Business

When Business Grants Attack – How To Avoid The Scams

By www.Business-Grants.com

In a time when banks and credit unions are denying loan applications like never before, many entrepreneurs and business owners are turning to business grants as a dependable source of financial help. However, just like scholarships and other financial aid opportunities – there are tons of scams to beware of.

Here are the top 5 signs of a business grant scam:

1) No Phone Number Listed
If you are on the web site of an organization or government agency that is offering a business grant opportunity, make sure that there is a working phone number listed. If not, it’s probably not a legit opportunity. In addition, there should also be a working email address listed as well.

2) PO Box Address
If the postal address associated with the business grant is a PO Box, this may be a sign of a scam. Be sure to investigate though because some organizations have physical addresses, but want all applications and correspondence to go to a mail box.

3) Fee Required
If a company or organization is asking for your credit card number or requiring you to send a money order with your application, this will almost always be a scam.

Remember though that is very normal for some companies to charge a fee for you to access their grant database. Others will charge a fee to send you a CD-Rom or ebook. This is okay. What is not okay, is you having to pay to apply for an individual business grant opportunity.

4) Poor Web Site Design
If you visit a web site promoting a grant opportunity, and the design looks poor and elementary – it’s likely a scam. Organizations and government agencies that give grants away have professional-looking and well-developed web sites.

5) Sounds Too Good To Be True
If an organization is making far-fetched statements about a grant opportunity, it’s more than likely not legit. For instance, some grant opportunities may say “We can give you $1 million dollars for your business” or “No application is ever denied.” These are claims that indicate a bogus opportunity.

The National Institute of Business Grants (www.Business-Grants.com) provides free tips, advice, and frequently asked questions pertaining to business grants.

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Is Marcus Garvey Challenging Through Bob Johnson?

BUSINESS EXCHANGE
By William Reed

As African activists celebrated Marcus Garvey’s 121st birthday, Black Entertainment Television founder-turned-billionaire developer Robert Johnson was building a four-star, beachfront resort to open March 2009 near the Liberian capitol of Monrovia.

Most African Americans know little of Liberia. Located on Africa’s west coast, Liberia’s name denotes “liberty” as a result of Black Americans’ colonization in 1822. By 1921, Garvey had the conviction that American Blacks should have a permanent homeland in Africa and sought to develop Liberia. He had intended to build colleges, industrial plants, and railroads as part of an industrial base from which to operate. During the 1980s and 90s, the country was embroiled in a civil war that destroyed its economy and image.

Now, Bob Johnson says, “Last September, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf captivated an audience at the Clinton Global Initiative with descriptions of the extraordinary challenges facing her country. Sirleaf’s courage and vision inspired me and a group of colleagues to commit to revitalizing the historic but dormant relationship between African Americans and Liberia. After all, Jewish Americans have been vital to Israel’s welfare. African Americans should play a similar role for Liberia.”

Johnson led the first American investment mission to Liberia in over 30 years and initiated the RLJ Liberia Initiative, a RJR Companies development fund, to help bring Liberia back from its war-ravaged struggles. The RLJ Kendeja Resorts & Villas will be an 85-room, four-star resort on the Atlantic coast. ‘There is no hotel in West Africa like this,’ says Johnson. ‘This will be a Class-A beachfront property, with great views out to the ocean’. Johnson is taking a risk on an upscale project in a country that has not seen a new hotel room built in 20 years. Ground was broken with a labor force of 500 Liberian workers. The RJR Kendeja will have rates of $150 to $200 a night. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is expected to host the first guests. And, if all goes as planned, she will be followed by ambassadors, multinational corporate executives, foundations and others looking to fuel Liberia’s growth.

The property is located outside Monrovia, a city of 400,000, which only has a handful of hotels. Johnson says the project furthers his ‘commitment of mobilizing resources to aid Liberia’s rehabilitation and signal to the international and local sectors that Liberia is open for business.’ As the Liberia government seeks to boost tourism, it’s hard not to see Johnson’s initiative as a good thing. Just six hours from America’s East Coast, Liberia has 300 miles of white sandy beaches and attractions such as shallow lagoons, islands, lakes, mangrove swamps, rivers, volcanoes and colonial-styled wide porch homes. Liberia’s unique history as the first black African republic and a haven for freed black American slaves in the 19th century can be great attractions.

