Creating opportunities for people to live, work, & thrive on the Lower Cape | |
Inside Scoop - July, 2023 | |
Bringing you the latest tools to help your business. | |
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Although July 4th has come and gone, we wish to take this opportunity to consider two quotes that are central to our small business work:
America is another name for opportunity. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dreams are the foundation of America.
Lupita Nyong'o.
We are proud to work with small business owners and entrepreneurs at all stages of business who are pursuing their dreams to create opportunities for themselves and others.
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Our friends at Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Cape Cod also work to make business dreams reality. EforAll proudly marked its five-year anniversary earlier this summer. EforAll Cape Cod has been instrumental in supporting aspiring business owners on Cape Cod, helping them to transform their dreams into successful businesses. Since the program's inception, EforAll Cape Cod has graduated 116 entrepreneurs, and in 2022, EforAll Cape Cod alumni businesses earned $4.25 million in local business revenue. Want to be part of the Fall 2023 Business Accelerator Program? Attend the Accelerator Application Party on July 25th. Applications due August 9th at 5pm.
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EforAll is offering their Ask Me Anything programming throughout the summer, with a stop at the CDP on July 27th. This is an opportunity to ask any questions related to starting or growing your own business. Get more info about free educational opportunities for current & aspiring business owners. Connect with each of the host locations and their resources for the Cape Cod business community.
Learn more about the program and all the host locations here.
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Cape Cod, especially the Lower and Outer Cape, is an art-lover's paradise. When you are out and about, be sure to check out some of the work from alumni of the CDP's Business of Art workshop series at the Provincetown Commons and the Art of Doing Business as a Creative two-day workshop at The 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building in Harwich:
* Rebecca Gmucs at the Larkin Gallery (Provincetown) July 14th - 26th, as well as at the National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor's Center as part of the Eastham Painters Guild
* Maureen McCarron at the Garage Gallery (372 Commercial Street -entrance on Arch Street, Provincetown) July 7th - Sept. 30th
* Susie Frost at the Guyer Art Barn July 16th - 28th
*Andrea Bunar Photography as part of the Orleans Chamber "Boards in the Store" program.
* Crystal Borealis Studio throughout the summer at outdoor markets and at a popup at the Wild Water Collective on July 29th. See the full schedule here.
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Love Local Fest is July 30th
Be sure to stop by Aselton Green on Sunday, July 30th for a fun day of shopping, food, drink, & music.
Lots of opportunities to support Lower Cape vendors and food trucks, including Mom & Pops Burgers and Green Road Refill's Sally Sud Shed.
Visit Love Live Local's new website to learn more!
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Inside Scoop at a glance:
Artists - Workshops & Gatherings
Food - Workshops, Opportunities, & Grants
General Business Workshops and Information
Important Surveys
Other Resources for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
CDP's Small Business Services - Regional Office Hours
To learn more about these workshops and programs, as well as other topics important to your business, please see below. As always, if there is a business topic that comes up for which you need more information or assistance, please reach out to us and we will help find resources to answer your questions.
We look forward to working with you!
Pam & Tricia
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CDP Small Business Referral Program - Refer a Business
Earn a chance to win a $100 gift certificate
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Each month anyone who refers an entrepreneur or business owner to the CDP will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate from a local business. We will draw a winner on the 15th of each month. Here are the details:
- Be sure the person you refer to the CDP tells Pam and Tricia that you referred them
- One entry per referral - refer 3 businesses, earn 3 entries. etc.
- Drawing will be held on the 15th of each month
- CDP Staff, Board Members and Advisory Council Members are not eligible to participate in the referral raffle program (although we welcome your referrals!)
Congratulations to the July 2023 winner: Corinne Marie Yarns Consulting. Corrine will receive a $100 gift certificate to Wild Water Collective.
REFER A BUSINESS TODAY AND
YOU MAY BE THE LUCKY WINNER IN AUGUST!
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Artist Specific Workshops and Gatherings | |
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Crowdfunding for
Artist Projects
August 8th 2-4 pm
(virtual)
Learn tips and tricks to help crowdfund your art project. In this workshop, Laura Christensen will guide participants through the process of preparing and running a successful crowdfunding campaign, from setting funding targets, to identifying potential backers, to sharing your campaign with the world. Participants will take away best practices for running a short-term campaign to fund a particular project on any crowdfunding platform. Laura Christensen is a visual artist who paints on recovered vintage portraits. In 2019 she ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund her book project THEN AGAIN. Since then she has helped many creatives and businesses run successful campaigns of their own.
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The Art of Planning Your 4th Quarter
September 28th 9:30-12:00
The 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building
Harwich
Registration Coming Soon
Meet with fellow artists and makers to:
* review challenges and successes for the year to date
* learn strategies to end the year strong * position your business for success in 2024.
Details and registration coming soon. Check the CDP business events for more information.
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Food Related Workshops, Grants, and Opportunities | |
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How to Start a Food Truck Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
July 20th 1:00 - 2:00 (virtual)
Do you have a passion for the culinary arts and want to start your own business? If so, starting a food truck might be the perfect business for you.
This live webinar will provide the information you need to launch and run a successful food truck business. Key topics include:
* Identifying your concept and developing your idea
* Finding the right vehicle
* Keeping your business legally compliant with health regulations and permits
* Choosing the right spots to sell your food
* Q & session with a panel of food truck entrepreneurs and business consultants.
