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Greetings,
I am pleased to announce that for the 6th year, the OBDC will be the title sponsor for the Memphis Black Restaurant week. Cynthia Daniels & Co. continues to grow this event year over year with new vendors and exciting menu choices. This year there are more than 21 black-owned restaurants participating. Not only does this event help small businesses grow their customer base, it also showcases local new black-owned restaurants opening in the city.
Last month the OBDC hosted the virtual launch of Operation Hope's One Million Black Business Initiative. Mayor Strickland has committed to engaging through outreach, 500 Black small businesses and entrepreneurs over the remaining three years of his term. We know that there is much work to do, but through private, public and nonprofit sectors all joining together we CAN reach the goal. Click here for more information on how to Enroll, Donate, Volunteer, or Partner. Memphis, we CAN do this together!
We have fantastic offering of virtual classes coming up for the month of March and can't wait to see you there. As always, my team and I stand committed to helping you grow your business and are ready to assist.
#WeMeanBusiness
Sincerely,
Director Joann Massey
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Building 1 Million Black Businesses by 2030
Operation HOPE challenges the private, public and nonprofit sectors to join us in creating one (1) million new Black business owners and entrepreneurs by 2030. Your company’s commitment of expertise, relevant program or service offerings, technical and/or financial resources and skilled employees who are interested in volunteering, are essential to helping create one million viable Black business, and positively impacting the business landscape of America.
The City of Memphis will help engage through outreach 500 small businesses over the next three years
“I am honored that Mayor Strickland is taking a hands-on approach to helping Operation HOPE launch 1 Million Black Businesses By 2030.” said John Hope Bryant, Founder and CEO of Operation HOPE.
MEMPHIS, WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!
For more information on how to Enroll, Donate, Volunteer, or Partner, visit: HOPE1mbb.org
Mark your calendars!! Cynthia Daniels & Co. will officially kick off their 6th annual Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) March 7-13, 2021! Enjoy 75 Amazing Meal Options from 21 Black-Owned Restaurants. #MBRW21
FedEx Launches Ninth Annual Small Business Grant Contest
 More Than $250,000 in Total Cash and Prizes Up for Grabs
FedEx Corp. announced the launch of its ninth annual Small Business Grant Contest. The contest offers grants and services to 12 U.S.- based small businesses, distributing a collective prize pool of more than $250,000. Winners also receive FedEx Office® print and business services credit to help support their small business. In addition, they join a community of small business owners who share peer insights. The 2021 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest prize packages include:
- Grand prize: One (1) winner of $50,000, plus $7,500 in FedEx Office print and business services
- 2nd Place: One (1) winner of $30,000, plus $5,000 in FedEx Office print and business services
- 3rd Place: Ten (10) winners of $15,000, plus $1,000 in FedEx Office print and business services
New this year, all 100 finalists will receive access to one-on-one business coaching provided by Accion Opportunity Fund, the nation’s leading nonprofit small business lender, to help them overcome business challenges they are facing and access additional resources to support their success. They will also receive attendance to the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City’s National Conference, as well as access to up to three webinars on the ICIC platform, and mentor matching with SCORE, America’s premier source of free and confidential business advise.
The contest entry period is open from February 16 to March 9, 2021, with public voting to take place from March 10 – March 24, 2021
Click here to learn more and apply today!!
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Memphis COVID-19 Updates
Stay up to date with Memphis COVID-19 updates and current CDC recommendations here
Keep up with Mayor Strickland's daily COVID-19 updates here
Greater Memphis Business Resource Center
The Greater Memphis Chamber is committed to providing Business Guidance on COVID-19 for our business community.
Stay in the know with up-to-date information, tools and resources to help minimize the impact of COVID-19-related disruption.
Click here for more information
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For our MWSBE Spotlight this month we want to recognize Phillip Ashley Rix, founder of Phillip Ashley Chocolates. Named the “Real Life Willy Wonka” by FORBES, Mr. Rix is one of Memphis' own that continues to inspire us daily.
Recently, the chocolatier's Savoy bon bon was selected as a finalist for the Good Food Awards 2021, and in November, his Perfect Turtles made Oprah's Favorite Things list!
Mr. Rix is one of the world's preeminent chefs and designers of luxury chocolate. The brand has an international following and is sought out by high-profile clients, top corporations and major events to offer premium gifts. A true Ambassador of Taste, he’s curated dining experiences at the James Beard House in New York City, as well as creating tens of thousands of chocolates for Hollywood’s elite at the EMMYS, GRAMMYS and OSCARS. In February 2020, he competed as a finalist on Food Network’s Chopped Sweets.
