California, High Schools, Fourth of July, raise money, grants, Businesswomen, Financial Literacy, broke
by Stacy Jackson

March 12, 2024

Get Yo’ Money! 2024 Grants, Loan Programs For Small-Business Owners

Navigate through the listed programs to find 2024 grants and loans specific to the needs of your small business.

Securing financial resources can be a daunting task for enterprises of all sizes.

While grants offer funding without the obligation of repayment, loans require businesses to adhere to stringent terms and pay back the borrowed amount with interest. The key distinction, as highlighted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is that grants are awarded based on eligibility criteria, with the funds designated for specific purposes, whereas loans are more readily accessible, but come with the lender’s expectation of timely repayment.

Regardless of the funding source, entrepreneurs across various sectors can explore diverse opportunities to fuel their growth and expansion. Entrepreneurs can even seek funding through exciting collaborations like the previous Black Girl Ventures and TikTok partnership covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE in February. The Innovate Together Grant Program closed applications last month and called all entrepreneurs, founders, small-business owners, and creators to participate in a $1 million initiative to “redefine success by fostering innovative collaborations, amplifying brand reach and building lasting legacies.”

Find the right funding for your small business from the following list of options compiled by CO—.

Black and Minority-owned Business Grants

U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

8(a) Business Development Program

Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Program

  • Supports Black Amazon store sellers
  • Offers financial support, mentorship, business advice, and promotional support
  • Free imaging services
  • Cash grant opportunities
  • Advertising credits
  • Startup funding

Black Ambition Prize

  • Competition for Black and Hispanic innovators
  • Awards range from $15,000 to $1,000,000
  • Access to capital, coaching, and community
  • Early-stage ventures in consumer products, healthcare, media, entertainment, technology and AI
  • Apply through May 6, 2024

The National Black Business Pitch

  • Pitch competition to connect Black-owned businesses with corps seeking to diversify supply chain
  • 30 finalists pitch to corporate procurement and supplier diversity professionals
  • Cash prizes up to $10,000
  • Submit applications by June 3

SheaMoisture Grant Programs

  • Supports small Black-owned businesses
  • Business development support
  • $100,000 grants through “The Next Black Millionaires” program
  • $10,000 grants through Community Impact Grant for U.S. Black-owned businesses operating for at least one year

The Wish Local Empowerment Program

  • Assists Black-owned businesses with 20 or fewer employees
  • Financial assistance between $500 to $2,000
  • Recipients must average annual revenue under $1 million
  • Flexibility in fund allocation
  • Recipients join Wish Local for access to its consumer base and partnerships

The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP)

  • Grants for businesses in Minnesota owned by minorities, low-income individuals, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities
  • Provides grant funds to nonprofit lenders to offer loans to startup and expanding businesses
  • Helps create jobs for minority and low-income individuals
  • Strengthens minority-owned enterprises
  • Boosts economic growth in disadvantaged areas
  • Must apply through certified nonprofit lenders
  • DEED assists in lender identification
  • Loans are subject to DEED’s approval

Research and Technology Grants

The Blueprint Medtech Small Business Translator Grant

  • Small businesses developing medical devices for nervous system disorders
  • Supports making prototype devices, safety testing, and clinical studies for FDA approval
  • NIH helps plan and monitor research
  • Funding and access to regulations, patents, and manufacturing experts
  • Apply by June 20

Innovation Corps at NIH Program for NIH and CDC Translational Research

  • Small businesses working on medical projects supported by previous grants
  • Accelerate development and commercialization of new medical technologies
  • 8-week entrepreneurial program
  • Course program to learn more about their technology’s potential impact on customers and partners
  • Covers program expenses and travel costs
  • Apply by April 30

National Institute of Health Grants

  • Funding COVID-19 research
  • Small businesses that develop and research biomedical technology
  • Multiple grants
  • Application deadlines throughout 2024 and beyond

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

  • Grants aid federal research and development for commercialization
  • Awards-based program
  • Supports scientific excellence and technological innovation
  • Must operate a for-profit company

