Ultimate Bliss (Vernita Naylor)

It began with the crash on Wall Street a few months ago, and then Occupy Wall Street now Occupy (your city here) are all saturating the airwaves throughout the U.S.   For well over four years we have been in an economical downfall that has spiraled out of control and has gone from a recession to a depression and it looks like there is no resolution in sight.  As we move forward there is becoming a remarkable disparaging gap between economic lines.

Recently, there has been several ways enforced to help get this Country back on track the American Jobs Act and Small Business Jobs Act.  The Small Business Jobs Act and the American Jobs Act provides some comfort through tax cuts for small businesses, preventing and/or reducing layoffs, putting worker’s back to work, tax cuts for the working family and creating new jobs.  Are there any others?

The Occupy Movements have been the voice of the people despite some of the negative media reports.  There are the 99% in this Country that are considered poor in comparison to the wealthy 1%.  In its current state of taxation the rich are getting richer and maintaining the majority of their wealth while the poor is getting poor with the presence of the middle class being greatly diminished.

Since the Reaganomics, the 1% has been allowed to bypass appropriate taxation due to the various loopholes allowed to them.  The Movement is asking Congress for relief.  One way to help is for proper taxation of the rich which can help to leverage the economy.  Allegedly, several high profile celebrities, political officials and others such as former President Bill Clinton and Warren Buffett are in agreement with the Movement and asking Congress to tax them accordingly in an effort to help balance the economy.

Is this dejavu?  It appears that less than a century later we are reliving the Great Depression. During those times businesses like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Hewlett-Packard (HP) were able to recover by overcoming the odds.  Can we also recover?  How? According to HubPages more millionaires were created during the Great Depresseion Era than any other time in American history:

‘Opportunities, that were not present during the 1920s economic boom times, suddenly became available. An economic downturn is a good time to start a business. Start-up costs are much lower in a recession than in boom periods. Savvy entrepreneurs edged in and positioned themselves for when the economic climate improved.’

So what else can be done to get the economy functioning more effectively again?  Learn from the past.  Don’t allow Wall Street be the gauge as to how to run a business and determine a business’ success.  Business owners can do their part by being prepared, focus on having a good product or services, not concentrate on making a profit, instill business trust, offer transparency, establish good business ethics and give back to society; these are the models and principles that can help any business succeed.  Another way is for the community to offer support to local businesses.  With all of these collective efforts operating together from the American Jobs Act, Small Business Jobs Act, proper taxation and business owners doing their part to community support we can be assured that the economy can get back on track as it did after the Great Despression.

‘Unless you have a purpose in life, your studies will lack the passion needed for happiness.  Money is the means to do something not the goal. Money gained without a prior objective will soon be wasted.  Only if you have an objective will you have the power to maintain your course and live a life that is a cut above those around you.’ Reverend Sun Myung Moon

If you want to stay up-to-date on SBA programs, government lending, business events, other small business initiatives or business highlights subscribe with us.  Have a great story or comments contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com

Tholos Across (Vernita Naylor, JEGroup)

Recently, the Cosecha Café (under the ownership of Dominica Rice) located in the Historical Swan’s Marketplace in Oakland received a microloan from the OBDC Small Business Finance. Chef Rice has been a part of the food and restaurant industry all of her life; she worked at Chez Panisse, Eccolo and Restaurant Soleil and has been a professional cook throughout the world for over 17 years. ‘We love Old Oakland and are excited to be a part of its revival. Oakland is the best’ says Dominica.

Even though OBDC Small Business Finance states that the loan Cosecha Café received was not connected to the American Jobs Act several resources from Bloomberg Business Week and American Banker to eHow (Money) have shown that the Act has become a valuable asset and the trend for small business lending.  The American Jobs Act as part of the Small Business Jobs Act is designed to get the people back to work.  A few ways of getting people back to work is through hiring more workers and helping businesses to grow.

Vice President Biden and SBA Administrator Karen Mills are working diligently to increase lending to small businesses over the next three years.  Nationwide, for Fiscal Year 2011 (as of September 30) SBA small business lending was estimated at $30 billion which has helped to stimulate the economy, hire more workers and help businesses grow. ‘Through the American Jobs Act we feel secure hiring people without too much taxation’ says Dominica.

