Coforma’s Post

Being a mentor, advocate and supporter for Black owned businesses is a passion of mine. Black women are currently the fastest growing demographic of those who are starting businesses but receive the least amount of capital, support and resources. This needs to change and I plan to always be a part of the movement that changes the trajectory of getting us to a point where Black women are thriving, building and scaling their businesses without having to struggle first. Supporting Black women entrepreneurs means improving the economy, increasing wages for the underserved and creating millions of job opportunities with room for professional growth. #blackentrepreneurship #blackownedbusinesses #blackowned #blackwomeninbusiness #supportingblackownedbusinesses #advocacy #entrepreneurship

NMV is what it is because of the women who lead it. In fact, the earliest ideations of NMV on record came from a Black woman who saw the burgeoning social media field as an opportunity to harness and expand civic power across digital spaces. Ashindi Maxton, we salute you for your early advocacy and foresight which sprouted what would become New Media Ventures, as well as the many fantastic women from Democracy Alliance who helped shape this network. NMV proudly boasts a 28% investment rate in female startup founders (for-profit), in stark comparison to the 3% industry standard, and an overall 50% investment rate across both for profit and nonprofit female-led organizations. Not as a trend, but because it's baked into our DNA. Here's to all the women who built and continue to strengthen the entrepreneur community at-large. 🥂 #happynationalwomenshistorymonth Pictured: Christie George Jessica Salinas Carlissia N. Graham Julie Kohler Cheryl Contee Daaiyah Bilal-Threats Sarah M. Williams Julie Menter Taren Stinebrickner-Kauffman Felicia Wong Anna Fink

Vegas was absolutely amazing! 🎉 From speaking at the eWomen Network event to celebrating with powerhouse women entrepreneurs (and a little well-deserved fun in between), it was an unforgettable trip. Getting to connect with my incredible client, Celeste, was great! Last year, she won the eWomen Network "Made It To A Million" award. And while Celeste's success is absolutely her own, she says my guidance on profit strategy and understanding her numbers was a game-changer. It gave her the clarity and confidence to make bold decisions that accelerated her results. And… this is why I do what I do - to help business owners create a foundation for the success they envision. #profitfirst #moneymatters #lasvegas

Black women are the fastest group of entrepreneurs but still mostly self-funded. Because we have to support ourselves and get less financial support because of systemic issues we tend to work harder and are at risk for High Functioning Depress!on. 😢 We take care of our businesses, employees, families and neglect ourselves.🤦🏾♀️ We have overcome so much, however, we still need ongoing support and allyship. That’s why I support Black women owned brands. 🙋🏽♀️ Share this video to support Black-owned businesses like mine 🙏🏽 Tag a Black female entrepreneur! #nationalentreprenuerday #blackbusinesses #blackownedbusinesses #blackwomenownedbusinesses

🚀 Calling All Visionary Entrepreneurs: Women Lift Project's Next Grant Cycle Begins in August! 🚀 As summer heats up, so does the opportunity to propel your business forward! We are kicking off our next round of applications for our transformative Liftee grants. Each grant, valued at $2,500, is designed to enhance the financial, educational, and opportunity landscape for Black women entrepreneurs in Michigan. Applications Open August 1st, 2024 | 5️⃣ Grants Awarded in September Are You Eligible? 🖤 Ownership: Your business must be at least 51% owned by Black women or individuals identifying as women. 🖤 Location and Duration: Your business must be registered and operational in Michigan for at least one year. 🖤 Mentorship: Attendance at a mentorship meeting in May or September is required. 🖤 Financial Transparency: You must have a business bank account with at least 3 months of bank statements. 🖤 Application Requirement: Submit a 3-minute video detailing who you are, your business, and how you plan to use the grant. Ready to Elevate Your Business? 👉 Prepare your application and video presentation to share your vision with us. This is more than a grant; it’s a gateway to new opportunities and growth for your business and community. 🌟 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your enterprise and make a lasting impact! 🌟 🌐 https://lnkd.in/g2P5qBJT #WomenLiftProject #Empowerment #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #MichiganBusiness #BusinessGrant

