Small Business Concierge Silicon Valley Spring 2023

Grant

California Governor Gavin Newsom Proclaims Small Business Month

Small Businesses

Digital Trends: Implications for Businesses

Small Business Concierge Communications & Digital Media

Publication: Disclaimer

The views expressed in content distributed by Small Business Concierge Communication and Digital Media (SBCCDM), the SBC Magazine, are solely those of the respective Contributor(s) and not necessarily the views of SBCCDM. Articles from Contributors are provided mild editing for grammar, punctuation, and plagiarism checks; otherwise, articles are “AS IS,” with no assurances and bestow no rights. The articles and information published by SBCCDM in the SBC Magazine are for general information and should not, in any respect, be solely relied on as professional coaching advice. Contributors are professionals and leaders in their industry and provide their opinions on best practices. The SBCCDM does not make any claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of articles or linked to content of articles, nor does SBCCDM take responsibility for any aspect of such content. Articles are author-based content and commentary. SBCCDM does not offer assurances or other guarantees regarding the quality of the opinions, commentary, or anything else appearing in the SBCCDM publications. SBCCDM expressly reserves the right to remove articles at its sole discretion. Contributors are not professional journalists or writers.

FOUNDER AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Margaret A. Jackson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jesse L. Lee, Jr.

ART & DESIGN

Julio C. Pardo III

CONTRIBUTING SMALL BUSINESS WRITERS

- INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEURS & PROFESSIONALS

Vanessa Albanez, Sandy Bennett, Bradley Hamada, Derick A. Jackson, Margaret A. Jackson, Mark Kenoly, Jesse L. Lee, Vanda McCauley, Pastor

Timonthy and Vanessa Russell, Warren

Wettenstein

REPUBLISHED ARTICLES (Just in case you missed it).

Best IT Hiring Practices In a Remote World

I Am Still Here: In Remembrance

I Love You More Insurance Executive Overview & Primer for Concierge Magazine Readers

The Most Important Business In the World

COVERART

Small Business Concierge

Communications & Digital Media

Upwork Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & DIGITAL MEDIA

Ricardo Flamenco, iStock, Leonardo. Ai, Courtesy Images: Kenoly Music, Courtesy Images: Unfazed, Courtesy Images: Wettenstein Insurance

SBC SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Facebook, LinkedIN, Instagram, Twitter, #MySBCMagazine

RELEVANT WEBSITES

https://businessontheedge.biz

https://iheartradio.com

https://kdow.biz

https://smallbusinessconcierge.biz

PUBLISHED BY

Small Business Concierge Communications & Digital Media, Incorporation

Spring Issue 2023

2023 Copyright, All Rights Reserved

Digital Impact Phenomenon

Editorial

From the Desk of Margaret Jackson

Growing up in the mid to late 70s, my brothers and I couldn’t wait to watch Saturday cartoons and Soul Train, “the hippest trip in America,” in front of our colossal wood-finished floor television set. Of course, we had to sit close enough to reach over to turn the television dial. We did not have a remote control for the television. We actually had to move our bodies. Go figure. We thought that was the best technology of our time, and don’t get me started on the wood-finished stereo console players. We did not know what was coming and how our world would transform from this analog experience to a digital experience. We would be surrounded by computers that, would be the new television. We would live in a world similar to the Jetsons when making digital face-to-face calls using applications like ZOOM, FaceTime, Duo, WebEx, and Google Meet, talking with family and friends, and doing business worldwide.

The phenomenon of digital impact is just getting started with great S.T.E.M. minds eager to bring new experiences to the marketplace. Who knew that traveling to space as a customer would be possible? Who knew that A.I. technology and capabilities would be accessible to small businesses to create a competitive advantage? Who knew our social interaction experiences would become a digital medium called social media? What happened to the world that we once knew? It is long gone.

As small business owners, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, integrating digital applications into your customer’s online experiences is unavoidable. The world’s digital population continues to grow, and so does the digital population’s use of social media platforms. According to Statista, there are 5.18 billion internet users worldwide and 4.8 billion social media users from the total internet users. (Statista, 2023). The world turns on a digital axis changing digital seasons; what was new in the digital world is now old in the digital world. What’s new? Only time will tell. Don’t worry; it will not be a long wait. Digital experts state that digital technologies change 2x every 18 months, 4x the rate in 20 years, and 16x the rate in 40 years. The digital world moves rapidly, and small businesses cannot wait to integrate their businesses into a digital experience. Fear of embarking on the digital world, today’s digital technology, and what’s to come is a high price to pay. That business will be as antiquated as my watching our old wood-finished television set from the 70s. Step into the future and be a digital small business that is an online phenomenon.

Sincerely,

Margaret A. Jackson Publisher Romans 10:9-10

Small Business Science Lab

California Governor Gavin Newsom Proclaims Small Business Month

Press Release

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2023, as “Small Business Month” in the State of California.

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

California’s economy is the envy of the world thanks in large part to our more than 4.2 million small businesses – more than any other state. Small businesses and entrepreneurs accelerate economic growth and mobility in California, creating two-thirds of net new jobs, building wealth, innovating to solve global problems, launching future growth industries, bringing diversity to our economy, and defining main streets across our local communities.

California’s small businesses account for over 99% of total businesses in the state and employ more than 7 million people, nearly half of the state’s private sector workforce. Our small businesses are global leaders in innovation and economic competitiveness and embody the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the economy of the Golden State.

California leads the nation in business startups, growing 20% year-over-year from 2019 to 2020. Our businesses receive more than 50% of the nation’s venture capital. They produce more patents per capita and conduct more research and development than any other state in the nation. California is the center of manufacturing output in the United States, with over 35,000 manufacturing firms that employ over 1.2 million Californians. Our manufacturing firms have created new industries and supplied the world with manufactured goods spanning

aerospace, computers and electronics and, most recently, zero-emission vehicles.

For our economy to maintain global leadership, we must ensure that all Californians – no matter who they are or where they come from – can pursue their dreams to start, manage and grow resilient businesses in the Golden State. California continues to make historic investments to support diversity, equity and an inclusive economy. AB 2019, enacted in 2022, seeks innovative ways to increase diversity in state procurement and codifies a goal of 25% small businesses participation in procurement. The Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which was extended indefinitely in 2022, supports underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs so they can start, grow, and be resilient in California.

