Is "Buy The Block," The Premier Black Real Estate Crowd Funding Platform, The Answer To Gentrification?

"Buy The Block" Stands Out From The Crowd In Black Investing

Nationwide -- Entrepreneur Lynn P. Smith is the founder and CEO at Buy The Block - one of the only Black-owned platforms in the country that is dedicated to making investments in real estate as a group more accessible. The movement is presently on its way to recording massive success in funding for diverse development projects across Black communities in the US.

This enviable initiative offers every Black American an opportunity to invest as little as $100, and connect with other investors - with an added advantage of helping every member buy a piece of their first block. Having a growing database of BlockVestors and Block Developers, all it takes to be a member is by signing up on their website.

With the platform, acquiring property or block of choice in one's local area is achievable. Getting the funds to make such a big difference can also be without hassles. All that is required of a member is to; find a property, make an offer, bring the property to Buy The Block, get the needed funding from other investors if they so desire, and then purchase the block.

The ability to share wealth depending on each person's investment makes it a win-win situation for all block investors. Buy The Block can manage any project from concept to end, and they aim to develop a large number of construction projects, in areas such as; residential, manufacturing, retail, multi-family, medical, religious, and pre-engineered building construction.

With the focus on the Black communities in America, Buy The Block is on track to raise millions of dollars in funding for development projects in these communities. Having the capacity to take on more significant projects and contracts, they project that they will soon change the face of crowdfunding real estate investing in the country.

They intend to do this by committing their time to getting great projects and making it a win-win for all sponsored projects. Their mission as stated on their website is to "change investing from confusing and frustrating, to an accessible and enjoyable social experience."

Speaking excitedly, Lynn said; "Indeed, we have loads of challenges, but I am determined to educate our community and make this work... thanks to the everyone out there, that united as one to embrace and support this unique concept."

Check out all of Buy the Block’s community sponsors: Buy The Block Community Investors

For more information about Lynn Smith or visit: Buy The Block

See How The Interactive Business Weekend Shows Black Entrepreneurs How To Get Money For Their Startups

See Why Ella Rucker Went From "Being Pregnant Sleeping On A Couch" To Showing Black Entrepreneurs Da Money

Nationwide -- When Ella Rucker spent her first pregnancy on her friend's couch nine years ago, she didn't have any plans to change the lives of entrepreneurs. And now she's changing the economic climate for entrepreneurs.

The Interactive Business Pitch Weekend is coming to Washington, D.C. Rucker, who got her start in entrepreneurism after her first daughter was born, has created an event for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists, television executive producers and on-air personalities.

The Interactive Business Pitch Weekend is a collaboration of seasoned, experienced and successful professionals who possess the skill, experience, and knowledge entrepreneurs need to succeed.

These pitch professionals have teamed up to provide “interactive” presentations and specialized workshops designed to prepare entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools needed to pitch with confidence! Rucker comments, "African American entrepreneurs are often not represented 'at the table' where the big deals are made. So we are bringing the table to the entrepreneurs!"

Underfunding of African American entrepreneurs has been a problem. Silicon Valley doesn’t house an abundant minority population. And to add insult to injury, many founders don't know how to pitch their idea.

That’s where the Interactive Business Pitch Weekend is stepping in to help. Checkout the video and more info on the Interactive Business Pitch Weekend.

See How This High Powered Workshop Is Helping Black Firms In LA Get Capital And Business Credit

PhD Candidate And Business Finance Expert Stephanie Ardrey To Teach LA Businesses To Get Capital And Credit 

Los Angeles, CA -- Stephanie Ardrey, CEO, Blu Diamond Group, Inc., offers her upcoming workshop "Showing you the money! Capital + Credit for Business" on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 9am to 12 noon, at Lavender Blue, 3310 W. Manchester, Inglewood, CA. This workshop delivers the answers on how to find the money to grow your business and how to GET the money!

* Cash - how to capture, collect and increase
* Credit - why essential to building a successful business
* Collateral - what besides real estate is an option
* Sources - what you need and where to go Corporate Credit program will be presented as well detailing how to establish your venture and create business credit.

Led by Stephanie Ardrey, Doctoral Candidate, with over 25+ years of business experience as an entrepreneur, executive, and adjunct university faculty. Ardrey has taken a startup firm from the "garage to a $250MM joint venture with eight-offices across seven states and over 400 employees," she has led teams with the oversight of billion-dollar portfolios of commercial real estate assets.

Please Checkout The Video Interview With Ms. Ardrey Below...