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research’s SBIR Program

  • Funding for technology and research advancement for the improvement of the lives of those with disabilities
  • Aids national social/economic benefits
  • Provides ten grants totaling $1 million
  • Find available grants through the Administration for Community Living

Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)

  • Funds research in the R&D arena
  • Must have a formal collaboration with a research institution
  • Must operate a for-profit company
  • Meet other requirements to qualify

Small Business Digital Readiness Program

  • Supports small businesses seeking to advance in digital space
  • Digital readiness program
  • Free online curriculum includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources
  • $10,000 grant eligibility for participants registered in two courses
  • Rolling opportunity

The AI Innovation Grant

  • Funds artificial intelligence-based development
  • Open to U.S.-owned businesses
  • $10,000 grant
  • Apply by March 15

America’s Seed Fund

  • Provides funding for technology development
  • U.S.-based startups and small businesses
  • Up to $2 million in funding
  • Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
  • Submit project pitches on a rolling basis

Casper Accelerate Grant Program

Comcast Innovation Fund

  • Technology and research funding for Internet advancement
  • Areas of interest in open-source development, general and targeted research
  • Applications accepted until 2024 funds run out

The Emerging Technology Fund (ETF)

  • Assists growing companies in Massachusetts
  • Supports technology companies with need for acquisition, expansion, working capital, or equipment purchases
  • Must reflect strong management, technical advancements, market demand, and solid financial records
  • Loans up to $4,000,000

Businesses Affected by COVID-19 or Natural Disaster

Rebuild The Block

  • Grant program for Black entrepreneurs
  • Helps recipients connect with community members on a larger scale
  • Applicants must have been affected by COVID-19 or other destruction
  • 90 applicants per three-month cycle
  • Apply on grant page

Employee Retention Credit

  • Aids businesses impacted by COVID-19
  • Stimulus program via CARES Act
  • Refundable tax credit
  • Apply via IRS website

GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund

  • Funding for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, backed by GoFundMe and other corporations
  • $500 grant
  • Must have raised $500 minimum via GoFundMe
  • Confirm business through online form

2024 Inclusive Beauty Fund

  • U.S.-based beauty businesses impacted by COVID-19
  • Offers one-time $10,000 grants
  • Professional mentorship and business development from L’Oréal executives
  • Applications due March 29 at 6:00 p.m. EST

Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program

Etsy Emergency Relief Fund

  • Supports Etsy business owners who have been registered for at least one year
  • Grant up to $2,500
  • Funding partnership with CERF+ nonprofit
  • Businesses must have been affected by a natural disaster
  • Rolling application

Women-owned Business Grants

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

  • Access to credit and capital
  • SBA program Includes training, counseling, and federal contracts
  • Program through the Office of Women’s Business Ownership

Amber Grant Foundation

  • Awards a series of grants throughout the year to women entrepreneurs
  • $10,000 Monthly Amber Grant
  • $25,000 Annual Amber Grants
  • $10,000 each quarter for The Startup Grant and The Non-Profit Grant
  • $10,000 Business Category Grants
  • Applications open based on category

Cartier Women’s Initiative

  • Funds women entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on social and environmental sustainability
  • Regional award
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion award (open to all genders)
  • Science and technology pioneer award
  • Includes financial support, coaching, and peer learning opportunities

Galaxy Grants

  • Offers resources for women and minority business owners
  • $2,750 Galaxy Grant Giveaway
  • Opportunity for a grant for one friend of the winner
  • Sponsored by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) organization
  • 30-second entry process
  • Apply by March 31

HerRise MicroGrant

  • Funds U.S. businesses majority-owned by women of color
  • Focus on innovative community solutions
  • Applications reviewed monthly
  • Ineligible applicants include nonprofits, franchises, direct sellers, authorized resellers, and independent consultants

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

The Kitty Fund

  • Awards $25,000 to 25 small business owners who are mothers
  • Must be U.S.-based and have annual revenues under $5M
  • Employment must be between two and 50 people
  • Register online