The state has revamped the Accelerate California program to help expand the technology ecosystem to include more diverse founders, support new tech sectors, drive growth and create high-quality jobs in regions beyond the coast. California has also seen monumental successes in recent initiatives such as the California Dream Fund, which provided seed funds to over 4,500 diverse new small business startups. These efforts are grounded in many partnerships across the state to provide technical assistance, guidance and increased engagement in underserved communities.

Our small businesses are constantly adapting to an evolving marketplace, integrating technology at higher rates than ever before, and developing innovative ways to connect with clients. This month, we recognize the tremendous success of our small businesses and their contributions to the California economy. We affirm our commitment to helping California’s small businesses thrive and, above all, we commit to ensuring that the California Dream can be a reality for everyone.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2023, as “Small Business Month.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 1st day of May 2023.

TOGETHER.

The Inclusivity Project, Wells Fargo, and California’s black and African American Chambers are joining forces to support black business owners in building a bold new, inclusive economy—meaning new businesses, jobs, and creating powerful community impact throughout Northern California—together.

Open to all new and existing Chamber members, the SBDC’s Inclusivity Project will equip you with expert knowledge and insight on all things small business—from credit to capital, to marketing, management and beyond.

SBDC’s Inclusivity Project business advising and training come to your business completely FREE, with special thanks to generous investments from Wells Fargo, and supporting partnerships from the black and African American Chambers.

So what are you waiting for?

Sign up and learn more at: theinclusivityproject.com

The Inclusivity Project is made possible by a strategic partnership between the Northern California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and the Black and African American Chambers of Commerce. Funded in part by a generous contribution from Wells Fargo, in part through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration (SBA), and in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

JOIN US.

PARTICIPATING CHAMBERS

CALIFORNIA BLACK CHAMBER

SACRAMENTO BLACK CHAMBER

SOLANO BLACK CHAMBER

SILICON VALLEY BLACK CHAMBER

OAKLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER

SAN FRANSISCO AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER

SAN JOAQUIN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER

COBIZ RICHMOND

NORTH BAY BLACK CHAMBER

PARTICIPATING SBDC’S

SAN MATEO SBDC

MARIN SBDC

SACRAMENTO VALLEY SBDC

SOLANO-NAPA SBDC

ACCESS SBDC

EAST BAY SBDC

SAN FRANCISCO SBDC

SAN JOAQUIN SBDC

SONOMA SBDC

JOINING THE INCLUSIVITY PROJECT IS SIMPLE.

It only takes about 5 minutes to sign up for the Inclusivity Project and gain access to our vast network of experts who will help with your business goals.

Sign up and learn more at: theinclusivityproject.com

The Inclusivity Project is made possible by a strategic partnership between the Northern California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and the Black and African American Chambers of Commerce. Funded in part by a generous contribution from Wells Fargo, in part through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration (SBA), and in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Preparing Small Businesses for Grant Olympics

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220

In today's world of uncertainties and learning to adapt to living in a pandemic and now post-pandemic and its aftermath, grants have become more available to small business owners. Grant funding is a competitive process and should not be entered into lightly. You will compete against other small businesses for that grant money. It could be a local, statewide, national, or international competition. Whatever it is, you want to compete strongly in what I like to call the Grant Olympics. It takes preparation and time to compete formidably for grant funding. Winging it rarely ever works. If it is a crisis and the grant funding need is immediate, you will not compete well. Competing for grant funding under pressure, stress, and urgency is not a combination for success. If you want to compete well for grant funding, start preparing for the competition before you need crisis mode funding. If it is a crisis, hire a grant-writing expert to help you think through your responses. Invest in a couple of consulting sessions to help you respond competitively. It is imperative to think it through; getting ready to compete is critical to successful grant submission. Are you prepared to compete for a grant? My top five steps to get you started with grant funding competitions.

1. Be sure to submit a grant prepared. Do not dart into it unprepared. Thinking about how you want to compete in the grant process is essential. Start by creating a funding plan or pipeline.

2. Assess the need. Assessing areas that need funding will help you determine an organized order of funding the goals.

3. What are your funding goals? How much money do you need to raise? Use an Excel spreadsheet to calculate each funding goal. Develop a budget. Create a narrative for using funds and provide a reasonable explanation for each category and item on the budget.

4. Learn the grant language. Read. Read. Read. Do your homework. Grant funding opportunities come in options and topics; examples include startup grants, grant contests, dream fund, rent relief, city, state, and county, small business innovation research, small business technology transfer program, and many others. Be aware of grantors' terms and language, so ask questions when you need help understanding.

5. Hire a seasoned grant writer. Make it a collaborative effort and learn the grant writing ropes. Do not ask grant writers to write for free; pay them on the back end. Many grants will have language in the announcement of not using the funds to pay the grant writer. It is your responsibility. Pay the grant writer and learn the ropes.

Applying for grants with short online applications is a great way to get your grant writing feet wet. However, do not blaze through it like a bat out of hell, thinking it will be easy to win that $2,500 grant is wrong rational. Take time and consider your responses; every response to a question matters. It is a competition, and you will only win some of them, but you can win a lot of them using the best grant writing practices.

Digital Trends: Implications for Businesses

By: Jesse L. Lee, Jr. ¦ Editor-In-Chief ¦ https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz

In today's fast-paced digital world, staying up to date with the latest digital trends is essential to remain competitive. As consumer behavior continues to change and new technologies emerge, businesses must be aware of these shifts to adapt and thrive. In my idea lab, I explore the importance of staying informed and, in this case, paying particular attention to how digital trends change consumer behavior.

Keepingup with digital trends can strengthen your business and help you make informed decisions about incorporating innovative technology into your strategies. Just about everyone knows about AI, IoT, blockchain, and 5G. Many people are exploring how these emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve operations, automate the management of information and transactions, and deliver delightful customer experiences. Digital trends are driving new expectations for fast and convenient experiences. By understanding these shifts, businesses can adapt and provide the digital experiences that customers demand.

For instance, supply chain management, digital identity verification, smart contracts, energy trading, blockchain use in healthcare, and a lot more will offer greater conveniences. Blockchain and other digital trends can potentially transform industries.

