What hacks do you have for staying cool this summer?

In this newsletter:?

• Not ready to commit to an office? Rent one for a day and let your creativity soar in a focused space!
• Stay ahead of the storm: Stock up, communicate well, and keep your business afloat - literally and figuratively.
• Elevate your creative game! Apply for the Creative Business Boost Initiative.
• Meet the dynamo leading Medley Inc., a top-tier PR and digital marketing firm in Houston.?

Try before you Buy

Not quite ready for your own office but need a dedicated space to get in the zone? Try an office for the day! These single-person spaces are perfect for laser-focused work or unleashing your creativity.

RESERVE YOUR OFFICE FOR THE DAY

The Houston Texans and Amegy Bank launched the Small Business Boost program in 2020 to support Houston's local small businesses. In four years, they have awarded $85,000 in grants to 21 businesses.

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The four selected businesses this year will receive:

$5,000 grant to support business

Access to event opportunities from Amegy Bank

Houston Texans marketing & promotional support for business

A plaque presented to business?

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Nominate a small business below!

NOMINATE HERE

Key Points for Businesses to Prepare for Hurricane Season ???:

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1. Assess previous natural disasters' impacts on your business to understand vulnerabilities and improve preparedness.
2. Update insurance coverage, backup critical data off-site, and ensure essential supplies like food, water, and emergency equipment are available.
3. Gradually accumulate necessary items like food, water, plywood, and sandbags over weeks to ensure readiness.
4. Clearly communicate emergency plans to employees, customers, suppliers, and vendors through various channels to ensure everyone knows their roles and expectations.
5. Invest in backup batteries, generators, and other essential items such as flashlights, lanterns, and shelf-stable foods to sustain operations during power outages.
6. Take photos of properties before and after the disaster to facilitate insurance claims.
7. Recognize the business's role in the community and strive to recover promptly to continue providing essential goods and services.

By implementing these measures, your business can enhance its resilience and mitigate the impact of hurricanes and natural disasters on your operations and communities.

Big News! Verizon is offering $10,000 small business grants!?

Unlock amazing opportunities for free with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. Access free courses, events, and more. And right now, snag your chance to apply for those $10,000 grants!?

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How to apply:

• Join Digital Ready for free and complete?two courses or events.
• Apply between now and 6.28.24.
• All applicants will be notified whether they’ve been chosen to receive funding.

APPLY HERE

Applications are open for the Creative Business Boost Initiative by Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, supported by Etsy’s Uplift Fund. 100 creative entrepreneurs will be chosen to receive a $5,000 grant and access to the exclusive Boost Camp coaching program, providing essential capital and resources for their growth and success.

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Applications are open through June 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. ET.

To be eligible, you must be an entrepreneur who is the leading executive (i.e. Founder) of a small business that meets the below business criteria:

• A legal resident of one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico
• Eighteen (18) years of age or older (19 in AL and NE)

Other eligibility criteria includes:?

• Must be a creative entrepreneur as defined here
• Must have a business that has been in operation for at least 12 months?
• Must have an existing product or service currently on the market
• Must be willing to participate in a 12-week virtual business Boost Camp
• Being a for-profit business located and registered in one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico

APPLY HERE

Meet Ashley Small ??

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Ashley Small is the powerhouse founder behind Medley Inc., an award-winning, woman-owned PR and digital marketing firm. Since 2009, she's been elevating brands in Houston and beyond with her exceptional expertise and innovative strategies.

Upcoming Events:

• Acupuncture & Sound Healing | Tuesday June 4?
• U of H Day at Sesh | Wednesday June 5?
• Candid Cafe w/ Cris: Disaster Preparedness | Friday June 7?
• Rice University Day at Sesh | Wednesday June 12
• Leaders Who Lunch: Supporting a Chamber Member | Tuesday June 18
• Cher vs Lady Gaga | Jam & Work | Thursday June 20