#MomsMeanBusiness

RTC Women in Tech Fund

SheaMoisture “Brown Girl Jane” Grant

LGBTQ+ Businesses

Foundation for a Just Society Grants

StartOut Scholarship Program

Veteran-led Businesses

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program

Hivers and Strivers Investment Program

  • Provides capital for projects by veteran-owned and veteran-led businesses
  • Funding from $250,000 to $1 million
  • Submit business ideas on a rolling basis
  • Ineligible applicants include businesses reliant on government contracts

Warrior Rising

Other General Grants and Programs

Bobby Brown, honorary, doctorate, react, Bobbi Kristina,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2024

Bobby Brown Receives Mixed Reactions After Receiving Honorary Doctorate From Leaders Esteem University

Many people are scratching their heads over the honorary doctorate degrees Bobby Brown and his wife recently received.

Many people are scratching their heads over the honorary doctorate degrees Bobby Brown and his wife recently received.

The New Edition singer took to Instagram on Monday, March 11, to share a video celebrating the honorary doctorate he and his wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, received from Leaders Esteem University for their humanitarian work with Bobbi Kristina Serenity House.

Brown launched the domestic violence-focused non-profit to honor the memory his daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, who died in 2015.

“Our work with @bobbikristinaserenityhouse is only just beginning, and I’m honored to accept this prestigious title and honorary degree in Humanitarianism from @leaders.esteem.university,” he captioned his post.

“I am grateful and humbled to stand alongside my beautiful wife @aliciaetheredgebrown as we accept the titles of Dr. Bobby Brown and Dr. Alicia Etheredge-Brown.”

While Brown received swarms of supportive messages on his Instagram post, the responses were drastically different when The Shade Room reposted the video on its page.

“I find it weird that celebrities get honorary degrees meanwhile I had to work hard and pay for mine,” one viewer wrote.

“I’m not with honorary degrees. Definitely a slap in the face to those who worked for it,” added someone else.

There was one Instagram user who defended Brown’s honorary degree and explained the difference between a doctorate and an honorary doctorate.

“Doctorate degrees embody scholarly achievements, specialization, and the advancement of knowledge within a particular field,” the user explained. “Honorary doctorate degrees celebrate exceptional accomplishments and contributions to society. Don’t compete where you don’t compare.”

Brown and his wife launched the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House in response to what they say was her death from domestic violence in 2015. The non-profit aims to eliminate the epidemic of domestic violence against women, children, and families, according to the website.

Services offered include free confidential 24-hour emergency counseling, transitional safe-havens, and initiatives to combat homelessness and aid in mental health.

Medical records show Bobbi Kristina died as a result of immersion in water and drug intoxication.

She died in hospice in July 2015, six months after being found unresponsive in a bathtub. The details were very similar to how her mother, Whitney Houston, died three years before at age 48.

Naomi Barber King
by Stacy Jackson

March 12, 2024

Youth, Women’s Activist Naomi Barber King Dies At 92

The King family stated that the civil rights activist "was a woman of quiet dignity" as she influenced her circle within and beyond Atlanta.

A trailblazing figure whose grace and unwavering support propelled the civil rights movement, Naomi Barber King, died at 92.

The wife of Rev. Alfred Daniel Williams King and sister-in-law of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. breathed her last in Atlanta on Thursday, as confirmed by the A.D. King Foundation, an organization she established in 2008 with the mission of empowering youth and women, and promoting nonviolent social change strategies. “She was a woman of quiet dignity, overcoming strength, and steadfast support to her husband, family, and circles of influence within and beyond Atlanta,” the statement read, according to ABC News.

Born in 1931 in Dothan, Alabama, the civil rights activist was raised by her mother, Bessie Barber, before they relocated to Atlanta “to make a better living.” The foundation described Barber King as “charming, graceful, willowy and beautiful” in her younger years. She was often chosen by local clothing stores to model their inventory, “earning for her the distinct honor of being featured in shop windows and circulars right along with ‘white’ counterparts.”