Staying informed about digital trends and paying attention to changing consumer behavior is crucial for businesses to remain competitive in today’s digital landscape. By embracing new technologies and adapting to changing consumer needs, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and meet the demands of today’s digital consumers. The other side of the coin is that failure to keep up with digital trends and changing consumer behavior risks falling behind their competitors and losing market share, making it more challenging to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

For The Record

By: Jesse L. Lee, Jr. ¦ Editor-In-Chief ¦ https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz

The Small Business Concierge Magazine has grown significantly over the past few years. The business grew despite many challenges, tests, and inconvenient situations. What was learned was that will, leadership, and stamina combined with the right strategy and meticulous planning could withstand the test of time.

The Small Business Concierge Magazine is not alone. Let us face it. Small businesses are the backbone of job creation in the United States. Recently, Forbes reported small businesses account for approximately 33.2 million small businesses in the US, and 16% of these businesses have between one and 19 employees. In addition, the data suggests that the most significant percentage of small businesses is in the professional, scientific, and technical services, followed by construction and retail trade.

I personally would like to know with precision who I am writing to or who is reading my contributions. If I get this right, I can write and share key business content that you cannot get anywhere else. I can think outside of the lines and be challenged by drilling down into areas that may generate a fresh eyes approach to what may be oldschool ideas.

So, the Small Business Concierge Magazine is working to provide a variety of digital marketing, such as digital magazines, catalogs, and radio streaming worldwide. As we grow into a well-oiled machine that consistently delivers value and achieves business performance expectations, I believe you and your business will too. I will focus on bringing value in the form of industry trends, exclusive interviews, and providing a unique perspective and insight into important business and maybe personal topics.

Here’s to the future!

Y/E 2.0

10 Ways Women Can Reduce Their Fear At The Gym

By: Vanessa Albanez ¦ SBC Intern ¦ https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Gym environments can be intimidating for women, especially those who are just starting out or self-conscious about their bodies. However, it’s important to remember that the gym is for everyone, and everyone has the right to feel comfortable and confident while working out. Here are ten tips to help women overcome their fears and feel confident at the gym.

1. Do your research: Before stepping into the gym, knowing what you’re getting into is important. Research the gym facilities, equipment, and classes to feel more prepared and confident.

2. Create a plan: A clear plan for what you want to achieve in the gym can help you feel more confident and prepared. Write down your goals, the exercises you want to do, the food you need to eat, and how you plan to track your progress.

3. Start slow: Do not feel pressured to jump into intense workouts or a cutthroat diet. Start with light exercises and gradually increase the intensity. Slowly add healthy options to your current diet.

4. Find a workout buddy: Having a friend to workout with can make a huge difference. It’s a great way to stay motivated and have someone to share your progress with. They can help hold you accountable and push you to your limits in the gym while having fun.

5. Wear comfortable clothing: Wear clothes that you feel comfortable and cute in! It can help boost your confidence. Ensure your clothes fit well and allow you to move freely.

6. Use headphones and music: Create a playlist with your favorite songs and put on your headphones to tune out distractions.

7. Learn from a professional: Consider taking a fitness class or hiring a personal trainer to help you with exercises and ensure you’re using the proper form.

8. Change your workout schedule: If the gym is busy or crowded at certain times, try working out at different times until something works best for you.

9. Join a supportive community: Joining a gym with a supportive and inclusive community can help you feel more confident and motivated. Look for gyms with a focus on inclusivity and body positivity.

10. Focus on yourself: Don’t compare yourself to others at the gym. Focus on your progress and goals and remember that everyone starts somewhere.

With these tips, women can overcome their fears and feel confident at the gym. Remember to be kind to yourself, take things at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. You are not alone. If you are patient and persistent, you can overcome your fears and achieve your fitness goals.

The Most Important Business in the World

By: Jesse L. Lee, Jr. ¦ Editor-In-Chief ¦ https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Whenyour business idea crystallizes, becomes legal, and begins the journey to become profitable your business becomes the most important business in the world. Why? Because you're in charge and how well your business does reflect entirely upon you, your business acumen, and your leadership skills. You have vetted the market research, developed pro-forma financial statements, business, and financial models, and formed a small team of experts or are working with business intermediaries to help you in your (ad)venture. Only a few open issues remain that involve matters that are uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

You’ve made it, congratulations! You may not feel as if this is a proper time to celebrate. Despite, your business is officially off the ground and running. Now the task-at-hand is to grow a sustainable organization, increase sales, and manage your resources. Consider, for instance, that there are valuable lessons to learn along the way. What you may believe to be true about your business, your industry, and how to increase value for your current customers may be biased. If so, your assumptions may be distorted, and the business outcomes you hope for may miss the mark.

Problem-solving, reflecting on daily activities, and allowing your creativity to flourish is vitally important. The degree to which you are knowledgeable and understand accounting, finance, economics, sales, marketing, information technology, human resources, purchasing, research, and development will enable you to make the wisest decisions. You will want to both invest in your business as well as in yourself to grow and become the best organizational leader possible. Be encouraged. You can do it!

S.T.E.A.M.

Best IT Hiring Practices in a Remote World

By: Derick Jackson ¦ IT Expert Consultant ¦ https://www.smallbusinessconcierge.biz

Since the beginning of the pandemic, information technology hiring managers have had to optimize the use of IT to enhance interviewing remote workers. Here are some best practices to help you optimize your IT hiring practices in a brave new remote world.

1. If you facilitate an online interview between a new hire candidate and other team members in your company, send the interview invitation to all parties two working days before the interview. At least one day before the interview, confirm in the IT tools you are using that all parties have accepted. If all have not accepted the interview invite, use your organization’s collaboration tool (Webex Teams, MS Teams) to confirm that the missing individual will participate in the interview.

2. Contact the candidate at least one day before reconfirming the participation in the interview.

3. If your candidate is unfamiliar with your collaboration IT tools (MS Teams, Webex, Zoom, etc.), it may be beneficial before the interview to set up a 15-minute call using those tools and assist the candidate in connecting to those tools. This pre-interview meeting with your candidate serves a secondary yet essential purpose. It also allows you to observe your candidate’s internet service reliability as the interview facilitator or hiring manager. It is vitally important if you (or your client) evaluate the candidate to work in a remote job where the home internet reliability is a factor in operations.

4. During your initial conversations with a candidate and on the interview meeting invitation, add additional details that you want the candidate to sign into the interview five minutes before starting the meeting from a quiet location. These five minutes will allow you and the candidate to resolve most connectivity issues before other participants join the call. Your client may view your organization more favorably if interview candidates are always ready to go at the start time of the meeting. It

could make the difference between your company winning or losing the business.

