Thursday’s live session with Nicole Terry did not disappoint.

If you were there, you already know. If you missed it — no worries, we’ve got you covered.

Nicole walked us through exactly how to use AI as a business owner without needing a tech background, and the room was locked in from start to finish.

Here’s a quick recap of what was covered:

✔ A simple framework to start using AI right away

✔ 3 ways to save up to 10 hours every single week

✔ Copy-and-paste prompts you can use today

✔ How AI supports your work without replacing YOU

✔ Automation strategies to help you scale

✔ A take-home resource guide to keep the momentum going

Whether you missed it, want to rewatch a specific part, or just need to take notes at your own pace — the full recording is available now exclusively for Elite members.

Upgrade to Elite and watch now

Already an Elite member? Your recording is ready and waiting.

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The St. Johns County Chamber (SJCC) announces the Pitch Factory in collaboration with Jacksonville Women’s Business Center.

This entrepreneurial program is a training course for St. Johns County business owners, entrepreneurs and new startups.

After learning business fundamentals such as value proposition, business model, revenue streams, capability statements, and various pitch formats, you will participate in a pitch competition for your chance to earn a cash prize of up to $1000!

The five-week workshop series will take place every Tuesday in June from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (June 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th)

Thank you to our Sponsor: DLP Bank

https://jaxwbc.com/events/st-johns-pitch-factory-3/

Picture Friday morning. You wake up, open your laptop, and instead of dreading your to-do list, you actually have a plan. A prompt ready to go. A workflow that doesn’t depend on you having a good brain day.

That’s 24 hours from now. And it all starts tonight.

Nicole Terry goes live at 6:00 PM ET and she’s not coming to talk at you. She’s coming to show you — live, hands-on, step by step — how AI fits into your actual day. The messy, full, never-enough-hours kind of day that you actually live.

📅 TONIGHT | Thursday, May 28, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM ET

💻 Zoom — Your link is below!

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It’s Wednesday. Which means tomorrow, you’ve got one more chance to sit down at your desk and do everything the long way, or not.

Because tomorrow evening, Nicole Terry is going live and she is going to show you, in real time, how to stop reinventing the wheel every single time you sit down to work.

We’re talking about the proposal you’ve rewritten four times. The email you’ve been overthinking for two days. The social post that never went up because you couldn’t find the words. AI handles the first draft. You bring the magic. And the whole thing takes minutes, not hours.

Nicole has 20+ years of experience making complicated things simple, and tomorrow night she’s bringing every bit of that to your screen. One hour. Live. No fluff.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM ET

💻 Live on Zoom

Zoom link below:

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In case you missed it, we’ve got something special coming your way on Thursday, May 28th, and we want to make sure it’s on your radar.

Nicole Terry, Founder of JAM AI Solutions, is our special guest on our upcoming live session designed specifically for business owners who are tired of working harder than they need to.

Here’s a quick reminder of what you’ll walk away with:

• A simple framework to start using AI right away

• 3 ways to save up to 10 hours every single week

• Copy-and-paste prompts — ready to go

• Clarity on how AI supports your work without replacing YOU

• Automation strategies to help you scale your efforts

• A take-home resource guide to keep the momentum going

This isn’t about being a tech wizard. It’s about working smarter so you can get your time back.

⏰ Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM ET | Live on Zoom

📣 FREE SUBSCRIBERS — This one’s exclusive to Elite members. If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, this is your sign. Your Zoom link is waiting right below, all you have to do is upgrade and show up Wednesday night.

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Individuals experiencing financial stress were significantly more likely to experience suicide risk, and unemployment increased that risk even more (Crisis, 2023).

As someone who works closely with entrepreneurs and small business owners, it reminded me that behind every business challenge, funding delay, unpaid invoice, denied grant, or slow season is a real person carrying real pressure.

Small business ownership can be rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. Many entrepreneurs silently carry the weight of trying to sustain a business, support a family, create opportunities for others, and still hold themselves together in the process.