In 1950, following a year at Spelman College, she married A.D. Williams King, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist, and became an integral part of the movement alongside her husband and brother-in-law. She remained a steadfast supporter throughout the Montgomery bus boycott, the creation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Greensboro sit-ins, the Birmingham campaign, the March on Washington, and the Selma voting rights campaign.

Her contributions have been celebrated with numerous awards and honors, including the SCLC Rosa Parks Freedom Award. She is a recognized author who published A.D. and ML King: Two Brothers Who Dared to Dream, a love story of her life. Her husband who she shared five children with, died in July 1969 before she mourned the loss of her younger daughter Darlene, and her son, Al, years later. Their son, Vernon King, is also deceased.

Survived by her daughter Alveda King, son Derek King, and grandchildren, Barber King’s legacy as the “Butterfly Queen” will forever be etched in the annals of the civil rights movement.

RELATED CONTENT: Roslyn Pope, Founding Member Of The Atlanta Student Movement, Dies At 84

Shannon Sharpe, Katt Williams, NFL
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2024

Shannon Sharpe Made ‘More Money’ From His Katt Williams Interview Than Any NFL Season

Shannon Sharpe got paid for his interview with Katt Williams.

Shannon Sharpe is three-time Super Bowl champion, played 15 seasons in the National Football League and is regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

However, his time on the field didn’t pay him nearly as much as one interview with a certain Emmy award-winning comedian.

“Everybody was talking about how much money I made doing the Katt Williams interview,” Sharpe said on his Nightcap podcast with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. “I just got the check. So whatever you think I made, three X it. So if you think I made 500,000, three X it. If you think I made a million, three X it. If you think I made 2 million, three X it.”

“I made more money on Katt Williams alone than I made in any year that I played in the NFL,” he said.

One Twitter user shared a Spotrac breakdown of what Sharpe reportedly made during his 15 seasons with the NFL. The Chicago native made over $15 million during his 13 seasons with the Denver Broncos and $7 million during his two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Sharpe ended his NFL career in 2004 having made a little over $22 million. The Savannah State alum made eight Pro Bowls, and finished with 10,000 yards receiving, 815 catches, and 62 touchdowns.

https://twitter.com/KollegeKidd/status/1766120588349964763

However, it was his January interview with Katt Williams that brought him his biggest earnings yet. The interview went viral after Williams unloaded on the entertainment industry and called out a few of his fellow comedians.

It’s estimated that YouTube pays $1,200 to $6,000 for every million views a channel receives. With Sharpe’s candid tell-all with Williams currently sitting at over 61 million views, it’s likely the sports commentator isn’t lying about how much more money he received.

Sharpe has risen in success since exiting his Fox Sports 1 show with Skip Bayless in 2023. In addition to hosting his two podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, Sharpe is a regular contributor on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith.

RELATED CONTENT: Martin Lawrence Flexes His Strength For Shannon Sharpe In Oikos Super Bowl Commercial

Madonna, Wheelchair, politically incorrect, live, show, concert,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2024

Madonna Apologizes After Checking A Wheelchair-Bound Fan For Sitting Down

Madonna admitted to being "politically incorrect" after calling out one of her wheelchair-bound fans for sitting down during her live show.

Madonna admitted to being “politically incorrect” after calling out one of her wheelchair-bound fans for sitting down during her live show.

The legendary pop star was performing at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 7, as part of her Celebration Tour when she pointed out one fan who was sitting down.

“What are you doing sitting down over there? What are you getting sitting down?” Madonna asked the concert-goer.

But after walking to the edge of the stage to get a closer look, the singer quickly apologized once she realized why the fan was sitting down.

“Oh, okay. Politically incorrect. Sorry about that,” she said after seeing that the person was in a wheelchair. “I’m glad you are here.”

A video of the incident circulated online and garnered strong responses from viewers.

“Does it matter if they’re sitting or standing? they paid for the ticket and took the time to be there? Isn’t that enough???” one person wrote.

“Omg 😳 what an absolute disgrace! Shame on her! That’s unacceptable!” added someone else.