5. An essential aspect of interviewing remote candidates is evaluating skills using the tool used for the job. It is especially critical in IT-related fields. One appropriate to better evaluate candidate skills is to develop practical evaluation scenarios using the tool the selected candidate would use every day. Using an online “sandbox” version of the tool could complement the usual technical questions in an interview. For example, suppose your candidate is interviewing for tier 1 software support for an organization. In that case, you could bring up a “sandbox” view of the software’s admin console and evaluate your candidates’ familiarity with using the interview. Many of your favorite software products may have “sandbox” environments that can be accessed and used as a resource in the interview.

Overall, the pandemic and the increase in remote workers have changed how we evaluate talent and knowledge. Employing some of these techniques can help you enhance your interview and lead to the selection of better new IT hires.

Why “Pro Tools” is Considered To Be The Best

By:Mark Kenoly ¦ Producer, Song Writer, Musical Artist ¦ https://www.kenolymusic.com

Manyprofessionals in the audio industry today have an opinion about digital audio workstations (DAWs). Sure, there are very good DAWs out there. Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, PreSonus, Reason, Digital Performer, Cubase, Cakewalk, FL Studio, and many more. There are solid arguments for every one of them. Still, ever since its first release, one DAW has ruled them all in professional musicians, audio engineers, and recording studios worldwide. That product is PRO TOOLS (PT). More hit records have been created on PT than any other recording software. I want to share some of the reasons I exclusively use Pro Tools.

Graphic User Interface (GUI)

The GUI for PT makes sense. Many other GUIs can be challenging to figure out. There are a lot of controls on some of them that need to be more logical in the design. If you take a few minutes to look at Pro Tools, you can see that the flow was well thought out and designed. That was my first reaction when I moved to Pro Tools from an old OPCODE VST program many years ago. Although I loved Opcode and Pro Tools was different, I understood why Digidesign created and designed its functionality. I was a Funk-R&B style writer and producer who used a lot of push and anticipation in my productions. I relied heavily on the grid to know where I was in the production. I found Pro Tools easier to orchestrate my pushes and anticipations, which made my music funkier and more fun.

MIDI ARTICULATION and QUANTIZE

Pro Tools gives you a triplet option and a dotted eight-note quantize. The two can be mixed in certain sections of the song. That helped me a lot when producing hip-hop beats and grooves with a little-bit- of-swing. I often use midi in my productions because I am not that great of a keyboard

player. For the record, I am a gold and platinum record bass player with a long list of credits. Quantization helps me accurately work out different parts of the drum groove. In nearly every production, I mix midi tracks with live tracks. I’ll play a bass track live over a midi track and then bring in a hot guitar player live to give it that full natural feel. Pro Tools even has a feature where you can take an audio waveform of drums and extract a midi track automatically with the exact natural feel. Then save that template to use on other songs. I did that with my favorite drummer. It’s still in my database for PT sessions.

ELASTIC AUDIO

One of the most incredible and powerful features PT has ever created is Elastic Audio. It can manipulate audio wave files by tempo, pitch, independent discrete timing, transpose and other things I still need to explore and use. Other DAW software can do some form of audio wave manipulation, but no one has it as effective and natural sounding as Pro Tools. I have used it to fix old track timing and performances to near perfection.

These are just a few of my reasons for using Pro Tools. If you would like a demonstration of PT’s creative superiority, email me, and I’ll set up a demonstration of why you should use PRO TOOLS to create your music. kenolymusic@gmail.com

Women in Business

I Am Still Here in Remembrance: A Grateful Matriarch Shared Her Story of Overcoming Life

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

Memorial for Cora Holmes by Margaret Jackson

In October 2020, Cora Holmes, a local inspirational church mother and an influencer in my life, was the woman that taught me how to pray. Cora asked me if I would help her share her story and publish it in our magazine. Of course, that was an easy yes. It is always essential to go back and say thank you to those that had a positive influence on your life. In October, we began meeting virtually through ZOOM to capture her story. We published her story in 2021 for the special edition of the Black History Month SBC magazine. We are republishing Cora’s story in this magazine as a memorial to Cora Holmes to thank her for all the lives she touched while she was here.

On January 22, 2023, a Sunday morning, Cora Holmes passed away peacefully after patiently waiting for her angels to escort her to heaven. Her last prayer request was for God to let her come home.

Story Interview:

We have what you would call the mommas in the black community—the matriarchs who instruct us in life lessons, get your education speeches, love of faith, and perseverance; they tend to be direct and unapologetic in their teaching and training. We relate to the Madea’s of the neighborhood; they have something to teach whether you wanted to hear it or not. In the black community, there is a deep respect for the mommas. We love them for their commitment to us. Cora Holmes is one of the mommas from my California neighborhood and community.

It was my honor to sit down with Cora Holmes on two ZOOM interviews to hear her story. Cora Mae Holmes, 81 years young, was born in Saint

Maurice, Louisiana, and raised in California. She lives in East Palo Alto, California, in the same house for almost 49 years, with the same phone number. Cora has a story of pain, discouragement, faith, hope, and renewed encouragement. Cora is an unsung hero, a mother of six, a widow, and a no-nonsense Christian spiritual mentor to many people, including myself. Cora is a straight shooter, a WYSIWYG; what you see is what you get. She is an ordained minister and has walked with God since July 13, 1966.

Why her story? Patriarchs and Matriarchs are full of wisdom, and this story is about the realities of the challenges of life and, you can face those adversities, hang on to faith, hope, and love like Cora, as she stands here today with great joy able to say, “I’m still here.” COVID-19 shook the entire planet, families, businesses, governments, and Cora’s story is a reminder of what is most important in this journey called life.

Cora's Voice-The Genesis:

old. At that point, I do not know what happened to me, but I started spiraling downward. Twenty years ago, I had hip replacement surgery because my hip had worn out. In March of 2020, I was in excruciating hip pain. It was unimaginable and unbearable. I contacted my orthopedic doctor; he requested that I come in for an x-ray of the hip. The doctor asked me, how are you walking? I replied I do not know. My doctor admitted me into the hospital that very same day.

