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This fall has already been off to a busy start! We hosted an #EnvolveAwardUSA event earlier this month in Detroit — in collaboration with TechTown Detroit — where we held a panel discussion centered around the Rust Belt and local entrepreneurship ecosystem. We hosted the official "Day of Engagement" of the 2019 Annual Concordia Summit to announce our Bronx and NYC winners.
Our programming didn't stop there, we supported local young entrepreneurs at the Montgomery County Children's Business Fair and helped facilitate the "Scale-Up Pitch Challenge" at the National Black MBA Association's (NBMBAA) annual conference in Houston, alongside MBK Alliance Chairman, Broderick Johnson, Unanimous Media CEO, Jeron Smith, Mike Muse of the Mike Muse Show, and Ulili Onovakpuri of Kapor Capital and LePra George of MBMBAA; congratulations to Alerje on winning the grandprize!
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According to a study by the Small Business Administration, over 50% of the population works in a small business and since 1995, small businesses have generated over 65% of new jobs in the United States.
If you're ready to join the workforce as a small business owner, use this checklist for starting a new business the right way!
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We support aspiring entrepreneurs as well as early-stage. Many individuals begin by building a client-base and completing transactions as they formalize their business or determine their addressable market. We offer free tools such as our invoice template. An invoice is a commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer, relating to a sale transaction and indicating the products, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services the seller had provided the buyer. Download our free template in Word or Excel! |
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 We're excited to announce our two 2018 Envolve Award USA Detroit & Flint winners - Lee Gaddies of Gaddis Gaming and two honorable mentions, Malik Johnson of Trinhydral and Sumeet Chhawri of NuBoxZ for their innovative business ideas.
The event included an insightful group discussion and a big thank you to our panelists, Cate Fisher of LinkedIn, Pam Lewis of New Economy Initiative, Linnette Phillips of Economic Development for Flint and Sebastian Jackson of The Social Club. We would also like to extend a "hat tip" to our partner, TechTown Detroit! We value collaboration when it comes to supporting tomorrow's business leaders.
We look forward to closing out the announcement of our winners in Charleston, DC and Baltimore in the coming weeks! Stay tuned for more details across our social media channels.
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You should really pay attention to...
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 Watt + Flux, one of our 2016 winners, is an LED Inspire Company that is a women owned and operated business. The certified B Corporation updates existing inefficient lighting systems in businesses, schools, and marine vessels to new LED lighting systems that not only save time and money, but also reduce environmental impact.
Watt + Flux celebrated its five year anniversary earlier this year and are 1 million pounds away from their ten year goal of removing 10 million pounds of greenhouse gases. K.A. Stacie Alexiou, CEO and Managing Director, began as an engineering cadet in the Merchant Marine. After completing a number of internships and earning her engineering degree and U.S.C.G. Unlimited Horsepower license, she was part of the first relief mission to New Orleans, Louisiana supporting citizens displaced by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ophelia. To learn more, read this feature on Stacie.
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 This month, Envolve participated in the 84th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) where the Greece tea hosted workshops and B2B meetings on topics ranging from growth mindset, female entrepreneurship to startup businesses' impact on the Greek economy. TIF is the largest exhibition event in the Greece and Balkans with B2B, B2C, and B2G organizational features, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship.
The team has also begun their city tour, which focuses on exploring and supporting local entrepreneurs and innovators, where business growth and development are vital for the economy and workforce. The Greece team has already visited 8 cities and will continue the remainder of their tour in October.
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#EnvolveEDU & the Ecosystem
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2018 Envolve Award USA - Bronx and New York
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Last week, in collaboration with Concordia and Assembly Member Michael Blake (D-The Bronx, NY), we hosted a Day of Engagement following the 2019 Concordia Annual Summit.
 We kicked off the day with an "Investing in Local Entrepreneurs" panel, which included Rebecca Scott, Founder of 2017 Envolve Award Winner Sustainable Snacks, Mohammed Diallo, Co-Founder of 2016 Envolve Award Winner Ginjan Bros and Noëlle Santos, Proprietress of The Lit. Bar. Following the panel, a variety of entrepreneurs were able to pitch their ventures. A big thank you to David Gibson of SportsMarkit, Millie Carbajal of M&M 24Hr Daycare and Lenny Forde of Little L's Pet Bakery & Boutique.
After an invigorating morning, we headed to Beatstro for a public reception to celebrate our 2018 Envolve Award USA Bronx and NYC winners. A huge congratulations to Noëlle Santos of the The Lit.Bar and Rosa Garcia of Mott Haven Bar and Grill. We are excited to work with their businesses and help their ventures grow!
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Left to right: Matthew Swift, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of Concordia; Christopher Upperman, CEO of Envolve; Rosa Garcia of Mott Haven Bar & Grill and 2018 Winner; Assembly Member Michael Blake (D-The Bronx, NY); and Noëlle Santos, Proprietress of The Lit. Bar and 2018 Winner
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Envolve was invited to "In Focus with Cheryl Wills" on NY1 to discuss our support of Bronx and New York-based entrepreneurs. Our pursuit to speak entrepreneurship starts, increase to capital, resources, and tools provided through philanthropy, is just getting started! We're in the fight along with Assembly Member Michael Blake (D-The Bronx, NY), NYC Mayor's Office, NYC Small Business Services for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and ventures alike! Click here to watch the clip.
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Funlola Otukoya, Africa Advisor at Concordia, and Chris Upperman, CEO of Envolve, conversed about practical steps entrepreneurs can take to get started. Additional conversation centered around demystifying the notion modern entrepreneurs are chasing "the love of the money" instead of the passion and pain points in the market. Listen here for more!
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 In business, the sales funnel functions as a specific guide through a buyer's journey and can identify areas of improvement in regards to brand awareness.
A venture's specific sales funnel depending on business functions and its specific goals, but companies will be sure to get the most out of its content by providing its employees a map towards successful selling.
Learn more here and reflect on your sales funnel!
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