Business Gateway’s Post

If I ever 'make it', and become mega rich, I'll buy a boat 🚤 A big Yorkshire boat... and donate it to the Yorkshire business community. I'm not sure who will be Captain though... maybe we can take turns? ANYWAY ⬇️ This is a pretty nice moment ⬇️ Starting any business is a risk. You’ve got an idea and a growing sense of belief. You've also got a lot of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, a bucket load of worry and a deep seated fear of failure... But, you’re prepared to put in the hours and give it a good go... If you’re good, clients will come. If you can scale, people will join you. If people join you, you've got a chance of creating something special... But even when it’s all going in the right direction, a little external validation never hurts. We all need that. Well, I do. 😂 We're genuinely delighted to have been shortlisted for Startup of the Year and Fast Growth Company of the Year at TheBusinessDesk.com's prestigious "Yorkshire Business of The Year" Awards. I've been shortlisted for quite a few awards over the years (I've even won a few) and I really like these ones. Why? These aren’t tick-box awards - and you can't sponsor your way to a win. They’re independently judged, rigorously assessed, and based on tangible achievements. You even get interviewed and have to present to judges (twice). Whether we win or not - it’s a good time, especially as the year closes out, to take stock of what we’ve done and how far we’ve come at Serviced. 12 months at 100mph: ✅ £0 to £1m+ in revenue ✅ 1 to 15 team members ✅ Delivered technology and marketing projects across multiple countries We’ve worked with all kinds of organisations: from the brilliant St Gemma’s Hospice to groundbreaking blockchain platforms where fashion, crypto and music collide, and a host of regional and national businesses. Being shortlisted is a lovely nod to the incredible work that our team does every day and to the culture that we’re building together: bold, fast-moving, and, above all, focused on rapidly improving client outcomes. Winning would be fantastic. But being shortlisted means that we’re being noticed. And that’s a great step in itself. For a young business, it’s a chance to raise our profile, meet new people, and show what we’re all about. I'd recommend that all startups and emerging businesses put themselves forward for awards - and that they participate more fully in their business communities. You'll meet new customers, future business partners, great suppliers and employees who will join you as you grow and develop. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far. If anyone wants to talk tech, talent or marketing - give me a shout. We're here to help. #Innovation #Technology #Marketing #Techjobs #Yorkshire #Awards #BigYorkshireBoat

To my constituency representatives Jim O'Callaghan TD, Ivana Bacik, James Geoghegan TD, Eoin Hayes. Why is the NDRC being shuttered? I don't think we have a good enough answer. The claim in last week's Business Post that Enterprise Ireland flagged "cheaper alternatives" is a paltry excuse. Our coffers are fuller than they've ever been. Now is the time to invest in the future, not to kill programmes that are in very real demand (evidenced by the more than 400 signatories you see below), and delivering very real value (evidenced by the 650+ jobs created since 2021 alone). There is a clear need here. That need is currently being met by passionate, and extremely capable teams at Dogpatch Labs, Republic of Work, PorterShed and RDI Hub. So why pull the plug? I have first hand experience having gone through Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers Phase 1 and PSSF, and the (funded by NDRC) Founders Talent Accelerator. While the EI programmes certainly have merit, the level of support the team at Dogpatch Labs (led by Patrick Walsh) provides is orders of magnitude more meaningful. To give a small example, at New Frontiers the most accomplished mentor we got access to in the 12 week programme was a gentleman who contracted with the government to deliver entrepreneurial course material. Contrast that with NDRC's Founders programme, where we had talks from Áine Kerr, Bobby Healy, Luke Mackey, Des Traynor, Ciaran Lee, and John Collison. And that is not an exhaustive list. The difference is night and day. The excuses provided do not cut it. We need a reversal, or an upgrade. What are you going to do about it? Sincerely yours, Steve Rock Co-founder & CEO Shōden (a company born in Dogpatch Labs, funded with NDRC realisations, employing 8 people; 3 in Ireland).