In the last several years, my life has been met with physical and health obstacles so much that they impacted me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Living life became discouraging to the point I would ask God to let me die. I watched the quality of my life slipping away, and I felt helpless, hopeless, and at times faithless. In 2018 I fell and broke my right shoulder. I was 78 years

On March 11, 2020, I had surgery on my right hip. The surgery went well, and I was sent home and doing well. Until I got an infection, I had to go back to the hospital eighteen days later, on March 29, 2020, and have a second surgery in the exact-same, incision location. In April 2020, I had to go back a third time to the hospital and have a third surgery in the exact-same incision location to be cut once again (Surgeries performed by Dr. D. Holtzman of Kaiser Hospital). After the third surgery, the pain was horrible, and I felt like, this is it, Lord, when I go to sleep, I do not want to wake up, but I did wake up. Here I was, living another day in unimaginable pain. I have six adult children, and they were all home to assist and help me. I was feeling emotionally low, broken, and

defeated; I wanted to give up. I prayed and asked God, why did you leave me here? He replied in my heart, "So that you can tell your story."

Cora's Voice-My Story:

So here is my story about God in my life. Despite all the pain and physical challenges, I found that God is a very good and gracious God. I have a severe blood disorder with anemia. I am a little emotional talking about this (as Cora's voice begins to gently shake when she begins to express God's goodness to her).

So here is my story about God in my life. Despite all the pain and physical challenges, I found that God is a very good and gracious God. I have a severe blood disorder with anemia. I am a little emotional talking about this (as Cora's voice begins to gently shake when she begins to express God's goodness to her). God has stabilized my blood. I am 80 plus 1. It is amazing to see what God has done for me. When I first came home from the hospital, I could not sit on a commode; I had to use a portable commode. I could not take care of my personal needs like bathing - I was distraught and wondering how I got this way?

When God told me to tell my story, it did something inside of me, and it gave me a new outlook on life. I thought to myself. Okay, God, someone must need to hear this story to be encouraged. I decided that I would tell my story, and it is that "God is a good God" I have been extremely ill. Still, God has brought me through it and is still getting me through it. Life is not without its obstacles and hurdles. Margaret, I am telling you that it has been an amazing journey. I can now walk from my bed to the bathroom. I can get in the shower. I can get into my car. I am amazed at the progress that God is blessing me with - it has just been amazing. As you get older, things change, and how you see those things are different. You find that the things around you are not as important as you thought they were. I decided that I would make the best out of a bad situation - when life

gives you a lemon, you make lots of lemonade - I have made a lot of lemonade. We are creatures of habit. I found that I liked to eat out of a particular bowl. I wanted my food on my plate a certain way - it is incredible how things change, and you realize that things are trivial, and they have no meaning - it is like when King Solomon said, "it's all meaningless, meaningless, all is meaningless said the preacher" and it is. It is all temporaryyou here, you live, you die - the end for all of us is death. We work hard to attain and acquire things, then we die and leave them. Solomon says in chapter two or three"Who is to say what will happen to my goods when I am gone?" When my mother died, we threw almost all her things away. It was useless for us. While I am here and living, I am trying my best to make the most of it. It has been a good journey. I have accepted where I am - I am going to stop because I am getting too emotional - thank you. (First interview ended.)

Every day is a different day for me; I was exposed to COVID and got tested, the results came back negative. I am praising God for that result. I cannot tell you how God the Creator has been to me in terms of - through all this “I’m Still Here, I’m Still Here!” (as Cora’s voice quivers and cracks out of the goodness of God to be here living and breathing). God, you blessed me to be here still, and I am so grateful. If this story never goes anywhere, I am grateful that I could tell it to you, Margaret.

Silicon Valley SNUG

By:

Bennett

Buttery Garlic Parmesan

Ingredients

1 lb. Party Wings

1 to 2 tablespoon Baking Powder

3 tablespoon Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon Garlic Salt

1 teaspoon Old Bay

1 teaspoon Montreal Steak Seasoning

1/8 Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning (optional~ to taste)

1 teaspoon Paprika

1/2 cup White Onion (or preferred onion)

1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper (or preferred pepper)

1 teaspoon Apple Cider (to taste)

1/8 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder (to taste)

Party Wings

Butter Garlic Sauce

½ cup Butter

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/8 Garlic salt

2 tablespoons Minced Garlic (or fresh)

1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (or fresh)

½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°.

Sandy

¦ Food Enthusiast ¦ Sandy’s House

Silicon Valley SNUG

1. Use a baking sheet with a baking rack. Line it with foil.ev

2. Place the wings in a large bowl and wash them well. Pour off all the water.

3. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with garlic powder, garlic salt, Old Bay, Montreal Steak Seasoning, and Paprika, and toss to ensure every piece is seasoned.

4. Then carefully sprinkle enough baking powder to coat the chicken pieces lightly. You may or may not use all of the baking powder; if you don’t, that’s ok.

5. Place the wings onto the baking rack in a single layer. Don’t stack. Then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each piece of chicken gets some oil. Use more oil if needed.

6. Bake until golden and crispy, about 50 to 60 minutes, or until done. Larger pieces of chicken may take longer.

7. Heat a saucepan on medium heat While the chicken is baking. When it gets hot, add the remainder of the olive oil, onions, bell pepper, apple cider vinegar, and chicken bouillon. Then sauté for 1 to 2 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Set aside.

8. Make the butter garlic sauce.

Buttery Garlic Sauce (you can make the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop)

1. Place the butter, garlic powder, garlic, and parsley into a saucepan and melt over low heat on the stovetop. Mix gently until almost melted, then remove from heat. The butter should be creamy. Or put ingredients in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute or less, so don't over melt.

2. When the chicken is done, transfer the baked wings into a large bowl, then pour the buttery garlic sauce on them. Toss until the wings are completely coated in the sauce.

3. Generously sprinkle desired about of Parmesan Cheese over the top and gently toss.

4. Plate the chicken in a serving dish, and sprinkle more Parmesan Cheese on top. Use a large spoon to scatter the onion and bell pepper mixture across the top of the chicken. Serve with desired dipping sauce (optional). Enjoy!!

Which Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Service is Right for You?

By: Vanda McCauley ¦ Vanda Salon ¦ https://www.vandasalon.net/hair-replacement

Hair is powerful. It’s a huge part of our image and one of the centerpieces of black culture, woven deep into the fabric of our tradition and history. Unfortunately, hair thinning, and loss are all too common problems that can affect anyone at any age. Naturally, this can be a substantial physical and mental struggle. After all, hair can be a symbol of identity, creative expression, and freedom, which is why non-surgical hair replacement is becoming increasingly popular as an option for those looking to camouflage their hair loss. These hair replacement services are considered an alternative to surgical hair transplants, which can be costly and invasive.