Madonna hasn’t responded to the backlash she’s receiving for the cringeworthy moment. It was a part of her five-show stint at the 18,000-seat arena in Inglewood. Its also the second slip up she’s had during the tour after falling off stage last month.

The 65-year-old music icon has been busy on her world tour that celebrates her 40-year career including her biggest hits, personal struggles, and cultural impact. The “Ray of Light” singer had 80 shows planned in cities across North America and Europe. She kicked off the tour in October 2023 and concludes in April.

On Monday, Cardi B and Madonna’s daughter Estere joined her on staage for the last show as part of the west coast leg of her tour. Cardi helped Madonna judge the “Vogue” dance-off while Estere danced her way to a perfect score of 10.

RELATED CONTENT: Luther Vandross Estate Has Madonna Remove His Photo From AIDS Tribute

work from home, focus, productive, tasks, productivity, home, focus, mental,
by Kandiss Edwards

March 12, 2024

7 Tips To Help You Stay On Task When Working Remote

When you work from home, your office is everywhere and distractions abound. While it's not always easy to stay on task — even when you're working on a deadline — when you work from home, it's important to find ways to focus.

Originally Published June 5, 2017.

As a freelancer, one of the hardest things for me to do is stay on task. When you work from home, your office is everywhere, and distractions abound. While it’s not always easy to stay on task—even when you’re working on a deadline—it’s important to find ways to focus.

If you’re struggling to stay on task, here are some tips to help you reclaim your time and be more productive:

1. Work During Peak Productivity

One of the best ways to stay on task when you work from home is to work during your peak productivity.

If you can mark off hours to get things done when your attention is less likely to be drawn off, you can get a lot more done in less time. It’s easier to stay on task when you aren’t already tired and worn down.

Pay attention to the patterns in your life. Your chronotype can give you an idea of where you stand and when your peak productivity might be.

Once you pinpoint your peak productivity, it’s time to schedule it in for work. I try to avoid scheduling interviews, answering emails, or doing other mundane tasks during my peak productivity times. That way, I can devote myself to the most important work items, and I’m less likely to be distracted during that time.

2. Designate a Work Area

I’ll be honest. I’m writing this article from my bed. Normally, though, I don’t work from bed. Or from my couch. Too often, these areas are associated with relaxation and comfort.

They are associated with distractions as well. People are coming in and out. Maybe there’s a TV on in the background. There’s a lot going on when you aren’t in a dedicated work area.

Most of the time, I try to work in my home office. I have a desk and a desktop computer in a separate room. Having that space for work helps me focus and recognize that I should be in “work mode.”

Even if you don’t have a whole room you can use as an office when you work from home, it’s possible to designate a work area. Find a place where you feel comfortable working and that you can associate with work. That way, you can mentally prepare to be productive.

3. Take Breaks When You Need Them

The idea of taking a break to stay on task when you work from home probably seems weird. However, it can actually help. Instead of trying to power through something and continually being distracted by how you’re mentally fatigued, take a break.

In general, humans don’t do well trying to push through. I know that the longer I work without a break, the more likely I am to get distracted. If you need a break, take one.

Your break should be a true break. Go for a walk. Meditate. When you have lunch, leave your work area and eat in the kitchen. Less fatigue means a better resistance to distractions.

4. Track Your Time

Do you know how you’re using your time? When you work from home, it’s sometimes hard to separate what you’re doing for work and when you’re using your time inefficiently.

One of the best things to do is track your time for a week. Be real about how often your “research” turns into a 30-minute trip down the YouTube rabbit hole.

You can also use tools like RescueTime to help you stay on track. I also find that it works to use a time scheduling tool like the Pomodoro Technique to help you focus for a set period of time.

5. Get Dressed for the Work Day

It’s true: one of the perks when you work from home is that you can stay in your pajamas all day long.

However, that doesn’t always mean it will make it easy for you to stay on task. Indeed, if you don’t get dressed, it can be harder to stay focused throughout the day.

One way to make sure that you are in a work frame of mind is to get dressed and ready for the day. If you find that it’s hard to get going while you’re still in your jammies, try making that separation.