In acknowledgment of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize that financial challenges often carry an emotional weight that isn’t always visible. As a contribution toward support, I am gifting access to the It’$ My Money Academy for the remainder of May to anyone who would like to strengthen their financial knowledge and confidence.

➡️ https://www.itsmymoneyacademy.com/

✅Use complimentary invite code: ImmSquadMay26

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek help from a licensed professional or a local support resource.

Accelerator program

Savannah is a 12-week intensive, in-person program built to support up to 15 local entrepreneurs in their early-stage businesses. Launch Savannah was developed in direct response to the 2020 Racial Equity and Leadership Task Force recommendations for local, small firms within our community. Business owners accepted into the Launch Savannah Accelerator will expand their business acumen in the following focus areas: financial management, marketing/branding, government contracting readiness, and pitch development.

Launch Savannah is targeted to propel entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least 1 year or more and are looking to support their growth potential.

Please complete the application and prepare your video to be considered for the 2026 Launch Savannah, Cohort 3. The application form can be found here - https://www.savannahga.gov/3934/Launch-Savannah

The application for Cohort 3 will close May 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Please contact the Economic Development Department if you have any questions.

Phone: (912)-652-3582

Email: EconomicDevelopment@Savannahga.gov

More info

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I don’t share opportunities like this often, but when I do, it’s because I believe it’s the right fit for the people in this community.

Wally “Famous” Amos — yes, that Famous Amos — in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., is awarding three founders $50,000 each in capital through the Ingredie…

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I wanted to share the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative, which is tied to the upcoming celebration of America’s 250t…

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It’s Monday morning. You’ve got a client proposal due, three unanswered emails sitting in your inbox, a social media post you keep pushing off, and a to-do list that somehow got longer over the weekend.

You sit down to work and two hours later... you’re still on the proposal. Not because it’s hard, but because you’re writing it from scratch. Again.

Sound familiar?

Now imagine this instead, you open a simple AI tool, type a few lines about your client, and in under two minutes you have a solid first draft ready to review and send. Then you knock out those emails in 15 minutes flat. Then your social post. All before lunch.

That’s not a fantasy. That’s what Nicole Terry is going to show you how to do live on May 28th.

---

Here’s What You’re Walking Away With:

• A simple framework to start using AI immediately

• 3 practical ways to save up to 10 hours per week

• Copy-and-paste prompts you can use right away

• A clear understanding of how AI supports — not replaces — your work

• Insight into how AI and automation can scale your efforts

• A take-home resource guide for continued learning and application

---

👋 About Your Speaker

Nicole Terry is the Founder of JAM AI Solutions. With 20+ years of leadership experience in aerospace and defense, she specializes in making AI practical, accessible, and easy to use — no tech background required.

---

⏰ Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2026

🕕 Time: 6:00 PM ET

📍 Live on Zoom — be on the lookout for your link!

ELITE SUBSCRIBERS — You’re already in! Your Zoom link will be hitting your inbox soon. No action needed.

📣 FREE SUBSCRIBERS — This session is for Elite subscribers only. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, now is the time. Don’t miss this one.

UPGRADE TO ELITE

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“I didn’t think I qualified.”

That’s the sentence we hear the most. And honestly? It breaks our heart every time.

Because that woman who said it, she runs a catering company out of her home kitchen. Feeds hundreds. Employs her sister and her cousin. Built something real from nothing.

She qualified. She just didn’t know it.

“Black-owned.” “Women-led.” “Minority business.” These aren’t checkboxes for someone else, they were written with YOUR business in mind. The nonprofit. The lash studio. The trucking company with two rigs and big plans.

Stop leaving your name off the application.

We found the money. Now let’s get it to the right hands.. YOURS.