Toupee and Topper:

The non-surgical hair replacement process typically involves wigs, toppers, toupees, weft extensions, micro-links, and integration systems. The attachment of the hair replacement options may include using a combination of techniques such as tapes or adhesive to attach hairpieces or using clips, micro-link, or sew-in methods to attach extensions. The result of a non-surgical hair replacement service is seen immediately!

The crown section of the head is where most people experience thinning or balding, and that’s precisely what the toupee (men) and topper (women) are made for; they cover the top portion of the head and can be secured with either tape or liquid adhesive if the scalp is bald or can be clipped on if the hair is thin. The hair toupee and topper are not the same as a wig; the wig, generally speaking, is a hair replacement system that provides coverage of the entire head.

Wig:

What’s great about this is that your natural hair is not altered during the process, resulting in a well-blended look natural. Many hair systems are virtually undetectable and long-lasting, and the installation process is relatively painless and very cost-effective. Hair replacement systems such as wigs, toppers, and toupees have come a long way in recent years, and it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of the different types of systems so you can decide which option is best for you.

As previously mentioned, wigs typically cover the whole head and are used to cover hair thinning/ balding and create a fresh new look. Many famous entertainers use wigs for their theatrical needs, and people with no hair loss issues wear wigs for creative expression without committing to a color, cut, or texture-altering service.

There are three primary base materials for toupee, topper, and wig hair replacement systems — lace, skin, and monofilament. Each has advantages and disadvantages, with certain bases being more durable while others are more natural. The chart below is a display of the pros and cons of each.

The good news about toupees, toppers, and wigs is they can be worn while running, swimming, and participating in sports without falling off.

Weft Extensions:

Weft hair extension is a type of horizontal hair extension where hair strands are connected by a threaded seam at the top of the hair. This type of hair extension is often used for micro-links or sew-in hair extensions.

Aside from understanding the different types of non-surgical hair replacement options, it’s equally important to know that each replacement option can also be designed with real human hair and/or a heat-resistant synthetic fiber, and below are the pros and cons of human hair and synthetic fiber.

Pros of Human Hair

• Human hair looks and feels natural.

• Human hair has shine and movement that synthetic hair can’t duplicate.

• Versatility allows you to style it like your own hair.

• Durable can last up to 2 yrs.

Cons of Human Hair

• Human hair is costly.

• It takes more time to style and care for.

• The style doesn’t hold like synthetic hair.

• Reacts to weather conditions and will go flat or frizz if weather dictates.

Pros of Synthetic Hair

• It can be worn right off the shelf with little to no styling.

• It will hold its style regardless of the weather.

• The price is reasonable.

Cons of Synthetic Hair

• It doesn’t have the versatility of human hair.

The Best of Both Worlds

Blended hair combines human and synthetic hair to get softness, style-ability, and perfect movement with a long-lasting style hold and the most vibrant colors.

Conclusion

All non-surgical hair replacement options have their pros and cons. Only you know your needs, wants, and budget. No matter which type of replacement unit you choose, remember that it’s essential to follow the care instructions to get the best life span from your hair.

Learn more about hair loss replacement options and services by visiting Vanda Salon at: www.vandasalon.net/hair-replacement.

The Bottom Line

Insurance Executive Overview & Primer for Concierge Magazine Readers

By: Warren Wettenstein ¦ Wettenstein Insurance ¦ https://www.ourinsuranceguru.com

Business Owner Policy (BOP) is a popular package combining Commercial General Liability (CGL) and Property Insurance. It may include Liability, Business Personal Property (computers, inventory, furniture), Lessor Coverage (required by landlords from tenants), Tenant Improvements, Cyber, Employment Practices, Business Interruption, and Additional Insureds. Most BOPs focus on a particular business risk category - a real estate office faces different risks than a restaurant, and their BOP should reflect that uniqueness. Basic coverages and deductibles can be adjusted. Since each carrier has a BOP version and preferred target customers, always ask if your business fits into their particular “appetite.” If not, you may be misplaced generically as Not Otherwise Classified (NOC), priced higher to discourage you, or even declined to quote. When adding special coverages, they are called Endorsements. Certificates of Insurance validate policyholder coverage to landlords and clients, sometimes at no cost, depending on policy/carrier/agency.

Professional Liability (PL), also referred to as Errors & Omissions (E&O) or Medical Malpractice, is not included in BOPs. PL is imperative if you provide a professional service or routinely give advice to clients. For homebased businesses (webmaster), PL may be sufficient for their needs without a BOP. Both PL and BOP are imperative for accounting or medical offices.

Commercial Umbrella adds higher limits over several coverages. It can be a strategic way to increase overall coverage while saving over increased coverage on each category alone.

Commercial Vehicle coverage includes work trucks, but also the vehicles used for the combined business and personal use. If an accident occurs when using a personal-only vehicle for commercial purposes, personal insurance carriers may disallow coverage. Realtors driving clients around should have commercial- and personal-use coverage. Now, due to the National Commercial Motor Vehicle databases, a boating DUI in one state can impact commercial drivers licenses (CDL) in another. Employers need to monitor CDL motor vehicle reports regularly.

Worker’s Compensation (WC) is no-fault coverage for work-related injuries. It is always critical to provide safe working environments. Employers are required to provide WC in most states. Failure to comply can bring a criminal action. While optional in some states, such as Texas, it is recommended to help employees get suitable treatment, back-to-work, and protect employers from lawsuits. Sometimes Owners and Officers may exclude themselves from coverage, thereby lowering their WC premium, but risk no compensation if they too get injured on the job. Rates may be based on job category, payroll, and loss record (claims made). “Experience modifiers” reward established firms are having better than average claims record by lowering their rates. Inversely, firms with high claims records may pay higher rates or be non-renewed by carriers. Hybrid Solutions from multiple carriers may provide better coverage/rates.

Warren Wettenstein is an independent, no-fee insurance broker licensed in multiple states and appointed with top insurance carriers. Wettenstein Insurance, 408 824-1450 www.ourinsuranceguru.com

Some businesspeople view insurance like taxes a chore to get through costing money and required by others for compliance. Business insurance is too important and costly, so having this basic knowledge can save your business money while facilitating growth.