Changing can ensure that you move from a sleep state of mind to a work state of mind. Sometimes, that transition is important to make so that you can move forward with your day.

6. Assign Specific Times for Certain Tasks

It’s hard to stay on task when you are constantly distracted by email and social media. Even your phone can be a distraction if it’s always buzzing at you. Too remain focused in the face of distractions, it helps to schedule specific times to complete various tasks. I only take care of email a couple of times a day. I also relegate my time to post on Facebook to specific times.

Not only do I schedule these distractions, but I also set up a time limit. For example, I might work on email for half an hour in the morning, 15 minutes midday, and another half hour later in the day. It’s a way for me to avoid getting too distracted by the things that keep me from getting the essential tasks done.

The same is true for Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter. I do my best to limit the amount of time I spend on those social media outlets.

With my phone, I usually set it aside and schedule times to check it. The main exception is that I have a specific ringtone for my son. That way, if my son needs to get ahold of me during the day, he can. Other than that, I try to stick to a schedule for checking my phone.

7. Schedule Non-Work Items

When you work from home, it’s hard to stop working to take care of non-work items. I’ve got laundry waiting downstairs right now.

However, part of making sure you focus on your work when you’re working is to make sure you have time for the other things in your life. I make it a point to put the work away when my son gets home from school. This is non-work time scheduled to spend with him. I also designate times to tidy up and to work out.

When you schedule these items into your day, you can focus more on work when you are doing it. You don’t have to be distracted by the fact that you need to cook dinner because you know it’s on the schedule for later.

Having specific times set aside to take care of these other things can go a long way toward helping you feel as though you can devote the appropriate time to work when it’s time to work.

Working from home doesn’t have to distract you to the point where you don’t get anything done. Schedule your day, pay attention to when you work best, and pretty soon, you will be as productive as possible — no matter where you decide to work.

This piece was written by  and originally appeared on DUE.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Do This To Reach Peak Productivity On The Weekend

Goldman Sachs, dei, entrepreneurial, emerging, Black Women, Wealth, generating, Goldman Sachs, alignment, resolution, hustle, job, resources, success, careers tips, workplace, work, success, leader, coach
by Nicole K. Webb

March 12, 2024

Black Women Can Win At Work With These 5 Career Tips

Here are five career tips from career advisers that Black women can use to win in the workplace.

Originally Published March 10, 2018.

It’s hard to believe women are still fighting to break the glass ceiling. Pay equity and access to leadership roles historically held by men remain issues. Women can’t stop until they secure the career opportunities they deserve with fair and equal pay. We, as women, must continue to invest in our personal and professional development and share resources to strengthen the women’s movement.

Here are five career tips from career advisers that Black women can use to win:

Chandria Harris, Founder, HireCultures

To develop your career in the way you would like it to go, professionals must be able to fully display their strengths, skills, and abilities. Understanding who you are and how you want to impact the world is a journey of self-discovery all professionals must embark upon. Self-discovery and deliberate practice are what make the most talented professionals great at their craft, which ultimately propels them to higher grounds of success.

Tracy Cooper, Founder, The Résumé Workshop

When writing résumés and applying for job opportunities today, it is important to know who the audience is and how best to reach them by modifying your résumé to fit their job openings using keywords. Résumé audiences are twofold: a non-human called the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in which you submit your résumé and application documents, as well as recruiters and hiring managers. The gateway to reach both audiences is keywords that fit every job opportunity you apply for.

Jasmin Forts, Founder, Jobbingwithjas

Being both a talent acquisition leader and certified career coach, I sit on both sides of the desk, which helps to demystify the recruitment process. Unfortunately, job seekers do not take the time to build their network as much as they do other items in their job searching toolkit. Yes, you need a winning LinkedIn profile, a compelling résumé, and even a cover letter with an employment strategy, but nothing beats meeting people in real life and networking with industry professionals. Technology is trying to do the heavy lifting in ATS to build algorithms and find matches for hiring managers. That still leaves out great candidates, and hiring managers know this. So, most companies source hires via employee referrals. Get uncomfortable. Meet new people. Your network truly can be translated into your net worth when looking for a new position. Don’t wait too late to build your network! 

