M&T Bank’s Post

Last week the #SECSmallBiz team engaged with small business community leaders, advisors, investors, and founders in the El Paso region and joined a Business Financial Literacy Accelerator event hosted by Borderplex Alliance and Pioneers 21 Business Incubator and Co-Work Space to introduce the Office and SEC resources for small businesses. Did you know… The rate of Hispanic/Latino adults starting or running a new business increased from 17% in 2021 to 27% in 2022. However, 22% of Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs reported trouble finding professional support, advice, or role models in their network when starting and growing a business. And 41% of Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs cite a lack of access to financial resources as the primary reason they stopped pursuing starting their business. Find more capital-raising trends, including data on diverse founders, in our #SECSmallBiz team’s 2023 Annual Report https://lnkd.in/eQeXY9u4 #HispanicHeritageMonth2024 #CapitalRaising

Here are some helpful resources.

Growth Journey Every day, Hispanic business owners are making strides, from launching startups to expanding established brands. But we all know that access to the right resources can be game-changing! Here are some key resources designed for Hispanic-owned businesses: 1️⃣ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce networks 2️⃣ Grant & funding programs tailored to minority-owned businesses 3️⃣ Mentorship programs from seasoned Hispanic entrepreneurs Have a favorite resource or program that’s helped you? Share it below to keep our community informed and empowered! 🌐💼 #HispanicSuccess #EntrepreneurResources #LatinoBusiness #CommunitySupport

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) recently celebrated the completion of the 5th cohort of its Get Down to Business Local Business Enterprise (LBE) Growth Program. This initiative is a cornerstone effort by SFPUC to empower small businesses, providing tools, resources, and mentorship designed to foster growth and success within the local business ecosystem. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants engage in comprehensive training sessions, workshops, and hands-on activities, all aimed at equipping them with the skills and insights needed to thrive in San Francisco’s competitive marketplace. This year’s cohort celebrated their graduation at the iconic City Hall, joined by none other than the Champion of Small Business herself, Mayor London Breed. The event marked the culmination of weeks of hard work and dedication from the cohort participants—Monte Wilson, @Pierre Middleton-Baez, Amir Merikhi, James Hubbart, Rachel Jones, and Thomas Egan —who immersed themselves in the program’s rigorous curriculum. Special thanks go to my co-instructor, Martha Hernández, SHRM-SCP Hernandez, for her invaluable partnership, and to Mayor London Breed for her steadfast support of the program and the LBE community. Her unwavering commitment ensures that initiatives like Get Down to Business continue to uplift and empower local entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all who participated, and here’s to the continued success of San Francisco’s vibrant small business community!

In celebration of Small Business Week, explore Javier Palomarez's insightful article, "Small Business Building Bridges Amid Division." Discover how small businesses are essential not only for economic growth but also as catalysts for collaboration within our communities. They are more than our economic backbone—they are the driving force behind our collaborative efforts. Explore the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gPbbMDnD #SmallBusinessWeek #BusinessUnites #USHBC #JavierPalomarez United States Hispanic Business Council

Celebrating Small Business Week: Fascinating Facts about Small Businesses in the U.S. As we celebrate Small Business Week, it's an opportune moment to shine a spotlight on the backbone of our economy: small businesses. These enterprises not only drive innovation but also contribute significantly to local communities and the nation's economic growth. Here are some captivating facts about small businesses in the United States: 1) Economic Powerhouses: Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, accounting for a staggering 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. They employ nearly half of the country's workforce, highlighting their pivotal role in job creation and stability. 2) Innovation Hubs: Despite their size, small businesses are hotbeds of innovation. They are responsible for generating a substantial portion of the nation's groundbreaking ideas and technological advancements. From mom-and-pop shops to tech startups, these businesses continuously push the boundaries of what's possible. 3) Community Anchors: Small businesses play an integral role in fostering vibrant and resilient communities. They are more than just places to shop; they are gathering spots where neighbors connect, friendships are forged, and local cultures thrive. Supporting small businesses means investing in the heart and soul of our neighborhoods.

There are 2 excellent programs underway in the West/Northwest at the minute developing Female entrepreneurship - both focusing on different phases of development. These are great examples of how the enterprise agencies are focusing on developing companies/people in our region. Local Enterprise Office Donegal - "Ambition", "focus on reviewing your existing business, exploring new growth opportunities, and cultivating the skills and resilience necessary to develop a successful export-focused plan" Údarás na Gaeltachta with CUMASU/EMPOWER "test start up idea(s) for customer acceptance."

🔍 Ready to unlock funding for your minority-owned business? 🆕 Check out our new article showcasing top grants available to minority entrepreneurs. Learn about key federal and corporate initiatives that can fuel growth and innovation in underrepresented communities. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d_wnc4Za #GrantFunding #BusinessGrantPrograms #SmallBusinessGrants #Grants

Reaction to Government axing the Boosting Female Founders grant! It is with great disappointment that I learned of the government's decision to axe future rounds of the Boosting Female Founders (BFF) grant program, leaving $17 million in funding up in the air. As a grant writer, I had the privilege of being apart of the grant writing team at Grant Help to secure two of these grants last year, and I have witnessed first-hand the immense measurable impact this funding has had on women-led businesses. From my experience, the funding not only empowered these start-ups financially but also provided them with the confidence and skills needed to secure private funding and achieve significant growth. The decision to cut this program prematurely is not just a setback for these businesses but a blow to the broader start-up ecosystem that benefits from increased diversity and innovation. The justification given by the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources (DISR) that the program "did not have a measurable impact on the wider start-up ecosystem" does not align with the tangible successes I have seen. The BFF grants helped bridge the funding gap for female entrepreneurs, fostered resilience, and facilitated critical networking and mentorship opportunities. It is high time we recognise and support the unique challenges and opportunities that female entrepreneurs bring to the table. The cessation of this program leaves a void that needs addressing.

Today we celebrate Small Business Day, a time to recognize the countless contributions that small businesses make to our economy and our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, driving innovation, and fostering a sense of community pride. As we mark this special day, let us take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of small business owners and their employees. These individuals put their passion and creativity into everything they do, and their efforts are truly commendable. At 4QuartersIT, we support and celebrate small businesses every day. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the potential that small businesses have to make a big impact. We are proud to work with small businesses to help them grow and thrive, and we are constantly inspired by their resilience and determination. On Small Business Day, let us all take the time to appreciate and support the small businesses in our communities. Whether you are a small business owner yourself, a loyal customer, or a supportive partner, your contributions make a difference. Together, we can help small businesses continue to succeed and make a positive impact on our world. #SmallBusinessDay #SupportSmallBusinesses