Former Executive For Google Helping to Fund Women-Owned Businesses

Karen Cahn spent ten years at Google and YouTube before she founded iFundWomen, a crowdfunding platform for women. "Why? Because we can, and we want women to win. Period," states Cahn.

iFundWomen launched during the 2016 Presidential Election. The company raises capital for women-led startups and small businesses. Cahn describes iFundWomen as "the only crowdfunding platform built exclusively by women for women," and women-led startups and small business can apply for free.


Capital and Support

The two areas needed most by women-led companies are funding and support; iFundWomen provides both. Since the company launched, they have been able to secure funding for nearly 100 startups and helped raise close to $600,000. In addition, the company offers support in the way of "strategy, video production, mentorship and a community for female entrepreneurs to thrive."

iFundWomen also has an "Accelerator Pool" that provides additional funding beyond crowdfunding efforts. Why is this important? Because most entrepreneurs do not have lots of friends with deep pockets, so the Accelerator Pool is a big benefit for entrepreneurs with lower-income personal networks.

"Because we can"

On her web site, Cahn describes her company as "My personal brand is all about helping women get the funding they need to get their businesses off the ground."

Hats off to Karen Cahn for helping more women entrepreneurs!

For more information, visit www.iFundwomen.com (Source BlackNews.com)

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Warren Buffet to Give $90 Million Towards Empowering Women of Color

Billionaire businessman, Warren Buffet, has committed to giving $90 million to help empower women of color. The first round of grants amounts to $13 million and will be distributed this fall. All of the money will be given over a period of 7 years.

Peter Buffet, the youngest son of Warren Buffet, established the NoVo Foundation dedicated to helping non-profit organizations and agencies who empower girls of color. The foundation is also giving much latitude to grant recipients, relying on the expertise of these organizations to determine how best to use the funds.

This is a move that has amazed nonprofits like Brooklyn-based Girls for Gender Equity. Founder Kameisha Smith stated that she had "never had a funder approach grants from a position of following the guidance of the people doing the work."

Grants awarded in 3 areas

The grants will be awarded in three areas: organizations that work with girls of color, girls and organization in the southeast United States, and national policy and research dedicated to the unique issues facing black and brown girls.

To learn more about the Novo Foundation, visit www.novofoundation.org

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Eric Hamilton Answers Questions About His Revolutionary TinyStic Product

An Q&A with Eric Hamilton, owner and founder of the Revolutionary TinyStic.

By Kamau Austin with Eric Hamilton

Question: What is the name of your business & and explain what do you do?

Answer: TinyStic (pronounced "Tiny Stick") is a portable HDMI device that uses wireless Miracast and Airplay technology to turn your smart device into a computer/entertainment center. Basically, it allows you to display your smartphone/tablet to your TV for watching movies, playing gaming or for productivity such as using managing spreadsheets. Smartphones are great for checking email and running social media apps. But what about computing tasks that require a larger screen, keyboard and mouse?

Today’s smartphones are 10X more powerful than the computers that we used to surf the web in 1999. Imagine you are in your office working on spreadsheets and other tasks on your laptop computer. At the end of the day, you would carry this heavy and expensive laptop home and continue working at home. The TinyStic leverages the power that is already available on your smartphone and virtually eliminates the need for multiple computers. It's very different from Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick as you cannot play games and manage a spreadsheet on those devices.

Question: can you tell us a bit about your background, like where you grew up and went to school?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. My parents were/are successful Amway distributors and during the 1980s had one of the largest predominantly African American Amway organizations in the world. Technology has been a lifelong passion since Christmas of 1982 (age 13) when I received my first computer, a Commodore 64.

Before 1982, for fun I had hobbies like reading children's novels and playing chess. After 1982, my main hobby was programming my Commodore 64 computer.


Question: Can you tell us about how you became so intrigued with technology?

Eric Hamilton’s Answer: My fascination with computers came from wanting to know how

video games were created. At age 13 I wanted to have a career as game developer.

After receiving a BS in Computer Science from Michigan State University and working for companies like Netscape and Yahoo!, in 2009 I founded The Web Academy which is non profit organization that teaches web design and web analytics for free. Since it's inception, The Web Academy has had over 4000 enrollments.

In addition, I lecture twice per year on web analytics at Columbia University's MS Marketing program. In 2013, I received the Excellence in Technology award from NANBPWC at the United Nations for my charitable work in technology.

Question: Who were some of your role models or people that inspired or influenced you to go into technology businesses?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: Mark Cuban is a technology billionaire, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and stars on the ABC TV Series "Shark Tank". I like his aggressive style and passion about technology.