If you are interested in taking advantage of any of the SBA Loan Programs or microloans be patient; persistent; create a viable business plan that focuses on your projected cash flow and margins; seek assistance from your local technical assistance providers that specializes in your industry and focus on your loan rate, monthly payments and its terms and conditions.  ‘Make them know you are an asset not a risk’ says Dominica.

If you are looking for fresh, homemade tortilla; guacamole; tacos and pastries stop by the Cosecha Café.   ‘We feel that our customers have the right to fresh, local food that is prepared with care’ says Dominica.  Cosecha Cafe is opened Monday through Saturday, 9-6pm with dinner made by reservations only.  You can reach them at 510-452-5900 or info@cosechacafe.com.

If you want to stay up-to-date on SBA programs, government lending, business events, other small business initiatives or business highlights subscribe with us.  Have a great story or comments contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com

The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking - Curtis Parker (Amazon.com)

For several decades various cultures have used cooking as the tie that binds them.  Cooking generates unity, builds connections, establishes relationships, stimulates growth and creates exchange of information.  Due to the bleak economy more families are beginning to entertain at home and are becoming excited about cooking.

Author and Publisher, Curtis Parker brings us home again and back to basics with ‘The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking.’  He’s a son, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, uncle, cousin, husband, father, grandfather, friend and a servant of The Most High God.  “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain” says Curtis.

The essence of this book is to maintain the legacy and honor of his mother, Natha Adkins Parker while she is still around to enjoy it.  We caught up with Curtis Parker during his busy schedule for a more intimate outlook on the foundation of the book.

What inspired the book?

My inspirations came from the fact that my mother is an incredible cook, she has always used her abilities to feed her family delicious meals and her cooking was a source of employment to provide for the needs of her family.  She worked as a cook outside the home for many years.  She also found time to cook for others in our community when there was a need.  In her later years, she volunteered as a cook in various faith-based and community organizations and used her skills to care for the nutritional needs of senior citizens.  In many cases, she was actually older than the persons to which she provided services.  The book is dedicated to honor her commitment to family and the community.

What is the message behind ‘The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking?’

The message is simple, Scratch Cooking is the ability to take basic ingredients and make incredible meals. This art form has been completely lost to some and is fading away due to minimal efforts of keeping it alive. My mother, Natha Adkins Parker, is one of the world’s greatest scratch cooks.  I assembled some of her favorite recipes so that everyone can take a glimpse into her kitchen and discover ‘The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking.’

What do you want others to take from the book?

I want others to realize that scratch cooking is not difficult.  Anyone can master the art if they take the time to understand the fundamentals, take basic ingredients and make incredible meals.  ‘The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking’ shows you how.

How is your book different than other cookbooks?

• It is a chronicle of incredible family recipes that spans for more than 65 years
• It is a simple blueprint that unlocks the secrets of a dying art form (Scratch Cooking)
• It honors the legacy of a very special woman, my mother, Natha Adkins Parker

Any parting words for our readers?

The layout of the book is simple and straightforward.  Each recipe is identified by name followed by a list of ingredients and procedures for preparing.  At the bottom of each recipe is a Bible verse, food for the spirit as well as food for the body. I encourage you to get a copy of the book for yourself and several to give as gifts to friends and family.  Try all of the recipes and prepare yourself for a taste that is unique to ‘The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking.’

How can they get a copy of your book? 

The Book is available online at Amazon.com, Kindle.com and at bookstores everywhere.  If your bookstore does not have the book on the shelf ask them to order a copy for you.
We want to thank Curtis Parker for allowing us to be a part of ‘The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking’ experience for the 14^th Edition.  Have a great story or comments contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com

Marie Johns, SBA Deputy Administrator

Small businesses are at the essence of our world’s economy from growth stimulation and improving the community to creating jobs.  Through President Obama’s American Jobs Act the SBA took the reins to exercise the efforts of why the Act was created to get workers employed, offer tax relief, present new tax cuts from hiring and gaining access to capital.  There have been several small businesses throughout the Bay Area that has benefited from several of the SBA Loan Programs.

