Comerica Bank donates 100,000 to Young Entrepreneurz Solutions, “An Economic Way Forward for Youth In LMI Communities”
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Comerica Bank donates 100,000 to Young Entrepreneurz Solutions, “An Economic Way Forward for Youth In LMI Communities”

ByErica Ponder

Comerica Bank has teamed up with Young Entrepreneurz Solutions Organization (YES) to equip youth from low to moderate income (LMI) communities with financial education skills needed to pursue a career in entrepreneurship. The $100,000 contribution also will provide startup funding for students across Comerica’s five-state (Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas) geographical footprint. In addition, Comerica bankers will serve as judges for the YES Business…

The City of Houston Presents the 8th Annual Liftoff Houston Business Plan Competition

The City of Houston Presents the 8th Annual Liftoff Houston Business Plan Competition

ByErica Ponder

Applications for the 8th Annual Liftoff Houston, the City of Houston’s yearly business plan competition sponsored by Capital One Bank and administered by the Houston Public Library and the Office of Business Opportunity, are now live. This competition, launched on July 8th and active through November 7th, grants participants access to tools, resources and support…

Report: Navigating the Changing Nature of Work

Report: Navigating the Changing Nature of Work

ByErica Ponder

A new labor market report highlights the disruption that greater automation and increased requirements for digital skills is causing regional workers and the importance of helping workers build digital skills for occupations that can lead to economic opportunity. The report, “Navigating the Changing Nature of Work,” provides data-driven insights and approaches that can help employers,…

Nearly 500 Small Businesses File Bankruptcy Using Increased Eligibility Limit Since February
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Nearly 500 Small Businesses File Bankruptcy Using Increased Eligibility Limit Since February

ByErica Ponder

New statistical table and analysis available on the American Banking Institute’s (ABI) SBRA Resources website show that 471 small businesses have elected to file for bankruptcy relief under new subchapter V to chapter 11 of the Code since it was enacted. The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (SBRA) took effect on February 19, 2020, to provide a…

Texas One of Best States for Businesses to Survive COVID-19 Economic Turmoil

ByErica Ponder

Texas is one of the best states for businesses to weather economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. As reported by InnovationMap, a new study from Fit Small Business ranked Texas #3 when it came to business owners weathering the economic fallout from the pandemic. Ohio and South Dakota ranked #1 and # 2 respectively. New York was last. The…

How communities are connecting during the COVID-19 crisis

ByErica Ponder

During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis, people are searching for ways to connect with experts, co-workers, friends, neighbors and their community. They are accomplishing this by using technology including virtual meetings, webinars and conference call services.   Everyone is making sacrifices during this time and adjusting their regular routines and habits. TownSq, an all-in-one…

How small businesses can boost sales
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How small businesses can boost sales

ByErica Ponder

With over 30 million small businesses in the U.S., it’s tough to stand out from the crowd. Successful small businesses turn first-time customers into repeat business, building momentum and growing sales.   How can you achieve this? Marketing. Finding effective, easy-to-execute marketing strategies can boost your business by helping you engage your customers while attracting…

Law Office of Willie D. Powells III and Associates: Where There’s No Limit, Just a Directon
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Law Office of Willie D. Powells III and Associates: Where There’s No Limit, Just a Directon

ByErica Ponder

Willie Powells has been the president and CEO of the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III & Associates PLLC since 2006, but the journey to owning his own firm was a winding road of self-discovery and lessons learned…

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Protecting Your Financial Health in These Uncertain Times

ByErica Ponder

With expected delays in bill payments, unprecedented layoffs, hiring freezes and related hardships, many Americans are facing new financial challenges. “COVID-19 has impacted all industries and individuals from all walks of life,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian. “With all of these rapid changes, you might not be thinking…

Building credit at 18: Tips for a solid financial foundation

Building credit at 18: Tips for a solid financial foundation

ByErica Ponder

When a young person turns 18, it’s an exciting time full of possibilities. Being able to vote and no longer adhering to a curfew is just the beginning. Now an official adult, it’s time to begin a new chapter that sets the foundation for the rest of their life, including their financial wellness. “How you…

Report: Companies Owned by Women of Color Account for 89 Percent of All New Women-Owned Businesses

Report: Companies Owned by Women of Color Account for 89 Percent of All New Women-Owned Businesses

ByErica Ponder

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Crystal Etienne is a businesswoman, wife, and mother of two children. She’s also the founder of Ruby Love, a $10 million personal care company that she built in just four years. “My dream was to always work for myself,” Etienne, a New York native, stated in an…

How small businesses can boost sales
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How small businesses can boost sales

ByErica Ponder

With over 30 million small businesses in the U.S., it’s tough to stand out from the crowd. Successful small businesses turn first-time customers into repeat business, building momentum and growing sales. How can you achieve this? Marketing. Finding effective, easy-to-execute marketing strategies can boost your business by helping you engage your customers while attracting new…

Dave “Supa Dave” Nelson is Investing in His Community
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Dave “Supa Dave” Nelson is Investing in His Community

ByErica Ponder

Dave “Supa Dave” Nelson has called Houston home his entire life, and now, with 16 years of real estate investment experience under his belt, he is back in the Hiram Clarke community with a mission to put black leadership and community redevelopment in motion. Dave’s father had been in the construction industry for many years,…

COVID-19: Help is Available

ByErica Ponder

These are challenging times for businesses all over the nation. The Texas Comptroller’s office knows that during periods of economic hardship, paying or remitting taxes and fees on time can feel like an extra burden when there’s so much uncertainty. We’re thankful to those businesses that were able to remit state and local sales taxes…