Dorianne St Fleur, Founder, Your Career Girl

The No. 1 reason women don’t get paid the salary they’re worth is because they don’t really know how much they want. It’s not enough to say, “I want a higher salary.” You’ve got to be clear on exactly how much you should be earning. Just as you wouldn’t dream of buying a home without understanding the neighborhood comps, you’ve got to spend time researching the going rate for your role. Leveraging online tools as well as offline research is a great place to start. Once you’ve got that (and accounted for your specific strengths and experience), you’re ready to start the negotiation process.

Minda Harts, Founder, The Weekly Memo

The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” It’s up to us as architects of our career to be clear with our managers about our goals and desire for upward mobility. We can’t afford to be ambivalent about our career path. Don’t assume your manager knows what your goals are and is invested in your success. Make your plans known!

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK ENTERPRISE 2024 Women Of Power Summit Returns To Las Vegas To Honor Exceptional Business Trailblazers

NYC train, New York subway, Christian Valdez, girlfirend
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2024

New York Man Arrested After Shoving Girlfriend In Front Of Subway

Christian Valdez pushed his girlfriend onto an incoming train and she had both feet amputated as a result.

A New York man was arrested after being accused of shoving his girlfriend onto the subway tracks at a Manhattan train station, leading to both of her feet being amputated.

According to The New York Post, police officers arrested Christian Valdez on Saturday, March 9, about 11 hours after the incident. The alleged crime took place at the Fulton Street station, where he allegedly shoved the woman as a No. 3 train approached the platform on Friday, March 8, at approximately 10:25 a.m.

Police said that Valdez immediately fled the scene after pushing his girlfriend, who has not been identified. He was caught and arrested at about 9:35 p.m. in Brooklyn. He had gone there to meet with a parole officer but was greeted by officers from the NYPD (New York Police Department). When questioned by police officers, he allegedly confessed to committing the act during an argument with her.

“They were arguing, and he pushed her,” according to a police source.

The 35-year-old man was charged with attempted murder and felony assault and is currently being held without bail following an arraignment Sunday night. ABC News reported that the 29-year-old victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.

Valdez is no stranger to crime. He was reportedly arrested in September 2017 after stabbing a woman after he broke into her Bronx apartment and attempted to throw her 3-year-old daughter off a fire escape.

In 2020, Valdez was convicted of second-degree attempted assault in the Bronx again. He was sentenced to eight years in prison, based on court records. He was released last year on Jan. 9, 2023, from the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. He was still on parole when he shoved his girlfriend onto the subway tracks on Saturday.

According to The Daily Mail, a woman identifying herself as Valdez’ niece stated that her uncle fled to her apartment in Newark, N.J., and told her about the fall but said he didn’t know how it happened.

“He said they had a fight, and she fell down, but he didn’t know how,” she said.

She says he’s been living with schizophrenia for 18 years.

“Christian has schizophrenia, and he needs special help. He needs mental health help.” She added that she hoped his girlfriend, whom he has only been seeing for two or three months, could ‘forgive him because he is sick.’

She says he’s spent time in hospitals in New York and New Jersey being treated for his condition but thinks if he goes back to jail, his condition will only get worse.

“In prison, they don’t have good medical help,’ she stated. ‘He needs medical help. He needs help from the doctors.”

Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2024

Russell Wilson Preparing To Join Pittsburgh Steelers

ESPN reported that Wilson, who will be released from the Broncos on March 13, will be signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming season.

Less than a week after the Denver Broncos announced that quarterback Russell Wilson would no longer be on the team, the Super Bowl-winning player has landed with another NFL team.

ESPN reported that Wilson, who hasn’t been officially released yet (that takes place on March 13), will be signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming season. He is expected to sign for the veteran’s minimum, which will be $1.2 million for the season. And due to how his contract with the Broncos was structured, that team will pay the quarterback the rest of his salary: $37.8 million.

The quarterback posted on his X account announcing he will be playing a 13th year in the league.

