Joshua Kane

NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work) is doing great things in SE Michigan! Applications for the 2024-25 cohort of "Champions for Change" are now open. In Champions for Change, leaders from across the social sector in SE Michigan can grow in their abilities to lead from their values. Champions will uncover the implicit and explicit ways race has impacted their lived-experiences. They'll practice dialogue across diverse aspects of identity. And they'll conspire with others to spur change towards racial co-liberation.

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🖤 Black History Month: A Time to Reflect, Celebrate, and Empower 🖤 Today, I had the privilege of attending a powerful conversation that brought to life why Black History Month is not just a celebration—it’s a crucial reminder of the perseverance, innovation, and resilience of Black communities worldwide. Black History Month honors the voices that shaped history, from icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Nelson Mandela to the countless unsung heroes who broke barriers, challenged injustice, and contributed to our shared future. It’s a time to reflect on the incredible accomplishments and recognize the enduring impact Black culture, talent, and leadership have on every corner of society. But this month is more than just about looking back—it’s about pushing forward. Celebrating Black history means recognizing the struggles that continue today and standing up for a future where equity, justice, and opportunity are realities for everyone. The call I attended today reminded me of how essential this collective recognition is. When we celebrate Black history, we uplift voices that have long been silenced, we confront uncomfortable truths, and we commit to being part of the change that ensures these stories aren’t just remembered—they’re lived and amplified. Let’s honor it. Let’s celebrate it. Let’s continue to build a future where inclusion is the norm and equality is non-negotiable. #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateBlackHistory #Empowerment #DiversityAndInclusion #EqualityMatters

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"Happy Juneteenth! Today, we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community, as well as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to deepen their understanding of our shared history. Let us continue to educate ourselves, amplify Black voices, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Equality #Justice"

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Black-owned businesses are vital to their communities, but they face systemic barriers on their path to reach their professional and business goals. In honor of #Juneteenth, we’re highlighting tools, tips, and stories that can help Black entrepreneurs grow their businesses: https://bit.ly/4eyqPpu

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As we celebrate Black Business Month this August, I’m reminded of the importance of Black-owned businesses in our communities. This month is special to me, not just as a celebration of entrepreneurship but also as a testament to resilience, innovation, and progress. With 10 years at Bank of America and 14 years in banking, I’ve learned a few tips that I’d like to share with my fellow business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs: 1. Build Strong Relationships: Networking is crucial. Connect with mentors, peers, and clients for support, advice, and opportunities. 2. Focus on Financial Literacy: Understanding your finances is key. Learn about budgeting, financial planning, and investments. Ask your banker for help! This is why I love what I do! 3. Embrace Innovation: Stay ahead by using new technologies and innovative practices. It can improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. 4. Seek Continuous Improvement: Always strive to be better. Regularly look at your business processes and find ways to improve. This will keep you competitive and adaptable. 5. Support Your Community: Give back to the community that supports you. It creates goodwill, strengthens your brand, and makes a positive impact. I’m proud to support and be a part of the growth of Black-owned businesses.❤️ Here’s to a month of inspiration, empowerment, and success! #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses

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In this excerpt from The Business Journal Roundtable Series featuring minority businesses, Juan Santiago, Vice President, Community Development Officer at Farmers National Bank in Canfield, discusses the challenge of receiving education through mentorship when someone wants to start a minority and/or women-owned business.

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With Bank Black, minority businesses find not just funding, but a partner dedicated to their advancement. Together, we're reshaping the future of finance, fostering inclusive growth, and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to thrive in today's dynamic economy. #BankBlack #EmpoweringDiversity #AIRevolution #InclusiveFinance #MinorityBusinesses #CannasCapital

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Empower Your Business: Join a NO COST Webinar on Financial Needs Assessment! Understanding your business's financial needs is essential for growth. Join the African American Chamber of Commerce for PA, NJ & DE and TD Bank on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM for the hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Webinar: Assessing Your Company’s Financial Needs. Gain insights into strategies that empower small business owners to navigate today’s economic landscape, scale operations, and strengthen communities through informed financial decisions. Register today: https://lnkd.in/ey-3qmXn Support Black-owned businesses and institutions by joining the African American Chamber of Commerce for PA, NJ & DE. Together, we create opportunities and drive change. #DrivingChange #EconomicImpact #EmpoweringOthers #BusinessGrowth #CommunityImpact

