LGA, LLP

Our Women’s Affinity Group (WAG) hosted our first event of the year, creating a space for our team to pause, unwind, and reconnect. With #WomensHistoryMonth as the backdrop and busy season in full swing, this was the perfect opportunity to take a well-deserved break. ? A huge thank you to our incredible WAG leaders, Janine Danielson, CPA, Laura O'Brien, CPA, MST, and Elianna Makiej, SHRM-CP, for sponsoring this event and to Christina Sayles, CPA, CVA for leading us through a calming and restorative meditation. Between moments of mindfulness, a selection of teas, and delicious pastries and sandwiches, our team was able to step away, recharge, and return refreshed as we push toward the 4/15 deadline. ? To make this experience even more special, we partnered with incredible women-owned businesses: BC Essentials Aromatherapy Company, Suzanne Richardson Victorian Tea Parties, Apple Spice Lunch Box Company ? We’re grateful for everyone who joined us in person and virtually to share in this experience. Here’s to finding moments of calm, even in the busiest of times!

Grants aren’t just funding; they’re fuel for your business’s growth. ? Amid economic uncertainty, securing the right resources can make all the difference. ? That’s why our team has curated a list of grants to help small businesses and nonprofits like yours stay resilient and move forward with confidence: ? 1. ?????????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????????? Provides three $10,000 grants each month to women-owned businesses, established in memory of Amber Wigdahl. At the end of the year, three of the monthly winners receive an additional $25,000 grant. Monthly submissions are also considered for the Startup Grant and Business Category Grant. ????????????????: End of Each Month, Next Deadline March 31st? ?????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/gDyQzJT ? 2. ??????????????’?? ???????? ???????? ???????????? Coordinated by the Small Business Administration and funded through 11 participating federal agencies, SBIR and STTR programs award non-dilutive and equity-free funding to technology-focused entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Companies must be for profit, U.S. owned/operated, and under 500 people. Focus is on R&D. ????????????????: Federal Agency dependent ?????????? ????????: https://www.sbir.gov/about ? 3. ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ???????????????? ?????????? ?????????????? Annual grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. Open to community-based and national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose programs reach underserved families with free, quality financial advice from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER? professionals. ????????????????: May 1st ?????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/dW74PSN ? 4. ??????????’?? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????? $10,000 to qualified women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. ????????????????: Next funding round opens early Summer. ?????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/evJ3MhP3 ? 5. ?????????? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????????? $5,000 for eligible independent retail businesses, U.S. or Canada, who opened their first stores in 2024 or plan to open soon. ????????????????: March 31st ?????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/egbTrRRw ? 6. ???????? ?????????????????? ???????????? ???????? ???? ????????+ $2,000 microgrant for Etsy sellers who have experienced a federally declared disaster within the past year. ????????????????: Continous ?????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/gFt8DprY ? 7. ??é???? ???????????? ???????? ???? ???? ???????? ?????????? ?????????????? $20,000 grant, paired with a one-on-one mentorship. Open to visionary artists, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their communities. Must be a for-profit business located in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, or New York City. ????????????????: April 11th, 6pm ET ?????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/et-zZ7H7

Vote for the OMA Team by April 1st ? We are thrilled to announce that Emily Sullivan, Natasha Wiegelman, and Kathy Tighe, three OMA team members, have been nominated by Insightful Accountant for the Top 100 U.S. ProAdvisor Awards. This prestigious recognition honors accounting professionals who showcase advanced expertise in QuickBooks tools and related apps, making a meaningful impact in the accounting community. We could not be more proud. This is a testament to their dedicated work ethic and exceptional client relationships. You can vote for each of our team members here: https://lnkd.in/gHTQuaPW

Wishing our clients and team a St. Patrick’s Day filled with good fortune, happiness, and maybe even a little extra luck this tax season! We’re grateful for the trust you place in us and lucky to have such an incredible team and community. Here’s to smooth filings, smart financial moves, and a year filled with prosperity. ?? May your day be as bright as a rainbow and your success as plentiful as a pot of gold.

?? Market swings, rising tariffs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions—how prepared is your business for what’s ahead? ???????? ??????’?? ?????? ?????? ??????????????, ????’?? ?? ???????????? ???? ???? ??????????????????: ? Tariffs & Costs – Are your contracts protecting you from price hikes? ? Supply Chain & Lending – Do you have a backup plan for financing or delays? ? Valuations & Exits – How does volatility impact your business’s value? ? Margins & Inflation – Can you pass rising costs to customers, or is margin compression a risk? A quick 20-minute strategy session with LGA’s Business Advisory Team can help you uncover risks, discover opportunities, and position your business to stay ahead while others react. Schedule a call: https://lnkd.in/ey2ZZFB5 #BusinessStrategy | #Inflation | #BusinessAdvisory

Step Up With LGA to Honor Colleen Ritzer ?? On May 4th, #TeamLGA will come together for the 12th Annual #StepUpforColleen 5K Walk/Run to celebrate the incredible legacy of Colleen Ritzer. This event supports the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, which has helped 114 aspiring educators and leaders pursue their college dreams, continuing Colleen’s passion for teaching and spreading kindness. Join us as we walk, run, and remember. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e-Nz-xJt #LGAGivesBack | #FutureLeaders

LGA was proud to sponsor and participate in #ReadAcrossAmerica at Lowell Community Charter Public School. Our team thoroughly enjoyed reading Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker to students, discussing its themes, and engaging in a lively Q&A. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff and students at LCC for the warm welcome, and to our wonderful volunteers Daniel Pare, CPA, Karen B., CPA, Kathy Tighe, Gianna Geraci, Christopher O'Day, and Kerry Smith, CPA for making this event such a success. Together, we can continue to inspire young minds and foster a lifelong love for reading! ???? #LGAGivesBack | #ReadingCommunity

Change doesn’t happen by standing still. It happens when we challenge the status quo, speak up, and take bold steps forward. As we celebrate #InternationalWomensDay take a minute to read and reflect on how you can #AccelerateAction. We asked our Women’s Affinity Group Leaders: "What’s one piece of advice you’d give to the next generation of women leaders looking to drive change?" ?????????????? ????????????????????. Growth doesn’t happen in silence, and progress comes with pushback. Challenge outdated norms, take up space, and keep pushing forward—even when it’s easier to go with the flow. The right people will recognize your vision and walk alongside you. ? ???????? ???????? ???? ????????????????. Lead with passion, trust, and confidence. Speak up, spark conversations, and build relationships that fuel innovation. We all have the power to make a difference—for ourselves and future generations of women leaders. ???????????????? ?????? ??????????????????????, ????????????????????, ?????? ?????????????????????? so future generations of women in leadership reflect the strong presence of women in the field. Be bold, speak up, and drive the change you want to see. Let’s take action and lift each other up. What advice would you share? ?? Janine Danielson, Laura O'Brien, CPA, MST, Elianna Makiej, SHRM-CP

A sweet way to show our appreciation! ???? Managing Partner John D. Geraci, CPA and Managing Director of Finance and Administration Pam Davis made the rounds, personally delivering treats to our team for #EmployeeAppreciationDay.

Celebrating the "Power of We" this #EmployeeAppreciationDay! ?? Every day, our team embodies excellence, pride, and forward-thinking, building meaningful client relationships and making a lasting impact. To show our appreciation, we gathered for a buffet-style lunch at each office, where firm leaders reflected on the dedication and contributions that drive LGA’s success. To top it off, Managing Partner John D. Geraci, CPA, MST and Managing Director of Finance and Administration Pam Davis personally delivered sweet treats throughout the office, and sent a gift to each team member. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible #TeamLGA. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for all that you do!