. That’s why Georgia Power actively searches for companies like yours that deliver quality, reliable, competitively priced products and services. For more than 35 years, Georgia Power has worked diligently to develop small and diverse suppliers through contracting opportunities, mentoring and educational sponsorships. To learn more, visit us at georgiapower.com/supplier-diversity today.

Monique Henley All Clean Janitorial Services LLC

Deborah Henderson Certified Constructors Services, Inc

Livia Cantrell CTMI Gear Box Repair

©2014 georgia power

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Gallery

Career Reinvention Workshop facilitated

by Shaunna Tyus - Daily Works “Business Contract Professional” training at Atlanta Technical College (ATC)

Supplier Diversity Roundtable conducted at Georgia Power 4 WOSB Symposium speakers Keshia Walker, Celest Turner & Kelly Green.

Women’s Symposium - Mary Ball & dedicated Volunteer Jackie Pittman

Annual Women’s History Month Event, featuring Celest Turner 18 weopmagfinalDecember2014ff.indd 19

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Small Business Success for Women

By Cassius F. Butts, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

The SBA offers additional resources such as local Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) and SBA Lending Programs.

WBCs are an effective resource that encourages and helps women small business owners navigate to success through mentorship and training.

Additionally, there are various SBA loan programs that can cater to your small business needs.

The face of entrepreneurship is changing in America.

Women-owned small businesses are one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy and are helping us recover from the Great Recession.

Yet, there are still profound challenges women small business owners may face – lack of access to capital and resources, lack of knowledge about business basics, and lack of financial education. Women entrepreneurs should not be discouraged or be deterred for these reasons. In the Southeast Region, the U.S. Small Business Administration stands alongside entrepreneurs, including women, to knock down these small business obstacles.

As an advocate and champion for small businesses across the nation, we in the Southeast Region of the SBA recognize that women are under-represented in the federal contracting marketplace despite being essential job creators in communities across the country. We all know federal contracts provide critical opportunities for owners of small firms to boost their small businesses to the next level and create good-paying jobs. That’s why we rolled out the SBA Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSBs) in 2011.

This program authorizes contracting officers to set aside federal contracts for eligible women-owned small businesses or economically disadvantaged small businesses to ensure women earn a fair share of the federal marketplace. Continued support for women is essential as women-owned small businesses have grown by 20 percent in five years and a quarter of small businesses are now owned or led by women.

The SBA offers additional resources such as local Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) and SBA Lending Programs. WBCs are an effective resource that encourages and helps women small business owners navigate to success through mentorship and training.

Additionally, there are various SBA loan programs that can cater to your small business needs.

Overall, your gender, your race, your age, or your neighborhood should never impact you as a potential small business owner. Utilize the SBA as your small business resource and partner. Check out: http://www. sba.gov/content/women-owned-businesses to jumpstart your potential woman-owned small business and visit your local office in your state. W

About the writer Cassius Butts is the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, Region IV.

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Resources

ITS FREE…GREAT INFORMATION…ITS ONLINE! 1.Need help getting your small business off the ground and finally growing?

Check out Score.org, dedicated to “helping small businesses achieve their goals. SCORE provides free mentoring and training: https://atlanta.score.org/

much more!

7. A support network can be used

2. Looking for a network of creative

and business minded women? Look no further than The Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project, Inc., a local non profit organization, providing the community with a calendar of events and workshops in and around the Atlanta area : http://www.weop.org

3. Do you need money for your

business? Have you considered launching a crowdfunding campaign?

Visit: https://plumalley.com, a special niche site just for women who want to raise money.

to exchange ideas, gain referrals, and support an online presence for networking purposes. This is why http:// startupprincess.com/about-start-upprincess/ is the first place you should go if you want to network effectively with like-minded women.

8. In need of a strong professional

network with opportunities to develop business contacts and support of peers in your field? Then check out http://www. nawboatlanta.org/# for the latest in peer to peer advice and career guidance.

