Unlock the value of networking

Welcome to Midnight Oil: Resources & Tips! This week's edition features networking tips to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, inspiration for refreshing your business when business starts to slow and a recap of last week’s Start. Run. Grow. event.

This is the condensed version of CO- by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's weekly Midnight Oil newsletter. Sign up to receive the full version packed with small business news you can use.

Top Tip of the Week

"Before you can scale up, it's important to have a product-market fit — a product that people are interested in and they're willing to buy, and a model that delivers value to customers."

— Austin Allison , founder and CEO of billion-dollar real estate tech startup Pacaso on achieving "organizational success" before scaling your business.

Connect with entrepreneurs just like you

Never underestimate the value of networking. As an entrepreneur, any chance to connect with your peers can be an opportunity for growth. Of course, in-person events are indispensable when looking to branch out, but utilizing online networking events and organizations can be just as effective.?

These opportunities can sometimes be hard to find despite the many benefits of networking and connecting with others. Get started on your journey using this list of networking groups for entrepreneurs to guide your small business growth.

Celebrate Black Business Month

Since opening Petit-Beau Barber Lounge a year ago, master barber and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation 's Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) 2022 Enhancement Grant recipient Perry Petit-Beau has learned countless lessons. From abiding by city regulations to labor shortages to finding a mentor, the Fort Lauderdale-based founder worked tirelessly to persevere through the setbacks.

See what advice Petit-Beau hopes to share with aspiring entrepreneurs on CO— and get more information about how to apply for the CBBB's next round of grants here.

Food for Thought

In 2021, tech conglomerate Facebook famously changed its name to Meta, distancing itself from its former image.

To address slow business, combat public relations issues, or simply start fresh, consider rebranding your own business with inspiration from these top companies.

Grant Opportunities

• Jack Daniel’s is accepting applications for its New Beginnings: Make It Count small business grant competition. This is the third cycle of the competition, which offers $40,000 in grants to Black-owned businesses in the Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Richmond, Virginia areas. Interested entrepreneurs can learn more and apply on Jack Daniel’s website by August 31, 2022.?
• The First Peoples Fund annually honors and recognizes both Native artists and culture bearers throughout the country through the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. Each honoree chosen receives $25,000 to help fund and support their work for years to come. Nominator applications are due by July 22, and nominee applications are due by August 31.?

Find more small business grants and funding opportunities here.

The CO— Corner

Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create a program to help prepare for disasters and provide immediate emergency funding when necessary. There will be more than 100 grants of $5,000 each, available to be distributed between now and June 2023.

Navigating Shifting Business Trends Recap

Last week, entrepreneurs and experts convened to discuss the trends and changes affecting small businesses, including economic uncertainty, worker shortages, hybrid/remote work, and more. Tune in to see what you missed during our virtual event and figure out what comes next for your business.

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