1. Venmo Small Business Grant

If your business is small but mighty, Venmo wants to back you. This grant awards to small business owners with 10 or fewer employees and under $50,000 in annual revenue. To apply, you’ll need an active Venmo business profile with a photo, background image, and business description. Winners also receive mentorship, digital marketing coaching, and promotion on Venmo’s social channels

Amount: $20,000

Eligible locations: United States

Deadline: May 31, 2026

Apply Now

2.Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Verizon has awarded over $15 million in grants to small businesses since 2021, and they’re back in 2026 with more. To unlock a $10,000 grant, simply register on the Digital Ready platform and complete any two eligible courses or events. Applications are reviewed monthly from June through December 2026, with 10 businesses selected each month. If you’re not selected one month, your application stays in the running through the end of the year. This one is nationwide and open to any for-profit small business in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Apply Now

3. Texas Mutual Community Grants

Up to $8 Million Available Texas Mutual is putting $8 million on the table in 2026 to support nonprofits and small businesses across the state. Their Working Texans Economic Opportunity Grant focuses on removing barriers that keep working families from thriving, think childcare access, primary healthcare, and basic needs support. If you're a Texas-based nonprofit or organization serving working families, do not wait. Please note a second round, the Texas Workforce Development Grant, opens in August for businesses focused on job growth and skills training..

Amount: $25,000

Eligible locations: United States (Texas)

Deadline: May 15, 2026

Apply Now

4. Open Horizons (Women-Led Startups)

This one is for the women building something bold in tech. The Open Horizons Final Call, funded through the European Union's Horizon Europe initiative, is awarding equity-free funding to women-led startups in digital and deep-tech sectors. To qualify, your business must be between 6 months and 6 years old, and founded or co-led by a woman who holds at least 25% ownership. Up to 16 startups will be selected, with 7 advancing to a funded pilot stage with a corporate partner.

Amount: €55,000

Eligible locations: EU or associated country

Deadline: May 19, 2026

Apply Now

Not ready to apply? Start with our Digital Grant Guide to get your business prepared for grant opportunities. [Grant Guide here]

There are 18 more grants — totaling more than $971,000.00 — waiting exclusively for Elite subscribers. Claim your access now.

Also inside the paid community:

✔ Full grant list + off-cycle alerts (these come and go fast)

✔ Exclusive live session + replay access

✔ Guidance to help you approach applications with confidence

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Dear Entrepreneur,

What’s next for your business?

You’re invited to attend the 2026 Annual JWBC Small Business Summit, a dynamic, no-cost event designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow, adapt, and thrive in today’s evolving market.

Date: May 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Florida State College at Jacksonville – Kent Campus
3939 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL

This year’s theme, “Building Businesses for What’s Next!”, focuses on equipping you with the tools, insights, and connections needed to stay ahead of the curve.

Why Attend?

This FREE summit brings together industry experts, local agencies, and business leaders to deliver practical strategies you can apply immediately.

Featured Workshops & Sessions:

• The Future with AI (Keynote)

• Access to Capital – New loan programs and funding opportunities

• Government Contracting – Panel with local agencies

• Workforce Development – Hiring, training, and retention strategies

• Cybersecurity – Protecting your business from modern threats

• Marketing & Branding – Latest trends to grow your visibility

• Customer Development Strategies – Build and retain loyal customers

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with a wide range of participating organizations and resource partners ready to support your business journey.

Whether you’re launching, growing, or scaling your business, this summit is designed with you in mind.

Reserve your spot today by registering through the event link or QR code on the flyer.

REGISTER HERE

Subscribe now

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Quick note for you this week. I see a lot of business owners doing this when it comes to grants:

They find an opportunity…

They get excited…

Then they either:

• Don’t apply

• Or submit something rushed and generic

And that’s usually why they don’t get selected.

Here’s the truth:

Grants are about what your business does but just as important…

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What’s up business besties. Quick reality check. A lot of business owners are excited when they receive our new grant list.

Then life happens, and they either:

• Don’t apply

• Or rush through applications at the last minute

And that’s usually why they don’t get selected.

Here’s the truth:

It’s not just about applying, it’s about how you position your business or non profit.

Small shifts in how you answer questions can make a big difference.