Question: What are some of the best ways someone interested in a technological career can pursue one?

Answer: Keep reading and stayed informed. I spend about 3-5 hours per day reading about technology trends and keeping my tech skills tight. I recently enrolled in a FREE online course at Stanford University on SQL (Structured Query Language) as a refresher as my last SQL was in college in the early 1990s. SQL databases are the backbone of many websites and mobile apps. My email inbox is filled with Google Alerts on all sorts of topics like "Miracast Technology" and "Internet of Things".

Question: What inspired you decide to create your Tinystic product?

Answer: In 2013, I wanted to buy a device that converted my smartphone into an entertainment center and I couldn't find one. A friend suggested that I build it myself. After about 6 months of searching, I found a manufacturer who could help and the rest is history.

Question: What makes your Tinystic product so unique and and cutting edge?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: It's the only device on the market that easily converts your smartphone into an entertainment center and it works for the Apple and Android devices.

Question: How did you (or how are you) working to overcome the challenges in your technology business?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: Every challenge is different and requires unique skills to overcome. One has to educate themselves by on calling friends, Google searches and posting to social media. I had a situation where my TinyStic devices were being held in U.S. customs on various regulatory issues. I asked my friends on social media for advice and a college friend who does large scale import/export operations for a major retailer gave me advice that worked.

Question: What are some of your best suggestions for a person who is looking to develop and finance a technology project like your own?

Eric Hamilton's Answer:

1) Don't spend money. Find creative ways to get what you need.

2) Not having money is good. People who have a lot of money waste a lot of money

3) Crowdfunding works well when you replicate what works and don't reinvent the wheel. I've seen countless crowdfunding operations fail.

Question: Can you tell us some of the ways you were able to achieve running a successful crowd funding campaign for Tinystic?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: There are so many thing to consider for running a successful crowdfunding campaign. The most important thing to start marketing and collecting emails 6 months before you launch.

Question: Can you tell us some of the most effective ways to use TinyStic for home or business?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: The TinyStic plugs into the HDMI port of your TV. Your smartphone must be Miracast Wifi-Connect certified. Most modern smartphones are certified.

Next, simply load our software on your smartphone. Your smartphone is then converted into a “Windows-like” PC desktop with all of your apps available. Connect a wireless bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you have a complete PC experience right from your smartphone. The TinyStic works with tablets also.

Question: What are some of the most recent business developments for you and your company?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: We are currently in talks with HSN (Home Shopping Network) and a Sprint Dealer Network on a distribution deal for TinyStic. I am working on 2 new developments.

The 1st is a game controller for mobile devices. The 2nd is a children's wrist watch with a GPS tracker. The watch will allow parents of small children age 1-5, to track their children's movement via a mobile app at all times.

Question: What are the best ways to reach you for more information and to obtain your products?

Answer: eric@tinystic.com

Eric Hamilton Demos the TinyStic

About Kamau Austin

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

7 Grant Sources for Black and Minority Women in Business

Here are seven grants minority and black women business owners should consider:

InnovateHER


The InnovateHER Innovating for Women Business Challenge is sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Women’s Business Ownership. Three winners are awarded $30,000 in prize money for businesses with products and services that have an impact on the lives of women and their families.

Intuit “Love A Local Business” Competition

Intuit host a competition that gives away $25,000 small business grants to businesses based on votes. The average award is $5,000, but there are larger grand prizes depending on each year’s focus. The program has given away over $1 million since inception. Check the site frequently to see when is the next round.

FedEx Opportunity Knocks — Small Business Grant

Share your small-business story and enter for a chance to win the top prize—$25,000. There’s also one $15,000 winner and eight $7,500 winners. Part of the judging involves the general public voting for the finalists, so participants may promote their businesses while garnering votes.

Miller Lite Tap the Future

This business plan competition is a great way for new entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to win capital for their companies in the form of prizes ranging from $5,000 to as much as $200,000 or more. This competition is aimed especially at minority entrepreneurs and is sponsored by MillerCoors.

Minority Business Development Agency

The MBDA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that assists minorities and women in establishing and growing their businesses. On its site, you can research grants and access links to state agencies that work with women-owned businesses for funding opportunities.

National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants

This program allows business owners to apply for financing a particular small business need. Worth up to $4,000 each, past recipients used their growth grants to purchase computers, hire part-time help, and create marketing materials.

The Amber Grant Foundation

Awards $500 to a different women-owned business every month. SOURCE: BLACK ENTERPRISE

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page