Here are some other businesses that have benefited from the SBA’s resources and loan programs throughout this year: Lucasey Manufacturing Corporation, CORE Foods, Akimi Hair Gallery, La Lavande Fine French Soaps, Mission Cheese and La Placita.  These businesses have worked with several SBA loan programs and partners to help them create hope under the American Jobs Act.  The San Francisco SBA District Office  which serves 14 counties in Northern California has disbursed over $775 million to over 1,500 businesses as of September 30; this is an increase from 2010 Fiscal Year ending of $565 million to 1,400 businesses. Nationwide small lending was estimated at $30 billion of which Wells Fargo has indicated that they provided over $1 billion in SBA loans.

On November 2, despite the media’s bleak tale of the economy SBA Deputy Administrator, Marie Johns celebrated with 15 business graduates for completing their 14-week business training through the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, a SBA funded organization.  The program focused on marketing, management, finance and business planning creating more jobs in the cafes, mobile food trucks, skin care, musical websites and fabric design and production industries.  Mark Quinn, SBA District Director states that the American Jobs Act has allowed SBA to raise the guaranty on the loan programs up to 90 percent and has been allowed to waive the fees on the loan guaranty program.

Additionally, Johns visited Flora Grubb Nursery in Bayview Hunter’s Point who received a $1.35 million SBA Guaranty Loan needed to expand her business.  The Flora Grubb Nursery began with four employees to now 25.  She had to reinvent herself after the bust of the dot com explosion and began working as a gardener by trade to eventually evolve into a landscaping business.  She has been featured in several magazines and publications both locally and througout the U.S.

Regardless of what views are expressed as it pertains to the American Jobs Act these businesses have been able to make it beneficial for them.  If you are interested in finding out more about SBA and the programs they have to offer either call or visit them.  They have a wealth of other resources to help you from events, workshops and partnership counseling to training programs.

Have a great story contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com

ODALC 2nd Annual Inspiration Awards Banner Ad

Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy (ODALC) 2nd Annual Inspiration Awards will be held on December 1, 6 P.M. at Oakland’s Historical Preservation Park (Nile Hall) honoring MC Hammer (Co-Founder of DanceJam.com), Goapele (Singer/Songwriter) and Alex Bernstein (Former NFL Player and Co-Founder NorthSocial) for their community services with Mistress of Ceremonies (MC), Barbara Rodgers (Bay Area Broadcasting Legend and Seven Time Emmy Award Winner).

Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (ODALC), is a technology not-for-profit organization, located in  Oakland with the objective of helping underserved small business owners grow their businesses using technology.   Throughout the years they have continued to bring state-of-the arts technology to businesses while getting the community involved in provided a positive spin on the face of Oakland through their various programs:

• Social Media for Small Business Online Marketing Symposium focusing on helping businesses  increase their customer base using social media and boosting their online brand presence
• Inspire Oakland is an art campaign designed to help improve the image of Oakland through the community efforts of graphic artists
• Digital Equity for Small Businesses is a five-part series from building a successful website, the effective use of search engines, how to use social media tools and the pertinence of QR Codes to creating a viable marketing plan for your business

The Inspiration Awards is an opportunity to not only honor the leaders who have been an essential element within our community but to continue to the support ODALC programs.  You too can be a part of this community effort by showing your support.  You can support ODALC in several ways from sponsorships and advertising (deadline November 15) to purchasing tickets (deadline November 28) for a group or individual and donations are always appreciated.  Come and be a part of bringing awareness to the digital divide and raise funds for a worthy cause.

If you are interested in reserving a sponsorship, advertising or have any questions, please feel free to contact Executive Director, Shaun Tai at 510-435-2945 or shaun@odalc.org.  Come out and join us at the  ODALC 2^nd Annual Inspiration Awards.

