This week, on ASBN Small Business News, anchor Shyann Malone brings you up to speed on the latest tools and resources now available for small to medium-sized businesses.
Top Stories
Verizon has launched a new grant funding opportunity for small businesses, offering a total of $500,000 through its Verizon small business digital ready program. In collaboration with Next Street and the local initiatives support corporation, the program provides free access to over 40 online courses, mentorship, and networking events to help under-resourced small businesses grow in the digital economy. The initiative, started in 2021, has already supported over 200,000 business owners. Small businesses can apply for a $10,000 grant by registering on the Verizon portal and completing courses or participating in events by December 20, 2023. Read more
Sephora and Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit focused on supporting Black entrepreneurs and their brands, have partnered to introduce a new $100,000 grant for a Black-owned beauty business. To qualify for the “Sephora Beauty Grant,” business owners must run a brand with at least two years of operation and a minimum annual revenue of $100,000. The final date to submit an application is December 18, with the award recipient announced in February 2024. To learn more about the grant, visit the Fifteen Percent Pledge website here. Read more
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are coordinating to boost investments in rural businesses, according to a press release published this morning. The two agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding re-affirming their commitments to supporting economic success and job growth across the entirety of the U.S. Going forward, the USDA and SBA will partner to create or further initiatives providing services such as education, technical assistance and export support for agricultural enterprises and rural businesses. The Department of Agriculture’s Rural Partners Network and the Small Business Administration’s Resource Partners Network, both cross-departmental programs supplying financial assistance and other resources, will also work more closely together to spur entrepreneurship in rural areas or underserved communities. Read more
Intuit, a technology platform that makes TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, announced enhancements for its products and services including Intuit Tax Advisor, Intuit ProConnect Tax, Intuit Lacerte Tax, and Intuit ProSeries Tax, for the upcoming tax year. Intuit Accountants offers a range of products and services to help tax and accounting professionals stay ahead. The 2023 tax year product updates offer improved reporting capabilities, strategies, and streamlined workflows, while also providing accountants with access to new tax-related insights, advisory strategies, and reports to help firms achieve their goals. Read more
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