Inside the paid community, we go deeper into:

✔ How to approach applications

✔ What reviewers are actually looking for

✔ How to avoid common mistakes

Plus you will have access to this month’s live session + replay.

👉🏽 If you don’t want to miss opportunities again, now is the time to step in.

Subscribe now

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If you’re serious about applying for grants not just reading about them, I have a recommendation for you:

➡️ Download the Substack app. Download app here.

Once you download the Substack app:

1. Log in using the same email you’re receiving this from

2. You should automatically see my Grants for Small Business Owners posts and Notes in your feed

3. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss updates

👉 If you don’t see my content right away, just search for “Grants for Small Business Owners” and click follow.

Here’s why:

I don’t just post monthly lists. I also share real-time Notes with:

• Quick insights

• Reminders to apply

• Opportunities that don’t stay open long

Those small nudges can be the difference between intending to apply and actually doing it.

It also gives you the opportunity to comment and received answers directly back to me.

➡️ This is one of the simplest ways to stay consistent and not miss funding opportunities.

Your business bestie,

Patrina

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If you couldn’t make it to our live session on Monday, April 27 at 5:00 PM EST — don’t worry, the replay is now available.

This session was packed.

Here’s what we covered:

• The 5 key roles every business needs to scale

• How to identify what’s missing in your current structure

• Practical steps you can start using immediately

We were also joined by special guest Clayton King, founder of K&C Financial Group, who shared real insight from nearly 17 years of experience in real estate investing and building businesses.

🎥 Replay Access

The full live recording is available for Elite Members only.

If you’re already an Elite Subscriber, you can access the replay below.

If not, this is your moment to upgrade.

Because these sessions are not just conversations — they’re designed to help you:

• Get clear on what your business actually needs

• Stop guessing your next move

• Build with intention and structure

Replay video below

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Not saved. Not bookmarked. Applied. Because that’s where the difference is.

We have over 10,000 small businesses and non-profit organizations subscribers here. I know many of you are looking for opportunities but I also know a lot of people get stuck between finding and applying.

That’s exactly why I created the paid community which I effectively call our Elite subscribers.

It’s not just about more grants, it’s about:

✅ Knowing which ones to prioritize

✅ How to approach the application

✅ And having access to sessions where we walk through it together

➡️ If you’re ready to stop just collecting opportunities and actually go after funding, this is your next step.

Subscribe now

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If you’ve been sitting on this one, now is the time to act.

The AARP Purpose Prize®, one of the most meaningful recognitions for older Americans doing extraordinary work, closes on May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. Late applications will not be accepted, no exceptions.

What’s at stake:

💰 $75,000 award…

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Just a quick reminder, we’re going LIVE today, Monday, April 27 at 5:00 PM EST, and I don’t want you to miss it!

Here’s what we’re covering:

• The 5 key roles every business needs to scale

• How to identify what’s missing in your current structure

• Real, practical steps you can use right away

We also have a special guest, Clayton King, founder of K&C Financial Group, bringing nearly 17 years of real estate investing experience and serious business-building knowledge to the table.

This is an Elite Subscriber exclusive, so make sure your subscription is active before joining.

Zoom Link below:

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We’re getting close to our live session, and I wanted to make sure you have everything you need ahead of time.

The session is happening on Monday, April 27 at 5:00 PM EST, and the Zoom link is officially ready.

Quick heads up — this is an Elite Subscriber exclusive, so access to the link is limited to those with an active Elite subscription. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, this would be a good time to do it so you don’t miss out.

This session is all about helping you build the right foundation to actually grow your business — not just stay busy. We’re diving into the 5 key roles (or “architects”) every business needs to scale, and how to identify what might be missing in your current structure.

We also have a special guest, Clayton King, founder of K&C Financial Group. He brings real, hands-on experience from building and scaling multiple businesses, along with nearly 17 years in real estate investing. What makes his approach different is how he breaks things down into clear, practical steps you can actually use.

By the end of this session, you should walk away with more clarity on how your business is currently set up, what needs to be strengthened, and what your next steps should look like if you’re serious about scaling.

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