Shaundell Newsome’s Post

The Real Need To help these businesses succeed and build a more inclusive economy, philanthropy can make complementary investments in small-business training providers and community development financial institutions, CDFIs — nonprofit lenders that provide affordable capital to underserved communities. Unfortunately, in my experience, many well-meaning funders focus on one-off programs, such as grants for diverse entrepreneurs, when the bigger opportunity for impact lies in addressing broader gaps in small-business support. Critically, organizations that offer small-business capital and expertise are not connected to each other, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to navigate available resources. And because these providers are under-resourced, they can’t expand their reach and help small businesses take advantage of historic federal funding. For example, just 13 percent of the $8.2 billion allocated so far through the State Small Business Credit Initiative for entrepreneur support programs has actually reached small businesses. #SBA #CDFI #BCorp

"Did you know that supporting a micro-business isn't a charity, it's an investment?💡 When we choose to patronize these small, local ventures, we're not just buying a product or service. We're investing in someone's dream, their livelihood, and in our community's economic health. Micro-businesses add vibrancy to our neighborhoods, they employ our friends and family, and they return a significant chunk of their revenue back into the local economy. So next time you need a gift, a meal, a service, or a product, consider supporting a small business. It's a decision that pays dividends in more ways than one. Spread the word and let's empower our micro-businesses to thrive and scale. 🙌 #SupportSmallBusiness #MicroBusiness #CommunityGrowth #EconomicHealth"

People inherently trust family-owned businesses more than their publicly traded counterparts. According to the latest 2023 Annual Family Business Report, 67% of respondents consider family-owned businesses the most trusted type of business. This trust is not just a fleeting sentiment; it's built on decades of commitment to ethical practices, community support, and resilient business models. Why? Based on the survey and my personal beliefs, some of the strongest reasons for this are: 1. These businesses have deep roots in their communities. The survey found that 82% of family businesses donate to local charities, and nearly half pay above-average wages and benefits. Their commitment to local development fosters a sense of trust and reliability. 2. Even in challenging economic climates, family businesses are more likely to retain and add jobs. During recent high-inflation periods, 91% of family businesses kept jobs, and 61% added new positions. This contrasts sharply with the trends seen in many non-family-owned businesses. I have often emphasized the importance of trust—both in keeping promises within a family and their business. Equally important is the trust a company projects to its customers, employees, and stakeholders. Family businesses understand this well and demonstrate it consistently in their operations. __ 💼 #familybusiness #trust #community #reliability #promises

May is Small Business Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of small businesses and startups. These entrepreneurial heroes drive innovation, create jobs, and shape our communities. Let’s raise a virtual toast to their resilience and passion! 🥂 Here are compelling reasons to shop locally and support small businesses: Stimulate Local Economies: When you choose to shop local or support small businesses, you’re reinvesting money back into your community. Unlike large chain stores, local businesses contribute to the local government through sales taxes. Reduce the Carbon Footprint: Local small businesses tend to make more local purchases, which means less transportation. By shopping locally, you contribute to reducing pollution, congestion, and resource depletion. Create More Jobs: Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, adding millions of net new jobs in the United States. By supporting them, you open up employment opportunities for local residents who may not want to work for big box retailers. Give Back to the Local Community: Local businesses actively support local community charities and causes. Their engagement strengthens the community, and they donate significantly more to local nonprofits than large corporations do. Remember, when you shop local, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re contributing to the well-being of your community and fostering a positive cycle of support1. 🌟 #SmallBusinessMonth #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusinesses #thewoodlands

Thanks Sandy Fernandez for this piece in the Chronicle - "To help these businesses succeed and build a more #inclusive economy, philanthropy can make complementary #investments in #smallbusiness training providers and community development financial institutions, #CDFIs — nonprofit lenders that provide affordable #capital to underserved communities. Unfortunately, in my experience, many well-meaning funders focus on one-off programs, such as grants for diverse entrepreneurs, when the bigger opportunity for impact lies in addressing broader gaps in small-business support." National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD)'s Small Business Program is an impactful place for #philanthropy to support small-business assistance groups in building their capacity to connect small businesses to affordable capital and coaching and help stabilize commercial districts. There are programs like ours and community groups with effective and culturally appropriate solutions and approaches ready to partner with philanthropy to create an equitable economy. Learn more about our program here: https://lnkd.in/eWh2QTCh, and ask me about how to support it! https://lnkd.in/eCJ48YeZ

We are now into a new financial year and what better time to celebrate Australia's Small Business heroes! 👏 📊 Small business owners are the backbone of Australia's economy, making up 98% of all businesses. They employ nearly half of the workforce, contribute significantly to GDP, and are the driving force behind innovation and community development. 👨💻 👩💻 Behind the statistics are everyday heroes who have invested their time, money, and effort into their businesses. They face challenges head-on, adapt to change, and continue to thrive. 💛 Small businesses are the fabric of our communities, supporting local events, charities, and social connections. They deserve our recognition, support, and admiration. #Shoutout a small business you love in the comments! #smallbusiness #australia

When it comes to economic development, it's imperative you focus on your EXISTING businesses FIRST. What do they need to grow? How can you best support them? Too often, I see folks focusing on the attraction piece, and not spending your end of time on the business owners that have invested for years already in their community. It's no different than offering that new internet customer a crazy awesome deal while ignoring your current customers. Reach out to your current businesses and do everything you can to help them GROW!

Have only unofficially made my 1st sale (movie industry), but already have the mindset to donate funds towards community initiatives! Nobody should ever consider closing a school unless they have total mastery of the situation and the Vancouver School Board does not, so I am compelled to go back into business to #SaveCarleton. The Visual Thinking Company will be a social good company operating on a unique capped exit strategy with extensive open-source code to empower fellow entrepreneurs. It will have numerous trade secrets, the strongest ESOP employee empowerment plan, and a sales strategy designed to create a cultural shift through exceptional salesmanship. This approach aims to engage 16 stakeholders, making them all ecstatic, while fully respecting taxpayers. Achieving this vision requires harnessing the full power of the Canadian Dream and potentially federal intervention to preserve the aspirations of our youth. Can it be done? Can we reverse 20 potentially illegal sub-divisions that the local school board has already submitted to the City of Vancouver? Can we #SaveCarleton? Anybody in my old neighbourhood of Vancouver Collingwood want to volunteer to archive the history of the neighbourhood? I am happy to make some funding available for a renewed and vigourous online presence.

In an era of economic instability, effective government engagement is more important than ever for charities and social enterprises. Neil Pharaoh's latest article explores how organisations can navigate the challenges posed by a "wobbly" economy while strengthening their relationships with government bodies. Amid rising pressures on resources, this article provides actionable strategies to ensure that missions remain resilient and impactful, even in uncertain times. Discover how to bolster your advocacy efforts in turbulent economic conditions. Read the full insights on The Tanck Blog: https://lnkd.in/gVBAVpF4 #GovernmentEngagement #Economy #ThoughtLeadership #Tanck

Excellent article by Neil Pharaoh and Tanck especially in lead-up to next year's election. My favourite message: "The most brilliant government funding partnerships I have seen have been when organisations can bring not for profits, with corporate partners and donors, together with government around a project – it creates multipliers across the board and reduces risk for any one funder (and your organisation) – ask how you link your government advocacy to other forms of fundraising and what strategies do you use to bring them together?" #fundraising #governmentadvocacy