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One week ago, after over a year of hard work, Forbright Bank officially launched its first digital bank product, Growth Savings. https://lnkd.in/epde6--W I'm especially proud to be a part of the hard-working and dedicated team that has made this happen over the past six months, and I'm thrilled to be a part of a bank with such a compelling mission and vision. Being new to banking, it has been eye-opening to see all of the moving parts and processes required to launch a digital bank. It is fitting that the product is called Growth Savings. And not just because of the obvious, and not just because of our dedication to sustainable energy initiatives either. You see, when our prospective customers look for a savings account, they are looking for a savings account that yields a high-interest rate. The more money that they put into the savings account, the more their account balance will grow over time. Finding the right savings account is not unlike how we look for the right roles in our careers. Many of us have worked in positions where we continuously put more work in each day, but the interest rate that we get in our jobs is flat, so we generally get the same fulfillment and growth each day regardless of how hard we work. When you are not in a high-yield role, your professional growth can never scale to where you want it to be. I've been fortunate to have found a role where my professional growth is paying back at a "high-yield" rate. Each day I am learning more, and my growth over the past six months has scaled at a rate that I never knew possible. Come join me! I am looking for a Martech Developer / Technologist to take things to the next level. Message me if you or anyone you know might be a good fit and I'd love to tell you more about the exciting work we are doing. https://lnkd.in/ePkuZzxb And either way, open a Growth Savings account at a bank where you can grow your finances too, while also helping to build a more sustainable future.

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Did you know: Black-owned businesses are among the fastest growing within the middle market segment. The National Center for the Middle Market and Wells Fargo Commercial Banking recently examined the current state of Black-owned businesses within the middle market segment. Learn more about the findings.

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Columbia Bank New Jersey said it has awarded ten local businesses and nonprofits through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Small Business Recovery Grant Program. A total of $50,000 in grants were awarded to help New Jersey organizations address rising operational costs. Through FHLBNY SBRG Program, the grants provide financial relief to qualified small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by challenges such as inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and/or rising energy expenses. “These deserving grant recipients provide necessary services to our local residents and are the core of our communities,” Thomas Kemly, president and CEO of Columbia Bank said.

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It was an honor to give to Hope for Learning. Hope for Learning is a Richmond, VA-based organization, founded by Charles Caper, dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved youth in the community. Supporting this initiative provides several tangible and meaningful benefits, including: 1. Empowering Local Youth Through Education Hope for Learning provides programs that help children build foundational skills in literacy, STEM, and other academic areas. This creates pathways for long-term success by equipping students with the tools they need to thrive academically and professionally. 2. Supporting Community Development When children are given the chance to learn and grow, it strengthens the entire community. An educated population contributes to reduced crime rates, increased economic activity, and a more cohesive social environment. 3. Supporting Innovative Educational Programs Hope for Learning often funds creative initiatives that go beyond the traditional classroom, such as after-school programs, summer camps, and technology-based learning platforms. .

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Financial literacy matters because it empowers us to make informed decisions, build a secure future, and achieve our dreams. Teach your kids the value of money early with Fidelity Bank's Lemonade Learning Club. 🍋💰 https://lnkd.in/eHZFMGTM #FinancialLiteracy #SmartSaving #FutureSucces

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Financial literacy matters because it empowers us to make informed decisions, build a secure future, and achieve our dreams. Teach your kids the value of money early with Fidelity Bank's Lemonade Learning Club. 🍋💰 https://lnkd.in/eHZFMGTM #FinancialLiteracy #SmartSaving #FutureSucces

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Women SMALL Business Owners, Are You Ready To Do BIGGER Business w/ Major Organizations? If so, join us on June 6, for Supplier Readiness Roundtable by Queen City Women in Business Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank in Partnership w CVMSDC & SBA, Thurs June 6 for a Community info-session for Women Small Businesses w/ Q&A & more. Register Now! https://lnkd.in/gCDsZkCq As a Participant, You Will: -Learn from Women Business Owners what it's like to do business w/major organizations! -Discover if Government Contracting is right for your business! -Hear what Procurement Managers look for in Small Businesses & how to get certified! -Discover organizations currently helping women businesses get prepared & primed for bigger business! Who this is for: This workshop is perfect for diverse women small business owners in business 2 or more years, who are looking to expand their business opportunities by partnering with major organizations. It's particularly beneficial for those interested in corporate or federal government contracting and wanting to understand the certification process and programs for minority women and women of diverse backgrounds. backgrounds. Additionally, it's ideal for women who want to learn from the experiences of other women business owners and gain insights from procurement managers on how to prepare for larger-scale business opportunities. #QCWIB #supplierreadiness #roundtable #womenownedbusinesses #supplierdevelopment

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