Grant Competitions for Small Businesses

By: Radio Biz Coach Margaret Jackson ¦ AM1220 KDOW ¦ https://businessontheedge.biz

Grants

are competitive processes; they are not taken lightly or submitted carelessly. Do your research and provide a solid response. Use your business plan as a tool to respond to the grant opportunity. The business plan is an excellent ally to growing, developing, financing, and sustaining your business. Before you apply for the grant, read the entire grant before responding. Read the requirements to determine if you qualify to apply. If not, can it be remedied to qualify? If you are not eligible, quickly move on to the next grant opportunity. Do not miss the grant submission deadlines, and watch out for the different time zones. You may have to submit two or three hours earlier. Try to submit your grant the day before its due date. Give yourself time to submit the grant. It will remove the stress of submitting at the last minute. Enough said, don’t miss it.

Here are some 2023 Grants to put on your radar,

1. The Amber Grant

WomensNet founded the Amber Grant in 1998. It was established to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl, who died at 19 years old. She had dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. The Amber Grant is a monthly grant competition awarding two $10,000 Amber grants to women entrepreneurs monthly. It has four types of grants, the Monthly Amber Grant, the $25,000 Annual Amber Grant, The Quarterly Startup Grant, and the Qurterly Non-Profit Grant.

https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/all-grants/

2. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant

NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to small business members since 2006. The business development grant is worth up to $4,000 and can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring, expansion, and other business needs. You will need to be a member to apply.

https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/ growth-grants

3. Grants.gov

Grants.gov is a database of federally sponsored grants open to small business owners. Remember to read, read, read to determine eligibility. Federal grants are challenging to navigate the submission process. Use the self-help tools and resources to maximize your experience. The grants in this database are massive and challenging

to win. Hire a seasoned grant expert and writer to help navigate you through federal grants. Only recommend attempting with an expert.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/home.

html

4. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

FedEx has gained a stellar reputation as a solid small business supporter.

The FedEx Small Business Grant contest is open to active FedEx business account holders operating over the previous six months by the contest’s start. You cannot get an account and not use it to try and apply for this contest. It must be a legitimate active FedEx business account. It is an annual contest. Watch for the 2024 contest announcement. In the meantime, visit FedEx’s website and read the tips and experiences of the 2023 winners to get an

edge on the competition. FedEx awarded ten 2023 Small Business Grant Contest winners a $30,000 Grand Prize.

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/ grant-contest.html

5. Visa Everywhere Initiative Competition

It is a competitive grant targeted toward startups and fintech small businesses innovating payment and commerce challenges for consumers and businesses.

The awards range from $10,000 - $50,000. Prizes will also go to regions around the globe, North America, CEMEA, LAC, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Watch out for the dates for 2024.

https://usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/everywhere-initiative/initiative.html#Prizes_a72e

Finding grants is similar to a treasure hunt. You have to map it out, search for it, and dig it up on the Internet to locate them. Learn from your grant submission experiences; they will guide you to new grant opportunities and strengthen your responses to compete vigorously. The grant journey is exciting and held with much anticipation of winning. Please do not get discouraged by the losses but learn from them. Adjust your strategies as needed and keep track of your submission with a funding spreadsheet of your grant submissions. If you do the work and invest, you will win some and still do the work; you will lose some. You can improve your hit rate the better prepared you are when submitting and learning from your losses. Who will win the grant? The person that wins submits a grant that competes vigorously against every other submission in the contest. You want that to be you.

Financial Organizations and the MLM/ Pyramid Dilemma

By: Bradley Hamada ¦ Certified Financial Educator ¦ https://www.bradhamada.com

In an age where entrepreneurship is mainstream and business ownership is the norm, financial companies are looking to capitalize on this trend. Instead of a traditional model of multiple layers of agents and managers in a conventional captive or broker/dealer format, financial organizations are moving to an “outlet” model that offers ownership and freedom to those that want more control over their careers. Unfortunately, this evolving model is often confused with old and outdated Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) structures and has often been labeled as pyramid schemes and other generalizations. It is essential to identify and understand what differentiates different business models so that people can feel comfortable with businesses as they evolve and understand what kinds of organizations they ultimately choose to do business with.

Despite their negative connotation to some, many MLM structures are entirely legitimate and legal. Still, many people take exception to these models for a few main reasons: 1) People get paid to recruit members without the need for a useful business transaction, 2) members are required to purchase highly marked-up products and services, 3) a disproportionately high compensation for those that seem to do very little work, 4) a lack of professionalism/ethics/compliance in the business being conducted.

Below, we will evaluate each issue in the context of mainstream financial “outlet” organizations:

Recruiting for money

In the financial industry, whether in the traditional industry or with organizations utilizing the “outlet” model, associates/agents are not compensated for recruiting people to build their “outlets.” Any recruiting is for expansion purposes only, and all compensation is based on products and services rendered through financial transactions. This promotes teamwork and leadership within an organization because people must be developed and trained, not just recruited for money, to build a sustainable business.

Purchase Requirements and Mark Up

In the financial industry, all transactions are based on a minimum standard of “suitability and affordability,” so companies cannot require the purchase of products and services unless they benefit the client. In the financial “outlet” models, most organizations are set up as brokers/dealers, so they will often offer products and services from many different companies that are also readily available in the financial marketplace—and most importantly, without any markup to the premiums, the consumer would pay. Some organizations still sell only their own proprietary products, and it is up to the consumer to decide if those products and services are most appropriate for their situation.

Disproportionate Compensation

Throughout the financial industry, compensation is structured so that the transaction agent is most highly compensated. Like the traditional financial industry, there are multiple compensation levels in the “outlet” model, which are used to promote training and mentorship from the more senior leadership. Numerous levels of compensation allow for the organization’s alignment so that everyone is being compensated for the betterment of the organization. Also, because continued service and maintenance are essential for financial products and services, it is paramount that the servicing agent be compensated and incentivized to continue to service the client in future years. Regarding sustainability, in the “outlet” model, unlike in your typical MLM organization, many agents can make a sustainable living by offering the available products and services without recruiting other agents.

Professionalism/Ethics/Compliance

In the financial industry, every agent must be licensed through the state (and sometimes the federal government) and conform to professional standards and codes of ethics as defined by their license. This does not guarantee that everyone, acting in their own capacity, is fully competent and ethi-

cal. Still, the standard is much higher, and any infractions can lead to disciplinary action and even termination.