RLJ Liberia Enterprise Development Fund programs aid entrepreneurs and coordinate advocacy and outreach efforts with President Johnson-Sirleaf’s programs. The American Johnson says revenue returns will help spur reconstruction of the country’s schools, roads, hospitals, utilities and businesses. Some could see the initiative as Bob Johnson taking up where Marcus Garvey left off. Best known for the “Back to Africa” movement, Marcus Garvey is credited with creating history’s biggest movement of people of African descent. His business and social movements of the 1920s is said to have had more participation from people of African descent than the Civil Rights Movement

Though Garvey never actually went to Liberia, large numbers of U.S. tourists went before the wars. Now, Johnson is chronicling Garvey’s back to Africa movement. Johnson says, “Liberia deserves American support, and African Americans especially must come forward to reestablish the historic bond between our nations”. He has increased the U.S. government’s has attention and investments and programs toward Liberia. In many sectors, Liberia has world-class natural resources. While many still condemn Johnson about the content of BET programming, the paradox is that Garvey would probably be proud of Johnson and his successes at ‘working the system’. He is to be applauded for addressing very real economic issues in the motherland.

William Reed – www.BlackPressInternational.com

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Psychic Medium Forms Foundation

AFRICAN AMERICAN PSYCHIC MEDIUM FORMS GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Quassan Castro, Psychic Medium

Glen Ridge, NJ (BlackNews.com) – Quassan Castro is a highly sought-after clairvoyant-medium living and working in the New Jersey/New York area. His honest, sincere and caring nature has garnered him a host of clients throughout the United States. He is often compared to famed psychics Sylvia Browne and Allison Dubois depicted in the hit TV series “Medium.” In recent years, his client base has grown exponentially as supporters spread the word about his level of accuracy, strong ethics and his compassionate nature. Quassan’s clients run the gamut from celebrities to everyday folk in search of clarity and direction in their lives.

In recent weeks, Quassan formed the Global Empowerment Foundation, a New Jersey-based, non-profit corporation “dedicated to uplifting the mind and soul through conscious awareness of the Divine and activating the many miracles that can be manifested through what we think, speak and create.” Through the Foundation, he seeks to empower individuals across the country through a variety of projects including empowerment workshops as a metaphysical teacher and motivational speaker.

The Foundation is currently accepting donations of books which will be given to youth exiting correctional facilities who are actively seeking to empower themselves and to gain a spiritual foothold as they re-enter society. To learn more about the work of the Foundation, visit Quassan’s website at http://quassan.blogspot.com

Background

Quassan’s visions first manifested in his sleep. “I have been very intuitive all of my life,” he says. “It was not until a later age that I discovered there was a name for people like me who knew things about people. I would wake up to realize that I had been shown a movie — a movie of true existence and the people in the visions were actual people with names. As my visions increased, I would awaken and journal all that I had witnessed.” As these experiences evolved, it became clear to him that he could help others with this incredible talent and he began to conduct spiritual readings.

“For me the use of my ability to connect with Spirit and offer spiritual insight is a responsibility I do not take lightly nor do I offer myself as a circus clown when there are far too many people who can positively use the information channeled through me from my ancestors, their loved ones, etc.” Quassan is currently writing a memoir entitled, Dancing with the Spirit: 40 Days of Meditation and Enlightenment.

A Typical Session with the Psychic Medium

Quassan conducts his consultations in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. He does not rely on gimmicks or trickery and continues with a reading only if a connection is established with the Spirit guides on the “other side.” He asks no questions up front and does not believe in telling his clients what they want to hear.

Quassan has read for people from every imaginable background, every age group and socio-economic status, from ages 18 to 91. Most recently, he was invited to Essence magazine for a meet and greet with the staff. He has worked with clients to relieve physical pain, grief and mental blockages. He also helps clients connect with their loved ones on the other side and can assist seekers in examining their past lives.

“I provide each client several traditional and metaphysical empowerment tools and techniques that assist them in creating the life they desire as they address important issues with clarity and confidence,” says the clairvoyant. “I am guided by my ancestors in Spirit-world. When you service from the heart the divine is always with you.”