Our Founder at UnTours, Hal, wasn't one for the spotlight, but his legacy is foundational to the B Corp community. Before terms like "social entrepreneur" or "impact investor" became mainstream, Hal was already living these ideals. In the 1970s, he founded UnTours, a "slow travel" company designed to provide enriching, earth-connected travel experiences for travelers and locals alike. Unique for its time, UnTours funneled all profits into the UnTours Foundation, which has since invested over $10 million in businesses advancing social, environmental, and economic justice worldwide. The Hal Taussig Award, established in 2011, honors individuals in the B Lab U.S. & Canada community who exemplify Hal's ethos of radical generosity and commitment to using business as a force for good. Previous recipients include: ⭐ Fred Keller, Cascade Engineering ⭐ Mandy Cabot, Dansko ⭐ Roberta MacDonald, Cabot Creamery Cooperative ⭐ Bryan Welch, Ogden Publications ⭐ Daniel Almagor & Berry Liberman, Small Giants Academy ⭐ Kevin Trapani, The Redwoods Group ⭐ Shainoor Khoja & Karim Khoja, Roshan ⭐ Ted Castle, Rhino Foods ⭐ Diana Marie Lee, Sweet Livity ⭐ Dr. Tiffany Jana, TMI Consulting ⭐ Yvon & Melinda Chouinard, Patagonia ⭐ Carolina Miranda, Cultivating Capital Each has continued Hal's mission, using their business as a force for good. Hal's story reminds us why we strive to redefine success in business and inspires us to maintain this vision. In this latest B The Change article, we share more about the origins of the Hal Taussig Award, its role in recognizing the best of the B Corp Movement, and the importance of partnership among B Corps to advance our collective work. https://lnkd.in/eQnzMp6k

📢 Calling all high-growth UK businesses! 💡    Do you have what it takes to be a Scale-Up finalist? The Scale-Up Awards, powered by Business Leader ⚡️, are searching for the nation's most impressive entrepreneurs and businesses.   Let’s celebrate your achievements together. Whether you're dominating e-commerce, excelling in manufacturing, or disrupting your industry, there's a category for you. See all categories and eligibility here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e3X3phst    Entering is your chance to:  👏 Gain recognition from prominent investors and business leaders.  📈 Boost your brand visibility and professional profile.  🤝 Become part of the Scale-Up community.    Don’t miss out! The deadline for entries is June 3, 2024. ⏳ Let’s unlock your full potential together.    Have questions? Comment below and I’ll be happy to answer any queries👇  #SUA24 #businessleader #entrepreneurship #ecommerce #sustainability #entrepreneur 

🌟 Nurturing Dreams. Growing Futures. 🌟 From Main Street to Silicon Valley, SBDCs are the wind beneath the wings of countless small businesses. They’re the mentors who listen, the guides who illuminate the path, and the cheerleaders who celebrate every milestone. 🙌🎈 🌱 Why We Love SBDCs: Expert Guidance: SBDCs provide personalized advice, helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality. Whether it’s a business plan, marketing strategy, or financial wizardry, they’ve got your back. Training & Workshops: Need to master social media wizardry or decode tax jargon? SBDCs offer workshops, webinars, and resources to level up your skills. Community Builders: SBDCs foster connections. They’re the matchmakers who introduce you to fellow dreamers, collaborators, and potential clients. Champions of Resilience: When the going gets tough, SBDCs roll up their sleeves. They’ve weathered storms, economic downturns, and now a pandemic. Their resilience inspires us all. 🌟 How You Can Celebrate: Spread the Word: Share your SBDC success stories. Tag your local SBDC and use #SBDCDay. Support Small Businesses: Shop local, dine at that cozy café, or hire a freelancer. Every dollar counts! Virtual Cheers: Raise a virtual toast to SBDCs. 🥂 Cheers Marta Gómez Frey! 🥂 Thank you for your continued support. To many more years, a lots of successes. 🌱 To Our SBDCs: Thank you for nurturing dreams, sparking innovation, and building stronger communities. Your impact is immeasurable. 🌟 So here’s to you, SBDCs! May your guidance continue to light up the entrepreneurial sky. 🌠✨ #SBDCDay #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessHeroes

