As we reflect on social progress this Black History Month, we confront an uncomfortable truth: America’s legacy of family separation persists through our modern foster care system. In 2022, over 390,000 children were in foster care across the United States, with Black children bearing a disproportionate burden of this system. While Black youth represent just 14% of America’s child population, they make up 23% of all children in foster care. This isn’t a coincidence – it’s the predictable outcome of policies that have historically targeted and destabilized Black families.
The racial disparities tell only part of the story. For LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those of color, the foster care system represents another layer of systemic failure. These young people make up an estimated 20-30% of youth in foster care while representing only 5-10% of the general youth population. A Black transgender teen in the system faces the systemic racism that drives disproportionate placement rates and the challenge of finding affirming care that respects their identity. These intersecting vulnerabilities create a trap where those most in need of support often face the greatest barriers to receiving it.
The Pipeline to Family Separation
The journey to foster care often begins with a housing crisis. When a single mother faces eviction from subsidized housing due to missed payments, child protective services may label her housing instability as “neglect,” transforming economic hardship into family separation. This scenario, replayed countless times across America, demonstrates how housing discrimination becomes a pipeline to family disruption.
Historical redlining practices confined Black families to specific neighborhoods, limiting their ability to build intergenerational wealth through homeownership. Today, these same neighborhoods often lack adequate public transportation, making it difficult for residents to maintain stable employment. When families struggle to pay rent, they face a cruel paradox – their poverty becomes evidence of parental unfitness in the eyes of the child welfare system.
Policy Choices, Family Consequences
Three key policies created the foundation for today’s crisis. The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act imposed strict work requirements and lifetime benefit limits on welfare recipients, forcing single parents to choose between supervising their children and maintaining benefits. The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 implemented “one strike” policies in public housing, allowing entire families to face eviction based on any household member’s alleged criminal activity. The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) requires states to terminate parental rights when children spend 15 of 22 months in foster care – an impossibly short timeline for families struggling with housing instability.
These policies work in concert to create a web of surveillance and punishment that disproportionately entangles low-income families of color. Schools in underfunded districts may report families for children’s torn clothing or missed meals, interpreting poverty as neglect rather than as symptoms of systemic inequality. The recent implementation of technology-based risk assessment tools in child welfare has embedded these historical biases in new technology, perpetuating cycles of poverty and family separation.
A Better Path Forward
Addressing this crisis requires fundamental changes in how we approach both housing policy and child welfare. First, we must understand that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness cannot happen without safe and stable housing. This means implementing robust emergency housing assistance specifically designed to prevent family separation, with prevention-based rapid rehousing options that keep families together while addressing underlying economic challenges.
The criminalization of poverty must end through reformed mandatory reporting requirements. Rather than automatically triggering child welfare involvement when families show signs of economic distress, mandated reporters should first connect families with preventive services and support. This shift would transform community institutions from instruments of surveillance into sources of family support.
For LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those of color, we need comprehensive federal legislation mandating affirming practices in foster care while providing resources for family preservation. This should include funding for family acceptance programs that help parents support their LGBTQ+ children, potentially preventing foster care placement altogether.
The path forward requires more than piecemeal reform – it demands a fundamental reimagining of how we support families. Rather than spending billions on a foster care system that separates families, we must invest in policies that keep them together: universal housing assistance that prevents eviction-based family separation, comprehensive childcare support that eliminates “neglect” charges against working parents, and family acceptance programs that help parents support their LGBTQ+ children.
As we reflect on Black History Month, we must acknowledge that true racial justice requires dismantling systems that tear families apart and replacing them with structures that keep families together. The choice before us is clear: continue funding a system that perpetuates historical patterns of family separation, or invest in policies that strengthen families and communities. The solution isn’t to reform the foster care system – it’s to reduce our reliance on it by ensuring that families have the resources they need to stay together in the first place. Our children deserve nothing less.
Anti-Trans Legislation and Its Immediate Consequences
Across the United States, a surge of anti-transgender laws is having devastating effects on transgender and nonbinary youth. These laws are framed as protecting children while doing the exact opposite. According to a study by The Trevor Project, suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth have spiked by as much as 72% in states that passed anti-trans legislation(Youth Today)(The Trevor Project). These laws—restricting access to gender-affirming care, bathroom rights, and sports participation—send a clear message to young people that their identities are not valid.
The most affected are youth between the ages of 13-17, who often rely on medical and social support systems to navigate their identities. Denying these young people access to gender-affirming care not only increases their risk of mental health crises but can also lead to self-harm and suicide(WGCU Public Media)(The Trevor Project). In states that have enacted these laws, the youngest trans youth are reporting dramatically higher rates of depression, isolation, and hopelessness.