In conclusion, businesses and business models will continue to change in the future. Especially in the financial industry, it is important to understand that organizations must continue to recruit to expand. Yet, they must offer competitive products, pay their employees/contractors fairly, and provide professional services with the highest levels of ethics and compliance. Before doing business with any company or organization, you must do your due diligence to understand how they do business and if they can serve your shortand long-term needs.

Bridging the Gaps

Silicon Valley SNUG

I Love You More!

By: Pastor Timothy and Vanessa Russell ¦ Equally Yoked Radio ¦ https://www.equallyyokeradio.org

When we receive a kind word or a thoughtful gesture, enjoy it and then consider how you might respond thoughtfully. When dealing with your spouse, it’s important to embrace the law of reciprocity.

Ideally, all marriages would express agape love; a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that gives without expecting anything back.

Unfortunately, we live in an age where people are literally married to inanimate objects like cell phones. CBS News reported, “Wedding bells ring: LA man marries cellphone at Vegas chapel” spending hours a day focused on their own personal cares instead of the needs of their loved ones. What would the quality of our relationships be if we challenged ourselves to love our spouse even more than we did yesterday?

Can you imagine how much fun it would be to creatively strive toward that goal using the same drive and sense of urgency that we apply to obtain money or a promotion?

Many times we assume our spouses know that we love them because after all, “I put a ring on it didn’t I?” Thinking like this is the first step toward taking our spouse for granted, and before long we find that days, months, and even years go by without acknowledging the efforts of the one who means the most.

And when that happens, “It won’t be long before the thrill is gone!” as BB King says.

To prevent this, we must resist this temptation for complacency using the following strategy:

Pray together even if it’s briefly, silently, or remotely.

• Prioritize your spouse’s needs above the needs of others including your children.

• Touch each other. Give your spouse a kiss and hug before you depart and when you reunite.

• Laugh together, be spontaneous, and find ways to be silly

• Express your gratitude and be specific.

• Think of unique ways you express love to your spouse draw a picture, sing your favorite song, make a favorite meal, or serve the community.

• Acknowledge what your spouse does well. Simply say, “I admire the way you...”

• Acknowledge mistakes promptly. A gentle and sincere word can turn away anger.

We must keep our marriages alive through daily exchanges of thoughtful acts, words of kindness, where one hand is reaching out turns into a hug, many words of encouragement, and gratitude all foster’s love.

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Firehouse Community Development Corporation

Firehouse Academic Program for Latino/a Youth

Antio Rubio ¦ Operations Director

Modesto, CA.........................669 288-2116

https://www.the-firehouse.org

Accounting

Eva Smith & Associates

Small Business Accounting/Bookkeeping/ 1-on-1 Support

Eva Smith ¦ EA

Hayward, CA........................510 889-8885

https://www.estaxservices.com/

Audio Production

Jarel Martin

Live Sound/Digital Audio Engineering/Consultation

Jarel Martin ¦ Audio Engineer Consultant (Remote & In-Person)

Tampa, Florida .....................510 686-3021

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Kenoly Music

4x grammy nominated music artist, inspirational encourage, and hope - Production, Pro Tools Training, Events

Mark Kenoly ¦ Audio Producer & Owner

Santa, CA...............................408 373-6975

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SAE Institute College / Audio Program

Audio, Film, and Entertainment Business

Admissions ¦ USA Campuses

https://usa.sae.edu/

Building Your Dreams & Executive Level Mentality

Devin Oten, PHd Candidate ¦ Author & Speaker

Silicon Valley/Bay Area, CA .......................504 319-6079

https://www.devinoten.com

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Small Business Administration (SBA)

U.S. Small Business Administration

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USA................................................................800 827-5722

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Small Business Concierge Communications & Digital Media

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Small Business Development Center (SBA program)

SBDCs are America’s nationwide network of Smal Business Development Centers

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Women’s Business Center (SBA program)

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) are a part a national network of entrepreneurship centers

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Empowering You Now

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Carolyn Robinson ¦ Founder & Trainer

Silicon Valley / Bay Area...................408-674-7892

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Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA...........408 357-0951

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Financial Tax Strategies

Defer Capital Gains for Decades

Ruth Benjamin ¦ Capital Gains Tax Strategist

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA ............888 977-1222

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Bradley Hamada ¦ Financial Trainer

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA ............408 712-2107

Digital Artist

SpectereHD

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Alvie Jackson ¦ Digital Illustrator & Storyboard Artist ¦

Mentored by Pixar

San Antonio, TX..................................408 834-3964

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Vanda Salon

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Tressa Williams ¦ Insurance Agent

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA .........................408 243-4400

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Wettenstein Insurance (No-Fee Insurance)

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Warren G. Wettenstein ¦ Independent Broker

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA .........................408 824-1450

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Margaret Jackson, SV Radio Personality ¦ Business Coach, Consultant, and Speaker

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA................408 357-0951

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Creative Marketing Incentives

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Incentives ¦ USA

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South Valley Review Newspaper

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Private Investigation Services

Kroot Private Investigations, LLC

Family Law, Witness Interviews, Court Records Research, Criminal Defense, Civil, Background Investigation, Service of Process

Tracey Kroot ¦ Private Investigator

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA ........408 309-7064

www.pi-kroot.com

License#PI 128940 (woman owned)

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rReal Estate Agents & Brokers

FCC Realty

Award Winning Real Estate Broker & RE Leader

Frank Cancilla ¦ Broker

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA .........888 832-7179

https://www.fccrealty.com

License CA DRE 01300425

eXp Reality of California

Helping You Make the Right Move

Mardin Amiri ¦ Real Estate Consultant

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA .........408 210-2073

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License CA DRE 01899449

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DO Enterprises

Building Your Dreams & Executive Level Mentality

Devin Oten, PHd Candidate ¦ Author & Speaker

Silicon Valley/Bay Area, CA ..........504 319-6079

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Empowering You Now

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Carolyn Robinson ¦ Founder & Speaker

Silicon Valley / Bay Area.................408-674-7892

www.empoweringyounow.com

Small Business Advantage Guide

Margaret Jackson, Bay Area Radio Personality

AM 1200 KDOW Radio, Women Event Speaker, Keynote Speaker, Graduations, Margaret Jackson ¦ SV Radio Personality

Silicon Valley / Bay Area, CA...........408 357-0951

https://www.businessontheedge.biz

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Weddings & Affairs

Posh Events & Affairs, LLC

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Meredith Walker¦Executive Planner

Henderson, NV..................................702 463-8768

https://www.posheventsandaffairs.com