#juneteenth — LA Tribune’s Liberty’s Legacy Panel Wow, what a conversation ! Being part of the LA Tribune’s Liberty’s Legacy “Do-Tank” isn’t just an honor—it’s a celebration of what liberty truly means, especially for those of us emerging and established entrepreneurs. Today, I want to share my thoughts on liberty and how it connects with the “Paint It 4-Ward” mission, bringing hope and resources to employneurs and entrepreneurs alike. Liberty is all about having the freedom to chase our dreams, take bold steps, and build something incredible. For entrepreneurs, it’s the spark that lights our way. At the Liberty’s Legacy event, I’m constantly reminded of how liberty shows up in our lives and businesses. Access to Capital: The fuel for any venture. Without funding, dreams stay stuck in our heads. Access to Education: Knowledge unlocks doors. A good education helps us tackle the ups and downs of business life. Access to Healthcare: Health is wealth. Having affordable healthcare means we can focus on our passions without sacrificing our health. Access to Technology: In the digital age, tech is our best friend. Fast internet and cutting-edge tools keep us ahead in the game. Access to Infrastructure: Reliable transportation, utilities, and public services keep our businesses running smoothly. Access to Markets: Local, national, or global—reaching new markets helps us grow and expand our impact. Access to Legal Services: Understanding the legal landscape keeps us protected and confident. Access to Workforce: A talented and motivated team is our greatest asset. Finding the right people drives our success. Access to Training: Continuous learning keeps us sharp and ready for whatever comes our way. Access to Networking: Building connections and partnerships fuels our growth and opens new doors. These elements define liberty for us. They are the pillars that support our dreams and aspirations. When I think about these aspects, I feel immense gratitude for being part of a platform that champions these freedoms. By pushing for access to these essential resources, we ensure the entrepreneurial spirit stays alive and inclusive. And let’s not forget our Paint It 4-Ward mission, reminding us that liberty requires ongoing effort to protect and expand. It’s all about painting a brighter future, pushing forward, and creating opportunities for everyone. We’re here to uplift communities, provide resources, and ensure everyone has a shot at their dreams. Thank you, LA Tribune, and to my fellow panelists for your dedication to fostering a world where liberty thrives. We’re shaping the future and building a legacy of freedom, opportunity, and success for all. Lee Anne D. Debra A. Hunter California Secretary of State Xavier D. Johnson Trishaa Camp #rooseveltwilliamsIII #blackexcellence #paintinpurpose #entrepreneurship #inthemixinc #accesstocapital

My Advice….Be Intentional Where You Spend Your Money & Your Time. Industry associations can be an an absolutely invaluable resource for startups and small businesses in ANY industry. But….you HAVE TO PARTICIPATE. So….Yes….Absolutely…Join that association if you’re going to get involved!! But, do not pay for an association membership if you aren’t going to join their networking events, go to their educational seminars, read their educational publications, use their brand for marketing purposes, OR participate in their award recognition opportunities. You need to do a little bit to make an association work for you!! But isn’t that how life is, in general? Basically, if you want to pay for the association and never think of it again - save your money. You will not see a good ROI. If networking isn’t your jam or if you won’t take the time to use their resources to help you build your business - invest the money elsewhere. That’s NOT to say they aren’t a good investment. We belong to many…but we are very active participants. “Whatever you do, do it with Intent” #sbmsmedia #smallbusinessmarketingsolutions #startuptips #smallbusinesstips