Because Wilson was still under contract, he had to get permission from the Broncos to speak to the Steelers, and the Broncos granted that request. On March 8, he went to Pittsburgh to meet with officials from the team. Head coach Mike Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith spoke with Wilson for over six hours, leading both sides to agree to his inclusion on the team for the upcoming season.

This is Wilson’s third team after being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks as a third-round draft pick in 2012. He spent 10 seasons with them, winning the Super Bowl in 2014. After being traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in September 2022, Wilson inked a five-year, $245 million contract. Based on that deal, the team will be paying him $85 million over the next two seasons.

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback had an 11-19 record while starting 30 games for the franchise. Wilson completed 63.3% of his throws for 6,594 yards and had 42 touchdowns with 19 interceptions. He is the only player in NFL history with at least 40,000 passing yards and 5,000 rushing yards. Wilson has thrown for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns with 106 interceptions in his 12-year career.

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Echoing Green, Black-Led Women Groups, investors, social media, Fund, blog, network, Innovators, Black Founders, Black Businesses,Kathryn Finney'
by Jeffrey McKinney

March 12, 2024

Minority Business Development Agency Partners With 8 Black-Led Women Groups

The MBDA hosted Divine Nine organizations, as well as the National Council of Negro Women, The Links Incorporated, The Black Women’s Agenda, and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women

The Minority Business Development Agency is exploring options after disagreeing with a federal judge’s decision declaring that the agency must assist all racial groups.

A Trump appointee, U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman, ruled on March 5 that the U.S. Department of Commerce agency created 55 years ago to help minority-businesses grow, including Black firms, must now supply services to white people, too.

The court in Texas basically sided with a lawsuit from several white business owners who maintained that the MBDA’s policies were unconstitutional.

In a statement MBDA provided to BLACK ENTERPRISE on March 11, Eric Morissette, the acting secretary of Commerce for MBDA, offered this response:

“I disagree with the court’s decision, and we are exploring our options in the case. In the meantime, we will continue MBDA’s programs and work to assist businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals in a manner consistent with the court’s decision.”   

He added, “When we expand economic access for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and their businesses, we create more jobs, generate more revenue, and uplift communities. This benefits everyone, and no one understands that more than President Biden and Vice President Harris.”

And for the first time ever, the MBDA has announced it’s partnering with eight of the nation’s largest Black sororities and women’s leadership organizations to address funding shortfalls for women entrepreneurs of color.

Those organization, combined, have more than one million women members, based on research provided to BE. Many of the groups’ members have Black women business owners and entrepreneurs.  

Though reputedly the country’s fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs, scores of Black women still face large obstacles in gaining capital to start, grow, expand, or even stay in businesses. The MBDA hosted the sororities who are part of the Divine Nine organizations. They are being joined by the National Council of Negro Women, The Links Incorporated, The Black Women’s Agenda, and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women. 

The sororities include Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. At an event on March 7, the MBDA reported it signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each organization to collaborate on advancing the growth of women business enterprises. 

The agreement is geared to mainly expand access to resources, including connecting women entrepreneurs with critical business development tools to address funding disparities.

“The Minority Business Development Agency is excited to collaborate with these women-led organizations to break down barriers and expand opportunities for Black women,” Morissette stated. 

Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, offered his take on the MBDA agreement as well as the lawsuit.

“The Minority Business Development Agency plays a crucial role in developing strategic alliances to empower businesses led and created by people of color. This partnership bringing together Black women-led organizations is a reminder of our collective power to expand opportunities for each other, and especially for minority women business enterprises.”

The forum calls itself an international enterprise focused on advancing the economic interests of the Black Diaspora and other marginalized groups through global summits, workplace training and leadership development, policy advocacy, and thought leadership. 

Further, David stated, “The recent ruling in the district court in Texas acknowledges the well-documented systemic and ongoing discrimination people of color face in contracting and yet the court boldly seeks to remove remedies to address that problem. It is imperative, in this moment, that we double down on combating economic inequities. And this alliance can serve as a helpful tool in that struggle.”

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