Have a great story contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com

On the road again (Vernita Naylor)

In today’s economy businesses are struggling to stay afloat.  Business owners wear several hats from accountant and janitor to sales and marketing representative but all is not lost.  We have a few upcoming special events that we hope will be beneficial for your business.

On October 27, 1-2pm (EST) Michele Chang, Senior Advisor, SBA Office of Government Contracting and Business Development will be hosting a web chat ‘Part 2 – Federal Contracting Program for Women.’  This chat is designed for women to have the opportunity to find out more about the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program, chat, ask questions and hear best practices from other successful business owners.

If you are interested in participating please register today at SBA Live Chat with Michele Chang (Senior Advisor).  SBA offers a wealth of information from Working with the Government to Contracting Opportunities that can be extremely helpful for your business.

The Business Outreach Committee (BOC) will host ‘Meet the Primes’ on November 3, 4-7pm at the Milpitas Library Community Room, 160 N Main Street, Milpitas, CA  95035.  The event is designed for small and disadvantaged businesses in the construction industry to meet the primes, network, develop a working relationship and to learn about upcoming and subcontracting opportunities.  Some of the industry professionals in attendance include not only construction prime contractors such as DeSilva Gates Construction, O.C Jones & Sons Inc, RGW Construction, Robert A Bothman Inc, Schmmick Construction, Walsh Construction, Skanska, Stacey & Witbeck Inc but the public sector SFMTA, SamTrans, AC Transit, BART, CalTran and VTA as well.

Registeration is required for the Business Outreach Committee (BOC) event for more information contact Jose Mares at VTA, 408-321-5952, or jose.mares@vta.org.  If you are interested in the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Office of Small & Disadvantaged Businesses visit their website or contact them at osdb@vta.org.

If you want to stay up-to-date on SBA, government, lending or other small business initiatives subscribe with us.  If you have an upcoming event, please contact us and let us know so that we can pass the word to other business owners.

Have a great story contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com

Small Businesses Going Global

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is on a mission to help small businesses go global through their State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program.

The SBA are advocates for small businesses in working with the federal government.  They offer a variety of programs that are available to help small, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and businesses.  Through the Jobs Act initiative focus has been on increasing small business efforts through the State Trade Export Promotion (STEP) Grants Program nationwide.

Under the leadership of Dario J. Gomez, SBA International Trade Associate Administrator, he oversees programs that support small business expansion into international markets.  SBA has allocated $30 million in grants to help increase exporting by small businesses during the next 12 months. Small businesses need to be innovative in their approach to provide product or services abroad.

There are several avenues to embark upon when expanding your business which includes giving consideration to mentor-protégé opportunites and joint-venture endeavors.  Currently forty-seven states have already received STEP grants; how do you fit into this paradigm?  Take a careful look at your business model to see how the following can be integrated into your business.

The STEP program offers market sales trips, website translation fees, market media design, trade show exhibitions and training workshops opportunities and services.  If you are interested, would like to find out more information about this program or would like to submit an application visit SBA STEP Program.

Have a great story contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com.

Ball of Hope

As a business owner there are several avenues that you can embark upon to obtain working capital for your business from B2B and B2G to B2C.  The avenue chosen all depends upon your business model, product or services and marketing mix.  But what if you are a small, disadvantaged business owner?  Answer: You may be eligible for the SBA 8a Business Development Program that is designed to help businesses grow.

The SBA 8a Business Development Program is a one-time, nine-year assistance program that assists small and disadvantaged businesses compete with larger businesses.  To be eligible your business must be owned, managed and operated at least 51% by the owner who is also socially and economically disadvantaged.  Take the 8a Assessment Test and see if you qualify.

The program is a  two-phase nine-year program:  four-year development and five-year transition phases where you will receive counseling, partnership resources to help you successfully navigate through the procurement and government contracting system, sole-source contract opportunities and mentor-protégé programs to joint-venture opportunities. If your business becomes a part of this program take advantage of ‘all’ of the opportunities because remember this is a one-time offer and limited to a nine-year commitment.

Below are some important points to remember in becoming a proactive 8a supplier:

• Stay engaged with the agencies of your choice, choose at least 3-5, that buy your product or services
• Look for innovative ways to market your product or services
• Attend business matchmaker events

Visit the SBA to find out about any of their other programs.