At his website (http://quassan.blogspot.com), Quassan has numerous useful affirmations one can utilize in the areas of self-esteem and self-confidence, abundance and prosperity, life’s purpose, inner peace, opportunity, love and relationships, etc. Quassan is available for television and radio interviews and appearances as a guest reader.

For additional information or to book a spiritual consultation with Quassan at his office, email him at SpiritLevel9@gmail.com or call (973) 748-7014. Readings can also be conducted by telephone, in group settings or in private homes by special arrangement.
Members of the media contact:
Celeste Bateman
Celeste Bateman & Associates
(973) 705-8253
or
Quassan Castro
(973) 748-7014

P.O. Box 4071
Newark, New Jersey 07114
(973) 705-8253
www.CelesteBateman.com

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Blood Ties

AUTHOR PROBES DEPTHS OF BLOOD TIES IN SUSPENSE-PACKED THRILLER

Bookcover

Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) – Daisy Roberts releases her debut novel, A Blood Like Yours, to high acclaim and reviews.

A Blood Like Yours is the story of a rising African-American executive, Karra Johnson and Carl Marlsnick, her Caucasian, power-driven, ego-centric boss and their tumultuous romantic relationship. In the tradition of Southern storytelling, the plot swelters around rich characters whose ages are not defined by years but by drama, endless drama. Once Carl feels betrayed by Karra, he attempts to make her life a living hell. Carl’s wife, his sons, Karra and her friends, all experience the backlash of revenge. Sexual assaults, chronic addictions and paralyzing secrets are revealed. Private investigators, murder-for-hire plots and near death experiences changes the characters’ lives forever and leaves the reader begging for more pages to turn.

Daisy wrote A Blood Like Yours in early 2007 and published it in November 2007. "As with any new author, I can see a little bit of myself in almost every character. It’s a humbling revelation to write a book and then let others read it, especially one characterized in the erotic thriller genre. It’s like exposing your own secrets to the world. At the same time, there is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment."

"Independent publishing and print-on-demand is the wave of the future, and the future is now," she adds. "By self-publishing my book, it allowed me to cut out the middle man (i.e. a separate publisher) and get my work out there the way I want it. The storyline in my book is much like my journey of self-publishing. It puts you in control of your destiny."

Available from Amazon.com and at www.daisy-roberts.com (265 pages).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daisy Roberts was born and raised in Miami, Florida and moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1985. She has a fifteen-year-old daughter. She worked in the field of Information Technology for 22 years for a large telecommunications company and with the advent of publishing her first novel, recently formed her independent publishing company, Pink Lace Publishers. Daisy currently resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She has always enjoyed writing and due to the huge demand, she is in the process of writing the sequel to A Blood Like Yours.

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Power of 50

THE POWER OF 50

Soul Purpose Lifestyle company Founder and CEO makes The Power 50 List in Direct Selling and Network Marketing

Nadine Abraham Thompson

Nadine Thompson at a launch event held in Springfield, Massachusetts, June 2008

Exeter, NH (BlackNews.com) – We are very honored and excited today to announce to our Soul Purpose community that our Founder and CEO Nadine Abraham Thompson has been named to the Power 50 List of the 50 Most Influential People in the Direct Selling Industry.

Among other leaders on the list are Andrea Jung CEO of Avon; Robert Kiosaki author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad; Jack Canfield author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul and John Maxwell leadership guru and author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Thompson stated, "I am deeply honored to be named to this distinguished list and I am committed to continuing to create authentic and sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities for those who want to improve the quality of their lives. I am very honored." Thompson also recently received the 1st Annual Women’s Empowerment Award from the Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida May 2008. Other awards include the Onyx Woman Economic Empowerment Award; the Global Diversity Network Trailblazer Award; The Los Angeles Black Expo, Madam CJ Walker Award for Leadership and Entrepreneurship; The Rhode Island House of Representatives Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (2006); and Black Enterprise Magazine’s Emerging Company of the Year (2006).

Bio

The chronicles of the business world are, of course, filled with success stories from tales of the individual entrepreneur to accounts of the large conglomerates. But what makes a business a success? A new, unique product or service? Of course. A never-before-seen invention? Absolutely. And everyone says hard work and determination are key.