To learn more about Phillip Ashley Chocolates and how to get your hands on one of their Perfect Turtles check out their Website here.
Thank you Chef Rix and Phillip Ashley Chocolates for continuing your entrepreneurial efforts in the City of Memphis!!
#WeMeanBusiness
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- ACG BRAND MANAGEMENT LLC
- TIVIC CONSTRUCTION INC
- GATES TRAINING ENTERPRISE, LLC
- THE TEE SHIRT LAB
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- MATH MADE SIMPLE ETC
- PLATINUM CLEANING & SANITATION SERVICES, LLC
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GRACE THERAPY GROUP LLC
- GOLD LLC
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 OBDC
Thursday, March 4, 2021 - 10:00AM- 11:30AM
If the idea of hosting interns seemed overwhelming before, then throwing in the word “virtual” probably didn’t help. Don’t worry; let New Memphis be your guide to hosting virtual and hybrid internships! We’re here to answer your questions, ease your fears, and equip you to not only hire interns this summer, but make sure your company -- and your intern -- get the most out of the experience.
Join New Memphis and partners to hear from internship experts and those who have already braved the new world of virtual internships and had success. We’ll share best practices around hosting interns and walk you through the basics of how to find and hire student talent, determine their responsibilities, and build an internship program from scratch… all virtually, if necessary! This event is free and open to any professional interested in hosting interns.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The 2020 pandemic has forced entrepreneurs to think differently. Not only are small businesses turning their business models around, but they are also having to find new ways to success.
What if you could chart a new way to more profits? One way to do that is to build a profit plan!
What's in a profit plan? A profit plan is a simple exercise to help you, the business owner focus on what is essential to your business... increasing profits!
We will take a look at what keeps business owners from earning more profits as well as how to create additional value for your products or services today.
In this webinar, we will also provide you a template to increase demand for your business as well as discover the driving factor in your growth.
Lastly, we will get you laser focused on tasks that will increase your profits exponentially in 2021.
Join OBDC for a power hour built for more profits!
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thursday, March 25, 2021 - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Certifying your company can be an open door to business. Understanding the process can increase visibility and profits. Join the City of Memphis, Shelby County, Memphis Airport Authority and Shelby County Schools as they discuss their process for certification and inclusion.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thursday, March 25, 2021 - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
In this session, you will learn how to set goals, identify your target audience, and understand how to use a digital marketing strategy to attract and retain customers. We will discuss digital marketing compared to traditional marketing and what aspects are most important to your business.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
TSBDC
Tuesday, March 23rd - 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Presenter: Erin Davis, CPA
During this workshop, we will be discussing the different income tax return forms (Federal and the state of TN), deductions and credits that can be applied, tips for choosing the right tax preparer, and questions to ask your preparer as a business owner.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thursday, March 25th - 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Presenter: Dr. NaShawn Branch
This workshop will help you gain insights on why a business plan is important and the preparation needed to begin writing it. Major components of a business plan will be discussed as well as the supporting documentation needed for an effective plan.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
MAMCA
Limited Residential Licensing Course
Friday, March 12th and Saturday, March 13th (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March 20th (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Upon completion of this course, all students, will possess a general knowledge of construction requirements related to one and two family dwelling units with costs ranging up to $125,000.00. This knowledge will include, but not limited to: construction practices and techniques, materials, methods, codes, applicable regulations relative to zoning, ordinance, safety, and OSHA.
To enroll, contact Stephanie Alexander at 901-636-9300
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Residential insurance claims are inevitable. Knowing your rights on these projects can be beneficial. Anderson Contractors LLC will host an information session on “best practices” when working with the insurance companies and banks. This class is open to the general public. We strongly encourage residential contractors to attend.
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Joann Massey, Director
Timothy Houston, Administrative Assistant (ENC)
Carol Kelley, Administrative Assistant (City Hall)
Compliance
Andrew DeShazo, Esq., Compliance Manager
Sukita Johnson, Esq, Contract Compliance Analyst
Annette Crump, Administrative Assistant (Compliance)
Valesia Johnson, Intern
Certification
Standley Brady, Esq., Certification Manager
Tabitha Veazey, Certification Analyst
Business Services
Ashley Robinson, Operations Mrg. & Outreach & Engagement
Taylor Tagg, Business Services Coordinator Sr.
Guadalupe Reyes, Business Services Coordinator
Dante Robichaux, Creative Strategist
DJ Baker, Intern
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
-Aristotle
Contact our office for assistance at bdcinfo@memphistn.gov or 901-636-9300
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