For these young people, anti-trans laws represent more than just legal restrictions—they symbolize societal rejection. When the law invalidates their existence, they feel powerless, unsupported, and unprotected. The immediate consequence is a worsening mental health crisis that could have been prevented through inclusive, compassionate care.
The Intersection of Identity, Racism, and Discrimination
For transgender and nonbinary youth of color, the burden of anti-trans laws is even heavier. These young people face intersectional discrimination, grappling not only with transphobia but also with systemic racism. Studies have shown that transgender youth of color experience higher rates of suicide attempts than their white peers, as they contend with both race-based bullying and laws targeting their gender identity(Youth Today)(Point of Pride).
In states with anti-trans legislation, the complex social environment creates a toxic environment where young people are isolated, fearful, and unable to access the support they need. For many, discrimination in schools, healthcare, and public life reinforces a sense of rejection on multiple fronts. They are marginalized for their gender identity AND their race, making their mental health outcomes particularly dire.
The rejection they face isn’t just social—it’s structural. Anti-trans laws prevent these youth from accessing gender-affirming care, a critical lifeline for their well-being. And because transgender youth of color already encounter racial disparities in healthcare access, these laws deepen existing inequalities. Without comprehensive support, their mental health suffers, and they are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and self-harm(WGCU Public Media)(KFF Health News).
The Long-Term Societal Impact
The passage of anti-trans laws doesn’t just affect the individual youth—they create a ripple effect that impacts society at large. By restricting gender-affirming care and other basic rights, these laws send a clear societal message: transgender and nonbinary people are not worthy of protection or validation. This not only fosters discrimination but also legitimizes transphobia, creating environments where it’s acceptable to reject and marginalize people based on their gender identity(Youth Today)(The Trevor Project).
For young people, these laws heighten the risk of social isolation, poverty, and long-term mental health challenges. Public rejection through legal action reinforces the idea that trans youth are undeserving of equal rights and opportunities. The result is a systemic cycle of exclusion that prevents these young people from accessing education, employment, and healthcare later in life(Point of Pride)(KFF Health News).
Moreover, when trans youth are denied access to gender-affirming care or forced into hostile environments, the entire community is impacted. Studies consistently show that inclusive policies lead to healthier, more productive citizens, while discriminatory laws only deepen inequality(The Trevor Project)(KFF Health News). For society to thrive, all individuals, especially its most vulnerable, must have the opportunity to live authentically and safely.
A Call for Compassion and Action
As the devastating rise in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth demonstrates, the stakes are high. Anti-trans legislation does more than limit access to rights—it actively harms some of our most vulnerable young people, pushing them toward mental health crises and social isolation. The data is clear: gender-affirming care saves lives, and denying it has severe consequences(Point of Pride)(The Trevor Project).
We must take action to ensure these harmful policies are reversed. It’s not enough to simply condemn these laws—now is the time to actively support the organizations that are advocating for transgender rights and mental health services. Groups like The Trevor Project, which provides life-saving support to LGBTQ+ youth, and Point of Pride, which helps transgender individuals access healthcare, are on the frontlines, fighting to protect the lives and dignity of these young people(Youth Today)(Point of Pride).
It’s also critical that we advocate for inclusive policies at every level—whether by supporting local initiatives that create brave spaces for transgender youth or by contacting lawmakers to express our opposition to anti-trans legislation. We need to foster a culture of compassion and understanding, one where every young person is valued for who they are, and have the opportunity to thrive.
This moment calls for more than words—it demands action. We must stand up for transgender and nonbinary youth, ensuring that their futures are filled with hope and possibility, rather than fear and rejection.
Listen, we need to have an honest conversation about productivity. As a consultant who’s spent the last decade helping high-achieving professionals get their lives together, I’ve noticed something: most of us are doing it all wrong. And I mean all wrong.
You’ve probably tried every productivity hack under the sun. The color-coded calendars, the time-blocking methods, and the fancy apps that promise to revolutionize your workflow. Maybe they worked for a week or two, but then life happened, and everything fell apart. I get it – I’ve been there too.
Here’s the truth that nobody’s talking about: productivity isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s definitely not about squeezing every minute out of your day until you’re running on fumes and cold brew coffee.
The Real Problem with Your Productivity System
Working with clients from Fortune 500 executives to fresh-out-of-divorce entrepreneurs, I’ve realized that most productivity systems fail for one simple reason: they don’t account for who you are as a person. Your energy cycles, your natural rhythms, your actual life circumstances – you know, the real stuff.
