Rising Tide Community Loan Fund

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 12 million businesses are owned by women. Just 50 years ago, there were only around 400,000 women-owned businesses in the county. Behind each of those 12 million businesses is a story of resilience, dedication, and passion. Teresa Ging, founder of Sugar Bliss, and Melanie Perkins, founder of Canva, are among those woman-owned businesses with amazing stories of innovation and inspiration. Teresa and Melanie's stories provide business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs valuable insights about tips & tricks, practical resources to take advantage of, and lessons learned. Read all of that in more in our most recent blog: https://lnkd.in/e5uqzPn3

Don't miss your chance to apply for small business grants! There is one week remaining to submit your application via our website, https://lnkd.in/eRtvnAJE.

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development with Office of Governor Josh Shapiro and the PA CDFI Network are now accepting applications for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) Grant Program📣 What does this mean? 🌟Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 will be awarded to historically disadvantaged businesses that were in operation on or before March, 17, 2020 How can I use the funds? 🌟Funds can assist with working capital, inventory, equipment, marketing, and costs to support ongoing operations When do I need to submit my application? 🌟All applications submitted between Feb. 5 and Feb. 23, 2024, will be considered for funding Who qualifies? 🌟Small businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by individuals that identify as African American, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander. This target population is based on the U.S. Treasury Department's definition of disadvantaged individuals that historically lack access to financial services. 🌟Additional information, requirements, and application materials are available online at https://lnkd.in/eJwHDmbA #smallbusinessfinancing #funding #lehighvalleypa #supportsmallbusiness #entrepreneurship #diversebusiness #cdfi

What's going on in the world of small business? Join us on January 31 at 12PM ET for a Small Business Update with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley. Discover the key topics impacting small businesses in 2024, including regulatory issues, economic outlook, ongoing challenges, and the thriving startup boom. Don't miss this FREE virtual event! Register here:

President Biden along with other dignitaries, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, visited local Lehigh Valley businesses last Friday. After visiting Nowhere Coffee Co., South Mountain Cycle and Emmaus Run Inn, President Biden shared that "Every time someone starts a small business, it’s an act of hope. Lauren and Juan, two Pennsylvanians who had the determination to start a small business, embody that hope. It’s the American story – right here in Lehigh Valley and in communities making a comeback nationwide." We are "seeing a small business boom," White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates explained. And the Lehigh Valley is the perfect place to highlight the role that small businesses play in the economy. You can read more by visiting LehighValleyNewsdotcom and Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. Here's to continuing to support small businesses in the Lehigh Valley! Rising Tide is doing our part to support start-up and existing small businesses by offering affordable small business loans, free business advising, and marketing assistance at no cost to business owners. #supportsmallbusiness #smallbusinessassistance #localbusinesses

Want to support small businesses this season (and all-year) but not sure where to start? Here are a few tangible tips! 🌟Shop Small: Every purchase you make at a small business is a big step towards supporting local dreams and passions. Your choice to shop small creates a ripple effect in our community! 🌟Engage on Social Media: Liking or sharing small business posts is more than just a click – it's a show of support and encouragement. Your likes help spread a story and reach more amazing customers! 🌟Spread the Word: Tell a friend (or two!) about your favorite products and experiences. Personal recommendations are the heart of a business, and your words can introduce someone new. 🌟Share Your Experience, Write a Review: Your feedback is invaluable. Writing a Google review guides others in their decision-making. It's a powerful way to contribute to the growth of a business. 🌊Leave Rising Tide a Detailed Review! Your experience matters! By sharing detailed feedback about your interactions with Rising Tide, you help other business owners discover the services we offer and help us to continue providing resources for our community. https://lnkd.in/eFX8GPd3 #ShopSmall #lehighvalleypa #smallbusinesssupport #cdfi #nonprofit #supportingsmallbusiness #affordableloans #businessadvising

Want to support small businesses this season (and all-year) but not sure where to start? Here are a few tangible tips! 🌟Shop Small: Every purchase you make at a small business is a big step towards supporting local dreams and passions. Your choice to shop small creates a ripple effect in our community! 🌟Engage on Social Media: Liking or sharing small business posts is more than just a click – it's a show of support and encouragement. Your likes help spread a story and reach more amazing customers! 🌟Spread the Word: Tell a friend (or two!) about your favorite products and experiences. Personal recommendations are the heart of a business, and your words can introduce someone new. 🌟Share Your Experience, Write a Review: Your feedback is invaluable. Writing a Google review guides others in their decision-making. It's a powerful way to contribute to the growth of a business. 🌊Leave Rising Tide a Detailed Review! Your experience matters! By sharing detailed feedback about your interactions with Rising Tide, you help other business owners discover the services we offer and help us to continue providing resources for our community. https://lnkd.in/eFX8GPd3 #ShopSmall #lehighvalleypa #smallbusinesssupport #cdfi #nonprofit #supportingsmallbusiness #affordableloans #businessadvising

Yesterday, Governor Shapiro met with representatives of the region’s business community to discuss working together to grow the economy of both the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania. During the live taping of Business Matters, Governor Shapiro highlighted a focus on diverse and women owned small businesses. We are proud to live in an area that supports small businesses!

The creative industry in the U.S. is a remarkable economic and cultural force, doubling its size in 2022 to $5.6 billion. The arts and culture industry also supports over 2.6 million jobs nationally. Tune into WDIY 88.1 on Thursday to hear from our Director, Board Member, and parnter from the PA Council on the Arts about opportunities and resources to support creative businesss in our community!

🔊 Exciting announcement: Congresswoman Susan (Ellis) Wild is set to be a featured speaker at Community Action's Annual Meeting Luncheon this Wednesday, November 1. Registration closes on MONDAY morning! Only a handful of tickets left. Join us in our fight to prove affordable housing is a human right.⁠ ⁠⁠ TIME: 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM⁠ at Wind Creek Bethlehem Doors open at 11:15 AM Purchase your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/edhbTuW2