Attention Women, Female Veterans, Female Service Members and Female Military Spouses! Join me in this virtual event that will provide the entrepreneurial training needed to learn the fundamentals of being a successful Woman or VetBiz owner. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/48VHRKf #SBA #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship

FIRST EVENT DONE! This weekend my company hosted it's first in-person event. Info session full of data and practical tips to get going on the financial journey and lively discussions were had. I created a course to help women get from current limitations to their future version of liberation. It's simple but not easy. Full of accountability and action. Building systems of efficiencies and productivity is the secret sauce. To quote the great Beyonce, "ok ladies now let's get in formation." Namecca says, "Create the business. Grow your business. Transform your life now. Stop Gatekeeping. Build Community." Happy to begin this journey of abundance and prosperity with these wonderful women. This event supported not just me, but 2 other small black women business owners. It lit the spark of interest in about 6 more. The next in person event is in February 2025. It will be co-sponsored by NJM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES & TRAINING LLC and more local businesses. Recent events have not detered or deflated me. I am more determined now than I was before. The goal got bigger and more urgent... #FocusedOnTheNewAssignment

Does your organization support minority and women owned businesses by providing business resources? Minority Mindz is holding a virtual information session TODAY at 10am est. Learn more about our Strategic Business Development Program and our Dream Embodied Exposure Project that support emerging and established minority owned entrepreneurs. https://lnkd.in/gPr-kyaz #minoritymindz #minorityownedbusiness #businesssupport #businessresource

The Six Triple Eight: How to handle mail --- Key Takeaways I saw The Six Triple Eight on Mervin Azeta's recommendation and below are my thoughts: 1. Intrinsic Motivation Drives Results The women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion worked tirelessly, fueled by something deeper than orders: purpose. They understood that delivering mail meant delivering hope—a vital boost to the soldiers’ morale. 2. The Power of Representation and Advocacy Leaders like Mary Mcleod Bethune used their influence to ensure these women had opportunities, proving that the right people advocating for you can change the game. 3. The Burden of Being Better Charity Adams, the battalion’s leader, summed it up: "You don’t have the luxury to be as good as the white soldiers; you have the burden of being better." This highlights how bias often forces underrepresented groups to outperform just to be recognized. 4. Organized Systems Win Wars (and Workplaces) The battalion faced chaos but responded with structure, redistributing work based on talents and skills. The result? They processed millions of undelivered letters in record time. "Take charge, take command, and organize. There’s only one way to eat an elephant—one bite at a time." 5. Diversity Matters The Army almost lost the contributions of 855 capable women due to biases. Imagine the loss if they hadn’t fought for their place. It’s a stark reminder of why the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is non-negotiable today. 6. Small Acts Lead to Big Outcomes The story connected every layer: from a mother waiting for news of her sons to the President’s intervention. It’s a powerful reminder that courage at all levels contributes to success. --- Reflections The film also raised a critical question for me: What harm or good has the stereotype of the "strong Black woman" done to our women in 2024? While strength is admirable, this expectation can deny women the space to be vulnerable or ask for help. Can we shift this narrative to one of balance and humanity? #UncleC #TheObaniShow #Leadership #DiversityEquityInclusion #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceCulture Mervin Azeta https://lnkd.in/dyNmneuU

If we could increase the number of black women who get venture capital funding from less than 2% to 50% what would you do? We believe it's time to change that narrative. We’re launching the Black Female Founders Survey to uncover the unique challenges, strengths, and experiences of Black women in business. This is your chance to have your voice heard and shape the future of entrepreneurial solutions tailored just for you. 💡 Your insight matters. Share your story and help us create impactful programs! 📋 Take the survey now: https://lnkd.in/d2YUBuB9 Please share and tag every black female founder you know and like. Let's do this together. ✊🏾✨ #FemaleTechpreneur #BlackFemaleFounders #Entrepreneurship #WomenInTechuk #blackwomenintech #blackfounder