When Sarah, a tech executive and single mom, came to me stressed about falling behind at work, she had been trying to wake up at 5 AM because some productivity guru said it was the “secret to success.” But Sarah’s a night owl who does her best work after 8 PM when her kids are asleep. Fighting her natural rhythm was making her less productive, not more.
Building a System That Actually Works
Here’s what I tell my clients: Your productivity system should feel like your favorite pair of jeans – comfortable, reliable, and tailored specifically to you. Here’s how to create one:
1. Get Real About Your Energy
Track when you naturally feel most alert and focused. Don’t fight it – use it. Some of us are morning people, others come alive at midnight. Both are valid. Your peak hours are your money-making hours – protect them fiercely.
2. Define What Productivity Means to YOU
Being productive isn’t about checking off the most boxes – it’s about moving the needle on what matters. For some of my clients, that means closing big deals. For others, it’s having energy left to help their kids with homework. Get clear on your definition.
3. Build in Recovery Time
Y’all, burnout is real, and it’s expensive. I’ve seen too many brilliant people crash and burn because they treated themselves like machines. Your productivity system needs to include rest, just like your workout routine includes recovery days.
Making the Shift
Here’s the part that might be hard to hear: creating a sustainable productivity system takes time. It’s not about downloading another app or buying another planner. It’s about really understanding yourself and being honest about what works for you.
Start small. Pick one aspect of your current system that feels forced and adjust it to match your natural inclinations. For instance, if you hate traditional to-do lists, try voice notes or mind mapping. If morning meetings drain you, start blocking them for afternoons.
Remember, you’re not broken if the popular productivity methods don’t work for you. You’re just different, and different is where the magic happens.
The Bottom Line
As a lifestyle consultant, I’ve learned that the most productive people aren’t the ones following every trend – they’re the ones who’ve figured out their own rhythm and stuck to it. Your productivity system should empower you, not exhaust you.
So take a step back. Look at what’s really working (and what’s not) in your current approach. Be willing to experiment, adjust, and sometimes completely start over. Because at the end of the day, productivity isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing what matters, in a way that works for you.
And if anyone tries to tell you there’s only one way to be productive? Well, honey, they’re selling something you don’t need to buy.
Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic, transition-age youth (16–24) nationwide continue to bear the brunt of disconnection from education, employment opportunities, and community. In Louisiana and more specifically, Baton Rouge, fragmented access to education, employment, healthcare, and safe community gathering places has created an environment where youth are susceptible to involvement with the juvenile justice system and foster care. To address these challenges, we need initiatives in each of these areas to expand programming and resources dedicated to this vulnerable group.
The Current Landscape
Transition-age youth in Louisiana face significant hurdles, with data revealing a troubling picture:
Disconnected Youth According to the KIDS COUNT Data Center, as of the most recent analysis, 16% of youth ages 16–24 in Louisiana are classified as “disconnected,” meaning they are neither in school nor working. This is higher than the national average of 11%, underlining the acute challenges faced by this group in Louisiana.
Limited Targeted Initiatives Most statewide programming tends to focus on initiatives that support younger children. Prevention is an absolute must and these services are critical. We also know that for prevention to be successful, it must span all ages. Youth can enter foster care and juvenile incarceration at any age and older youth fare worse outcomes. Foster youth aging out of the system are particularly vulnerable; 23% of Louisiana’s youth exiting foster care end up experiencing homelessness within their first year of independence (KIDS COUNT, 2023).
Increased focus on Juvenile Incarceration Over 40% of youth exiting juvenile facilities in Louisiana are left without any formal reentry program, increasing the likelihood of recidivism and socio-economic instability. Yet, we continue to expand pipelines to juvenile incarceration without increasing diversion services and other alternatives to incarceration.
Early Childhood Focus Across each major agency, transition-age youth remain underrepresented in funding allocations. Yet, research shows that investment in transition-age services yields long-term economic benefits by reducing reliance on public welfare systems.
The Need for Expanded Services
The lack of comprehensive support for transition-age youth has led to alarming outcomes:
Educational Disengagement In Louisiana, 19% of 18–24-year-olds lack a high school diploma or equivalent, significantly reducing their earning potential and economic mobility. Programs aimed at addressing educational deficits are underfunded or inaccessible to many.
Mental Health Concerns The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among young people. As reported by KIDS COUNT, 25% of Louisiana youth experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, yet access to mental health services remains limited, particularly for those transitioning out of foster care or juvenile justice systems.
Workforce Integration A lack of job readiness programs leaves many youth unprepared for employment opportunities. Data indicates that 34% of Louisiana youth lack the skills necessary for workforce integration, highlighting the urgent need for training and employment pathways.