9. Education is the cornerstone of any

successful business. If you are seeking to start, grow, expand or relocate a business in Georgia, you should visit: www. georgia.org. The site is jam packed with information and resources.

4. Knowing your rights and privileges,

from tax right offs to choosing a financial plan, are how small businesses stay afloat in a fluctuating economy: https://www. sba.gov/about-sba/sba_newsroom.

5. Your small business has a direct

impact on your community and peers.

For the latest information, news, research, and happenings regarding women in business bookmark http:// www.uswcc.org/.

10. Career advice comes and goes,

but sound and proven methods to reach your professional goals is priceless. You should visit a site sponsored by The U.S. Department of Labor: careeronestop. org. The site contains tools to help job seekers, students, businesses and career professionals.

11. In need of information, the United

6. You can find government

information by topic and agency at www.usa.gov. Your one stop portal for a range of information related to jobs, training, grants, housing, elected officials, unclaimed money, health insurance and

States Census Bureau serves as a leading source of quality data about the nation’s people and economics. Visit: www. census.gov for information related to business, education, employment, income and important economic trends.

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SPECIALThanks

We appreciate and acknowledge the following people for their business expertise, volunteer time and professional resources in making our programs and services a SUCCESS. WEOP Board of Directors Glenda Stinson, Board Chair Supplier Diversity Consultant Georgia Power

Cherelle Cortez Diversity Manager JE Dunn Construction Company

Dr. Christina D. Hobbs Business Development Manager University System of Georgia

Petrina Hall McDaniel Senior Associate McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP

Atlanta Technical College Fulton County Economic Development Division Urban League of Greater Atlanta

JE Dunn Construction Company

Cherelle Cortez – JE Dunn Dwan H. Armstrong – Clorox

Company

Crystal Khalil – Porsche Doretha R. Smith – Holder, Hunt,

Russel Moody, LLC

Dr. Christina Hobbs – University System of Georgia

Vanessa Bull – Lockheed Martin

Regional Community Affairs Director Turner Construction

Shelandra Cornick - MARTA

Media Specialist & Journalist Cumulus Media

Tamika Wiggins Brand Manager AT & T

Veronica Maldonado Supplier Diversity Consultant Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection

Joyce Rhodes Senior Business Development Manager Fulton County, Economic Development Division

Katie Tucker Business & Technology Consultant Systems Evolution, Inc.

Community Partners U.S. Small Business Administration

Sponsors & Supporters

Supplier Diversity Speakers Fulton County Economic

Theresa A. Schroeder

Tina Douglas

Stacy Vaughn – D-Unity Group Roger Vaughn – D-Unity Group

Aeronautics Company

Event/Workshops Speakers Dinora Gonzalez – DG Federal

Procurement Advisors

Jennifer “Jaki”Johnson –

Change Agent International Kimberly Hooper – All Points Financial Shaunna Tyus – Daily Works Workforce Solutions Angela Battle – Daily Works Workforce Solutions Karlyn Henderson – Poimena Consulting Sterling Perry – The Sent Media Johari Soward – N Pursuit, LLC Rholanda Stanberry – Fulton County Contract & Compliance Erika Smith – Fulton County, Economic Development Division Keshia Walker – Insights Marketing Celest Turner – Growth By Celest

Development Office Wells Fargo Georgia Power Turner Construction Company Federal Home Loan Bank Microsoft Store – Lenox Mall

Educational Resource Partners

Atlanta Technical College Atlanta Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce (AMBCC) Best Buy D-Unity Group General Services Administration U.S. Department of Census Bureau Fulton County, Department of Purchasing & Compliance Fulton County, Economic Development Division

Special Thank You

Latasha Ball Jackie Pittman Clifton Lee Law Firm Celest LeQuan Dan Moore, Apex Museum Kimberly Nieves Tai Thomas, Event Planner Joan Adams Jennifer Parker, Cross Roads News

Printing courtesy of

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FultonCounty Economic Development Division 141 Pryor Street Atlanta, GA 30303 www.fultonecondev.org

For more information, contact Joyce Rhodes at 404-612-4124

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