Have a great story contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com.

With the Wind Beneath My Wings

Earlier this year Bay Area government officials from City of Oakland Mayor Quan, Representative for Vice Mayor Ignacio de la Fuenta and Representative for Assemblymember Sandre’ Swanson to Representative for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Alameda County Small Business Development Center Director Rick Ohlrich, CBS Channel 5 and ABC Channel 7 and the Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrated with Lucasey Manufacturing Corporation (LMC), as the winners of the 2011 Jeffrey Butland Family Owned-Business of the Year.  LMC, began as a family-owned business in 1954 with Joe Lucasey at the helm; they now have over 65 employees and are the leaders in TV mounting systems, flat screen mounts, enclosures and pedestals, CRT locking ceiling mounts and customized airport screening tables.

The SBA, as a part of 2012 National Small Business Week, will honor the outstanding accomplishments of entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as, public and private sector small business supporters.  It has been the goal of President Obama to provide incentives and put in place initiatives to help grow businesses, stimulate the economy and to effectively compete globally.  Nationwide, there will be ceremonies and special events to present awards to over 15 winners in a variety of categories from Small Business Person of the Year, SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Small Business Exporter of the Year, Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year and Community/Rural Lender of the Year to Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award. Many of the chosen winners will be invited to Washington, DC to celebrate.  Do you have what it takes to be nominated for any of the following?

• Small Business Person of the Year (one from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam);

• Small Business Exporter of the Year;

• SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year;

• Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year;

• Entrepreneurial Success Award;

• Phoenix Awards (for disaster recovery);

• Small Business Champions (individuals or organizations dedicated to supporting small businesses);

• Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year;

• Small Business Subcontractor of the Year;

• Frances Perkins Vanguard Awards (for use of women-owned businesses in government contracting);

• Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large prime contractors who use small businesses as suppliers and contractors);

• Gold Star Awards (for federal government contracting);

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award;

• 7(a) Small Business Lender of the Year (does not require nominations);

• 504 Lender of the Year (does not require nominations);

• Export Lender of the Year (does not require nominations);

• Small Business Investors of the Year (does not require nominations);

• Small Business Investment Company of the Year (does not require nominations);

• Community/Rural Lender of the Year;

• Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award;

• SCORE Chapter of the Year (does not require nominations)

To find out about the guidelines, eligibility, selection procedures and evaluation criteria click here National Small Business Week.  Nominations must be submitted by November 11, 2011 to the SBA District Office in the state or territory where the nominee is located.  For Northern California the nomination deadline has been extended up to November 25, 2011.  All complete packages can be hand-delivered or mailed to the SBA San Francisco District Office, Attention: Bob Borden -ADD/ED, 455 Market Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.

Have a great story I am interesting in hear it contact me at consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com

The Warmth of Other Suns - Isabel Wilkerson (On Sale Now)

(On Sale Now in Paperback)

The Warmth of Other Suns ‘The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration’ (National Bestseller), Now Available In Paperback gives an intimate report of The Great Migration and its journey of millions of African Americans leaving prejudice and harsh living conditions of the Deep South and migrating to the North and Western States where the environment and circumstances appears more promising. Take a trip of over 1200 interviews and through the eyes of Ida Mae Brandon Gladney from Chickasaw County, Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois; George Swanson Starling from Wildwood, Florida to New York City, New York and Robert Joseph Pershing Foster from Monroe, Louisiana to Los Angeles, California and get a firsthand account of how they fared for over thirty years from the transition of sharecropping in the South to life in the City.  The Warmth of Other Suns by Pulitzer Prize Winner, Isabel Wilkerson is about choices, promise, risks, security, pride, sacrifice and dreams.

If you are interested in my review on upcoming books, finding out more about The Warmth of Other Suns or other books published by Random House, Inc and their affiliates subscribe to my page.  For more information about us visit www.jabezenterprisegroup.com or to have your book reviewed contact me at  consult@jabezenterprisegroup.com.

Enjoy the journey of books!