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From my observations over the last 10 months, there are very few cities and regions that are proactively looking out for the little guy, you, the small business owner. Here in Santa Cruz, our county and cities have been actively fighting for local business owners. But in other regions, I can't say the same, so I thought it was about time to say it publicly because no one else is saying it, so hopefully some of the powers that be get a glimpse of this segment and take action.

This latest app is a little different than most. Think of it as a live podcast where anyone can participate with some of the capabilities of a private Facebook group...but the catch is that it's live and is not curated for listening to later. You'll have the ability to "raise your hand" and chime in if the moderators allow you to contribute, or if you want to create your own "clubhouse" you can do that to.

Here's an article from Social Media Examiner on the ins and outs to get you started and here's the link to join and claim your handle/account, but you'll need to be invited from someone you know that's already on the app.

I pretty much share my take in this episode's segment, but I highly encourage you to explore this business model for at least a portion of your services/products. It could very well turn into a stable source of income and it's a model that is already adopted by consumers, so it's nothing new. The predictable gift card purchase could be something of beauty when it comes to your cash flow.
ARTICLE LINK

I follow about 2,800 Bay Area small businesses to monitor trends and successes that I think you should be aware of, that very well could be a light bulb moment for you. So check out these standouts that are on my radar, they include:
DUTCH DOOR DONUTS
ALVARADO STREET BREWERY
CAT AND CLOUD COFFEE
ROCKY'S FITNESS CENTER
THE DONUT FARM
TRUFFLE POKE BAR

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Looking for some options? From PPP 2.0 to non-governmental options, we have a few that you should take a closer look at below.

- Bar Stool Sports Fund -
So far, it looks like a couple Bay Area businesses have been accepted into this fund that is set to pay business owners' expenses each month until they're back on their feet. You need to apply, but check out this video as the Tadich Grill in San Francisco was given the great news! With celebrities, athletes and the general public funding this initiative along with Bar Stool Sports, they're now raised more than $25 Million to go to America's small businesses. APPLY HERE

- PPP 2.0 -
The best way to stay on top of this ever-changing option, is to sit in on the Norcal SBDC's weekly calls that let you ask specific questions. You can always call into your local SBDC too, or head to ASKSBDC.com or call 1-833-ASK-SBDC. 

- CA RELIEF GRANTS -
The first round just closed last week, but not to worry, there's a 2nd round and it's NOT first come, first served. Here's the link to find out more from the SBDC, an official partner of CA's Relief Fund Program. If you want to get alerts directly from the state of CA, click HERE, and read the alerts atop the page to be notified when new information is released about the program. 

- SHUTTERED VENUE GRANTS -
If you're situated in the live events space, you've probably been hit hard, so here's an option to access funding via the SBA. HERE are the details.

- RURAL SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF -
On January 26th, the next round of applications opens for those in rural areas of our region. Lowes is funding this initiative and it might be perfect for you, HERE are the details.

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​The Cash Flow King, Larry Hebert of Larry Hebert Consulting, has let us get our hands on his latest edition of his cash flow and P+L projection tool that will literally help you see financial hurdles weeks/months in advance. This is a tried and true way to stay on top of your finances...we recommend you make a habit of logging your financials at least weekly, if not daily to not miss a beat and be financial healthy from now on. Here's the financial tool below, just download and watch the video above for a walkthrough Larry recorded earlier on during Covid.
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As we mentioned in this week's episode, it is 100% IMPERATIVE that you have a plan for 2021. An overall game plan, business plan, financial plan, marketing plan and anything else you need to make it through this year. Sporadic and random efforts with no real guidance or structure will likely take you to a place you certainly don't want to go, so be sure and access the resources below:
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As a marketing strategist, I like to keep things simple and that's why I always walk business owners through the streamlined process of creating a marketing game plan. Here's a quick video that talks you through the framework. Need to tap into those creative juices, I recommend unplugging and focusing on where you can go to get in front of the densest gathering of your target customers. If you need help, that's my thing, so check out my service page if you need to take things to new levels to compete with your local landscape and get your customers stopping in to see you online or offline.
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Our last episode featured all things food business, including a spotlight on the Northern CA SBDC Restaurant Program that is a fully-loaded, comprehensive FREE resource for any food business at any stage in their business journey. This program is definitely worth a look and here's the video profile:

​NEED THAT MARKETING PLAN YOU'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF?

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