DC-MD Small Business Owner Networking

Check out this fantastic program from Strathmore!

The recent reports of the LA wildfires have left me reliving my fire displacement experience and wanting to help the thousands who are being impacted. While I can relate on some level, I also recognize that my experience pales in comparison to what many are facing. In 2019, my family endured a house fire. Thanks to homeowners insurance and the support of our community, the nine-month reconstruction process, while challenging, was more of an inconvenience than a catastrophe. Though we split our time between a hotel and a rental home, we still had jobs to go to, schools for our kids, temporary housing, and were able to save most of our prized possessions. In hindsight, we were incredibly fortunate. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be for the residents of LA who now face the devastation caused by fires in Altadena, Eaton, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades. These fires have destroyed homes, businesses, and the social fabric of their communities. Many have lost everything—personal possessions, their sense of security, and in some cases, the ability to access insurance to rebuild. If you, like me, feel moved to help, I encourage you to explore this resource:

Small business grants still available through December 16. 2024.

Thanks to Andrew Sachs for his engaging and informative fireside chat at last night’s AI for Business: Learning & Networking event. Our members came away with concrete ideas and strategies to implement AI. Evette Lewis Jonathan Gray Dr. Omowale Elson John Partridge Naeem Green

Business owners! Want to understand how you can harness the power of AI to grow your business? DC-MD Small Business Owner Networking is excited to host AI for Business Owners: A Networking & Learning Event! Tuesday, Nov. 12 in Bowie, MD. Guest Speaker: Andrew Sachs Sponsors: Adult & Teen Challenge of Maryland , Team Network RSVP: https://lnkd.in/e4R9eUi6

Networking for business is full of surprises. I had a full-circle networking moment this week. My daughter, Cara Lewis texted me to announce that she had just received an offer to be a Brand Ambassador for Shea Butter Like Whoa! Since we’ve both used Shea Butter Like Whoa! for years, we were thrilled. 15 years ago, as I was beginning my career as an Employee Benefits Consultant and trying to grow my network of business owners, I began hosting events for DC-MD Small Business Owner Networking. The Monthly Charity Networking event brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, and vendors for an evening of networking to support a local charity each month. One of our monthly vendors was Terry Williams, Owner of Shea Butter Like Whoa! At the time, Terry was just starting out trying to find a market for his all-natural, shea butter skin care products. Now, 15 years later, he’s working his business full-time, has an active e-commerce site, and is sponsoring brand ambassadors nationally! Check it out: https://lddy.no/1kc32 On Monday, Cara and I met with Terry to sign her contract and pick up her supply of products. #networking #sheabutterlikewhoaba

Interested in international business with the diaspora? DC-MD Small Business Owner Networking will meet up at the AGOA Forum. Hosted by the DCSBDC DC Small Business Development Center and Howard University, this is your opportunity to network with African Business Owners and explore avenues for business expansion. Thanks to D Yvonne Rivers, our group's global business marketing strategist for sharing this event. Evette Lewis