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Start a Food Biz Workshop
August 30th 5-7 pm (virtual)
CommonWealth Kitchen's Start a Food Biz workshop is perfect for aspiring food business entrepreneurs in the idea-stage and the about-to-launch phase of food business growth. The workshop will cover:
* Regulatory requirements for different types of food businesses
* Considerations for starting a food truck, catering company, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) company
* Best practices and resources for food safety, packaging, branding and more
* Business Plan Overview
* Case studies of strong food companies
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General Business Workshops and Information | |
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How to Effectively use Artificial Intelligence in Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
July 25th 1:00 - 2:00
(virtual)
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary tool for start-ups and small businesses. However, using AI successfully requires strategy and a good understanding of the AI tool's applications, challenges and best practices. Learn:
* How AI functions and potential applications
* A six-step process for Implementing AI tool's in your business
* Actionable strategies for using AI in prospecting, negotiation, and closing deals to drive business growth and success
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Google my Business
(Recorded Webinar - View at your convenience!)
A Google My Business (GMB) listing is critical to any local company wanting to show up in Google search results or Maps. Having your business on GMB plays an important part in how potential customers find your business online. Learn how to create and optimize your Google My Business and Maps Listing in this 60-minute workshop to get more leads and customers for your business. This seminar will walk you through the key features to setup correctly in the continually expanding capabilities of a Google business listing.
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Search Engine Optimization
(2 Recorded Webinars - View at your convenience!)
In the first webinar, learn the latest strategies and techniques for optimizing your website's content, structure, and keywords so that your business will rank higher on search results pages. You will also learn how to conduct keyword research, analyze your website's performance, and track your progress over time.
In the second webinar, learn keyword research in more depth, and also addresses Backlinks, Local SEO Strategies, Ongoing SEO, and other subjects.
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MASSHIRE CAPE AND ISLANDS CAREER CENTER
MassHire Cape And Islands Career Center is ready to help you secure your share of the $200 Million available for Massachusetts businesses for skills training!
The MassHire Cape And Islands Career Center is fully equipped to help local businesses and job seekers succeed in challenging times. That includes helping local businesses of all sizes claim funds for skills training and creating talent pipelines. Through Future Skills Grants, businesses can acquire training for current and newly hired employees, invest in future employees through partnerships with our vocational and technical schools, and partner with local training providers to develop a diverse and equitable work force– all of which ensures stability, longevity, and the ability for your business to thrive in a competitive market!
The MassHire Career Center staff will listen to your questions and help you find employees today and for the future. Plus, our resources and services are FREE!
Contact Catherine Wilson, Business Service Representative to learn more.
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Massachusetts Statewide Digital Equity Survey | |
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The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) wants to hear from you about your experiences with getting and using internet service. Your input will help the State make sure that everyone can have access to high-quality and affordable internet service, devices, skills training, and digital support.
The information you share here will help the Massachusetts Broadband Institute develop the Massachusetts Digital Equity Plan and ensure equitable internet access for all.
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Small Business Energy Information | |
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Cape Light Compact
Energy Efficiency for Your Business - Start saving now
As a business owner, you know the importance of reducing costs whenever possible. Decreasing energy use through energy efficiency is a proven way to reduce costs while also enhancing the comfort and productivity of your workspace.
By participating in Cape Light Compact's energy efficiency programs (your local Mass Save® Sponsor), you have the opportunity to choose your path to energy savings. The program designed for you is determined by the amount of electricity you use each year and the type of project you are planning to undertake.
Not sure which path to take, or have questions? Contact Cape Light Compact at efficiency@capelightcompact.org or 1-800-797-6699 to discuss your project.
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SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY RELIEF GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
National Grid has awarded the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce $100,000 in funding to support local small businesses. The Chamber will distribute one-hundred $1,000 grants to business members with fewer than 150 employees to help offset energy costs. Eligible businesses must be Massachusetts based, be National Grid customers, and have 150 or fewer employees. Grants awarded based on eligibility on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.
Learn more and apply today!
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WE CAN Business Law Consults | |
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Free Business Law Consults Available
Free, half-hour legal consults in business law are available each month from WE CAN legal volunteers. Learn about the best way to organize your business, things to consider in drafting partnership agreements, understand your liability exposure, advantages of registering as a women owned business entity, and more.
Contact WE CAN to schedule an appointment for a Business Law Consult.
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CDP Regional Office Hours | |
The CDP thanks these organizations for the opportunity to use their space to meet with clients and for their demonstrated support of small businesses and entrepreneurs on the Lower Cape | |
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CDP Small Business Services
How Can We Help Your Business?
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Individual Business Guidance
Are you self-employed, a solopreneur or a small business owner who lives or works on the Lower Cape?
The CDP offers individual business guidance for all types of businesses, including:
*creating business plans, cash flow and other financial statements
*marketing and e-commerce
*business formation and organization
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Individual Mentoring through SCORE
A resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE’s mission is to grow small businesses one business at a time.
SCORE Cape Cod offers individual mentoring across the Cape. The CDP partners with SCORE to offer mentoring on the Lower Cape.
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QuickBooks Help tailored to your needs!
Did you struggle putting your records together to give your accountant?
Do you use QuickBooks but need to learn how it can do a better job for you and provide you with the information you need when you need it?
CDP Staff offers QuickBooks help. Follow the link below and schedule an appointment to get your business on track.
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Need a microloan?
The CDP has microloans up to $50,000 for small businesses on the Lower and Outer Cape. Visit our website for complete program details and eligibility requirements.
Sugar Shack
50 Brackett Road, Eastham
www.sugarsurf.com
Sugar
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CDP Small Business Program Funders | |
The CDP's small business and technical assistance programs are made possible by the following funders: | |
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Mass Growth Capital Corporation
Cape Air
Cape Cod Five Charitable Foundation Trust
Rockland Trust
Santander Bank
Seamen's Bank Long Point Charitable Foundation
USDA Rural Development
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Follow the CDP on Social Media! | |
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. | | | | |
