Tuesday, July 24, 2012

A look at the future of the industry


With graduation upon us, we see the advancement of our president from graduate student to entrepreneur.  It is with great respect, that we would like to honor this substantial achievement by saying… CONGRATULATIONS!  With completion of his Masters (of Business), he adds yet another accolade to his already impressive resume.  And while that in it self may represents success for many, we are equally excited to observe the affects of the process.  

In this short sit down, we ask him to address two key questions.  1) What are his views on the future of the industry?  2) How does being a recent college graduate prepare you to excel in these areas? 
           
I believe whole-heartedly, that life in general is only as hard as you make it.  While there may be unforeseeable bumps and bends with your path, as long as you look at obstacles as opportunities you will fair well in the bigger picture.  This is in fact the primary principal that the network was founded upon. 

A few years back I had noticed the declination of the traditional models of selling and distributing music.  I being an independent artist at the time, felt as though the industry that I had aspired to enter was essentially falling a part.  However, other venues that employed the use musical content were still growing exponentially at a rapid pace. 

After an extensive period of research, I located avenue that allowed me to still focus on music while assisting in the crossover of content.  Thankfully, I had established some pretty essential bonds with media developers during my trek as a struggling musician.   It was through these connections that the music casting network was able to come to fruition.   Considering the nature of the business, I feel whole-heartedly that this newly formed market can and will succeed. 

To ensure the company thrives I will certainly implement the lesson during my schooling.  Information regarding SEO and distribution will help the company emerge as a leader in this newfound field.

 Stay tuned for part 2

Monday, July 2, 2012

Alternative Financing


In this segment we take a look at two alternative funding websites, in an effort to assist other entities looking for investors.  Logically (due to the current condition of our economy), traditional financing outlets have been extremely harsh with their approval of business loans.  This has been especially true in regards to urban, rural and native communities.  Thankfully, sites such as www.opportunityfinance.net & www.microenterpriseworks.org offer entrepreneurs targeting these disenfranchised areas, financial support.

Opportunity Finance Network

“Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is a national network of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) investing in opportunities that benefit low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged communities across America” (Opportunity Finance, 2012).
The members of the company (OFN) are performance-oriented and responsible investors that aim to spark job growth in the areas that need it most.  The goal of their initiative is to stimulate sound financial returns and real changes for people and communities.  To date the company has provided well over $23.2 billion dollars in financing in urban, rural, and Native communities. 
By providing guidance in 5 key areas (Financing, Public Policy, Knowledge Sharing, Strategic Consulting & Strategic Communications), the network plans to continuously expand.  Which is best exemplified within their mission statement. 
“OFN’s mission through 2025 is to lead CDFIs and their partners to ensure that low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services” (Opportunity Finance, 2012).
                        For a list of qualifications & requirements click the link below


Association For Enterprise Opportunity

“AEO supports the development of strong and effective U.S. microbusiness initiatives to assist underserved entrepreneurs in starting, stabilizing, and expanding businesses” (Association For Enterprise Opportunity, 2012).

This company focuses on 4 pertinent causes including:
·      Voice (promoting awareness)
·      Catalyst Initiative (identifying opportunities)
·      Capacity Building in the Southeast (increasing efficiency & effectiveness)
·      Green Economy: (identifying new "green" opportunities with and for members)

The networks success is apparent.  To date it has helped more than two million entrepreneurs create jobs.  It has also secured more than $300 million federal dollars for microbusiness industry participants. 

“Through AEO managed programs, member organizations have received around $20 million dollars of private funding to improve and expand vital programs and services to disadvantaged entrepreneurs and communities” (Association For Enterprise Opportunity, 2012).

For a list of qualifications & requirements click the link below