🌟 Reflecting on the success of the 2019 East Sussex Scale-Up Pilot Programme 🌟 Back in 2019, the East Sussex Scale-Up Pilot Programme set out to explore how targeted business support could unlock the growth potential of small businesses. The independent evaluation summed it up quite nicely: “Our assessment of the East Sussex scale-up pilot programme was that it was an overwhelming success.” At Digital Islands, we’re especially proud to have delivered the Newhaven and Surrounding Area pilot. This initiative demonstrated the value of a place-based approach, enabling local businesses to build connections and grow together. Here’s what participants had to say about the programme: 💬 “The programme was a really good concept. My business had survived the critical first three years but had hit a plateau – the programme helped re-energise it for future growth.” 💬 “Gavin was excellent – he had a really good manner.” 💬 “Great programme, really worthwhile and perfectly delivered.” 💬 “Excellent Growth Plan produced with Gavin – its recommendations have fed directly into our business strategy.” The findings of the independent evaluation highlighted several key successes: ✔️ Increased confidence among participants to scale up their businesses. ✔️ Development of tailored Growth Plans that directly influenced strategy. ✔️ Creation of a strong local peer network, enabling collaboration in a non-competitive environment. So why revisit this now? As we approach 2025, I have been reflecting on the fact that it was the work we did on this programme that has formed the foundations on which Digital Islands has been built. Localised, bespoke, expert-led support is crucial for helping small businesses thrive, and key to it all is collaboration. 📢 Thank you to all the businesses that participated back in 2019 and to the Economic Development team at East Sussex County Council (and to the independent evaluators for their thorough assessment). I am looking forward to continuing to build on these foundations to drive growth and innovation with the businesses we work with in 2025 and beyond. Anything you are reflecting on as we head towards the end of another year? Jon Trigg Grace Prior James Mackrill Samantha Harland 💫 James Armstrong Sarah Springford 🧡 Emma Pearce Mark Vaesen Corinne Day Julia Johnson Rachael Dines Claire Pasquill Chris Dowling - Business Consultant, Mentor and Coach Sam Chown Sally Casterton 🏳️🌈 Paul Hetherington. MBA FIoD Jeremy Taylor Ioni Sullivan Kane Tudor Fred Thomas Ian D Smallwood Steve Piper Charlotte Kroeger-Moore Chantelle Davison Lynda Goncalves Samantha Woolven 🖋 Kat Bailey Andrew Marshall Kerry-Anne Kitson #ScaleUp #BusinessGrowth #Newhaven #EastSussex #DigitalIslands #Brighton 😀

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, is proud to announce a new initiative to advance entrepreneurialism and resources across the Sunshine State: the Florida Entrepreneurial Nexus. 👏👏👏 The Florida Entrepreneurial Nexus is designed to facilitate collaborative connections and provide invaluable support to Florida's small business community. By leveraging existing solutions and tapping into a robust ecosystem, the Nexus will empower entrepreneurial organizations with the tools and resources they need to thrive. With over 1100 assets already integrated into the ecosystem, the Florida Entrepreneurial Nexus offers a comprehensive online resource for small business owners and resource providers alike. Entrepreneurial assets available to entrepreneurs and small business owners include: - Innovation partners, including tech runways and alliances - Economic and business development organizations - Business consulting/mentorship providers - Financial and funding partners, including banks, lenders, angel investors, and venture capital funds Powered by the ecosystem intelligence AI software company EcoMap Technologies, the Florida Entrepreneurial Nexus will offer assets as well as entrepreneurs a centralized hub for connecting with resources around the state. Through connections with organizations and resources across Florida, the Nexus will provide a connection point for Florida’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and strengthen knowledge and support for businesses across the state. To learn more about the Florida Entrepreneurial Nexus and to join the ecosystem, please visit 🔗 https://floridanexus.org/. #SouthTampa #STCOC #RememberAMember

The Fed's recent rate cuts are creating a surge of new opportunities for startups. VCs are already expecting a wave of companies offering lower-rate mortgages and innovative loan products. This shift opens the door for entrepreneurs to break into the financial space with fresh solutions. For those building now, paying attention to how this impacts lending and consumer behavior could be critical. The ability to pivot and seize moments like this is what separates the great founders from the rest. Read more of my POV on this in my recent newsletter here... https://lnkd.in/gQRM6Zyk #StartingSmall #Entrepreneurship #Startups #StartupInvesting