However, there is one common element found in every success story. Nadine Thompson, who is today writing her own chapter of business history, is the embodiment of that singular characteristic — vision. It is the visualization and foresight of what a company should be and will be. As the Co-Founder and former President and CEO of Warm Spirit, a unique direct-sales company that produced herbal beauty products, Thompson says, "The driving force behind the success of Warm Spirit is that I created a vision, and never strayed from it.

"Simply put, I launched my first business with the vision to create quality products, to empower people to put self- and health-care first, and to create entrepreneurial opportunities for our consultants," Thompson continues. "Over the years, I had many nay-sayers and many doubters. But I refused to lose sight of my vision. I never let that go."

The result of Thompson’s vision? Warm Spirit, founded in 1999, produced a comprehensive collection of nature-based beauty and wellness products. The unique creations were supplied to customers through a nationwide network of more than 30,000 independent consultants. The company transformed the face of the direct sales and network marketing industry by providing an opportunity for wealth-building and financial freedom that had not always been accessible for women–and even less so for the African-American community.

Today, taking her vision and empowerment acumen to another level, Thompson has moved on from Warm Spirit to establish Nadine Thompson Enterprises. Her new retail venture, Soul Purpose Lifestyle Company, is an innovative direct selling company that will launch in January, 2008.

"The unique selling proposition of the Soul Purpose Lifestyle Company is strengthened by the fact that all members of this community will be shareholders as well stakeholders in the enterprise," says Thompson. "With Soul Purpose’s new marketing and compensation plan, wealth and profits will recycle directly back into the households and communities of its stakeholders."

Born in Trinidad, and raised in Toronto, Canada, Thompson received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Smith College. She went on to become Dean of Multicultural Affairs at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire where she shared her rare combination of insight, cosmopolitan warmth and her gift for bringing people together. She was able to meld the prep school’s long tradition of education with a racially diverse and representative student body and faculty.

Her success propelled her into the national spotlight and she is now recognized as a committed and passionate advocate and noted speaker in the areas of racial equality, entrepreneurship, women’s issues and empowerment. Thompson has lectured to a variety of audiences–some of her more noteworthy appearances and speaking engagements include:

* The National Black MBA Association
* The "Today" Show on NBC
* Social Ventures Network
* ESSENCE Magazine’s "Women Who Are Shaping The World" Leadership Summit
* Circle of Sisters Expo
* The National Organization of Women
* Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference
* Columbia University, School of Business
* Women of Vision Alliance
* The Wharton School of Business
* National Coalition of 100 Black Women

Thompson, who has published essays on multiculturalism, diversity and psychology, has recently released her first book titled, Values Sell: Transforming Purpose into Profit Through Creative Sales and Distribution Strategies, published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers in the summer of 2007.

At Warm Spirit, Thompson not only served as the visionary, she was the creative director and sole product developer for the distinctive product line as well which has become recognized as one of the best nature-based brands in the country. Thompson brings this expertise to her new enterprise and works with a team of perfumers, aromatherapists, chemists, herbalists and organic experts to turn her product ideas into reality.

Thompson’s vision of empowerment, wellness and wealth creation has not only touched the lives of women and men in the United States, but has also benefited the lives of women globally in Ghana, India and Vietnam. Her work through the Thompson Foundation provides a market opportunity for women in northern Ghana to sell their wild-crafted shea butter to Soul Purpose and other cosmetic companies in the United States.

Thompson has received several awards, including: the Onyx Woman Economic Empowerment Award; the Global Diversity Network Trailblazer Award; The Los Angeles Black Expo, Madam CJ Walker Award for Leadership and Entrepreneurship; The Rhode Island House of Representatives Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (2006); and Black Enterprise Magazine’s Emerging Company of the Year (2006).

Thompson’s long-term, compelling vision is to establish the Nsorommo Foundation where successful Soul Purpose entrepreneurs will mentor and coach other women from the Native American and African Diaspora around the ideas of business development and entrepreneurship using Soul Purpose Lifestyle as the paradigm for wealth creation and empowerment.

The business story of Nadine Thompson continues to be written as she broadens her vision and launches her new venture. Future chapters will, undoubtedly, chronicle further success as she once again stays true to her vision and never waivers from her commitment.

Thompson is a wife and mother of two children, Camilla (14) and Isaiah (11). She lives in Exeter, NH at Phillips Exeter Academy with her husband, Rev. Robert H. Thompson.

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