Recommendations for Action
To effectively support transition-age youth, the following strategies should be prioritized:
Enhanced Educational Programs
Expand access to GED programs and vocational training tailored to disconnected youth.
Provide alternative education models that include online learning and flexible schedules to accommodate work and caregiving responsibilities.
Establish partnerships with community colleges to offer tuition assistance or fee waivers.
Mental Health Services
Develop mental health programs specifically tailored to youth exiting foster care or the juvenile justice system.
Increase funding for school-based counseling and mobile crisis intervention teams.
Integrate mental health services into existing community-based programs.
Workforce Development
Launch public-private partnerships to create internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities.
Offer tax incentives to businesses that hire transition-age youth.
Develop job training programs that align with Louisiana’s key industries, such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Housing Support
Implement transitional housing programs for youth aging out of foster care or leaving juvenile facilities.
Provide rental assistance and case management to ensure stable housing.
Expand programs like Rapid Re-Housing to include transition-age youth.
Community-Based Reentry Programs
Invest in community-based reentry programs like the Youth Oasis’ Resilient Futures Program, which provides mentorship and skill-building for youth returning to their communities.
Develop peer-led initiatives to foster trust and engagement among participants.
The Importance of Data-Driven Approaches
Utilizing data from KIDS COUNT can help inform targeted interventions. For example, identifying areas with the highest rates of disconnected youth can enable policymakers to prioritize resources where they are most needed. Similarly, analyzing outcomes for youth participating in pilot programs like YVLifeSet can help refine and expand successful models.
Conclusion
Investing in Louisiana’s transition-age youth is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Addressing the challenges faced by these young people requires a coordinated, data-driven approach that prioritizes education, mental health, workforce development, housing, and reentry programs. By expanding and enhancing targeted programs through the Louisiana Departments of Juvenile Justice and Children and Family Services, the state can empower its youth to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Injustice of Prosecuting 17-Year-Olds as Adults
Louisiana’s new law, designed to combat teen violence, has once again shown what happens when lawmakers disregard the people most impacted by a law. While lawmakers argue that this law is a necessary response to rising youth crime, the reality is starkly different. A vast majority of the 17-year-olds being swept into the adult court system are not violent offenders. According to recent reports, 69% of the 17-year-olds arrested since the law’s enactment were charged with non-violent crimes such as property damage, minor theft, or marijuana possession(Omaha Daily Record)(Juvenile Law Center). These are offenses typically tied to adolescent impulsiveness and survival rather than criminal intent.
For marginalized youth—particularly Black youth, who make up nearly 90% of those arrested under this law—the consequences are even more devastating. Instead of addressing the underlying causes of these behaviors, such as economic hardship or systemic inequality, this law treats them as criminals before they’ve had a chance to grow through the trauma of living in an environment with little to no protective factors. These young people are denied the protections and rehabilitative opportunities provided in juvenile courts and instead face the life-altering consequences of an adult criminal record.
The case of a New Orleans teen, arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle during a family dispute, underscores the absurdity of this law. In previous years, he would have been handled in juvenile court with a focus on rehabilitation. Now, with an adult charge, his future is shaped by a criminal record, limiting his chances for housing, employment, and stability.
A Contradiction of Pro-Life Values
Louisiana prides itself on its pro-life stance, advocating for the protection and care of young lives. Yet, the passage of this law, which prosecutes 17-year-olds as adults, fundamentally undermines these values. Instead of offering troubled youth the support and rehabilitation they need, the state is now stripping them of their right to growth and recovery.
The juvenile justice system is designed to provide youth with a second chance—a system that acknowledges that youth are still developing the skills that lead to good judgment and focuses on rehabilitation over punishment. Studies show that youth tried in juvenile court are more likely to benefit from programs that are restorative, leading to lower recidivism rates and a greater chance of reintegration into society. This approach aligns more closely with values that prioritize life, opportunity, and long-term success (ProPublica).
However, under this law, 17-year-olds arrested for non-violent offenses are thrown into the adult system, where they face public criminal records and prison sentences that follow them for life. These records severely limit their access to employment, education, and housing—basic needs that are critical to breaking cycles of poverty and crime. For these young individuals, the law represents a life sentence of poverty, homelessness, complex trauma and a host of other societal ills that depress their chance for stability and successful civic participation.
The inconsistency in values is clear: how can a state that claims to protect life deny young people access to the services that could help them build productive, healthy lives? By prosecuting these teens as adults, Louisiana is turning its back on its pro-life promise and, instead, perpetuating a system that sets vulnerable youth up for failure.
Real-Life Consequences for Youth
As a provider in the Youth Services space that manages a transitional living program for 16-21-year-olds, I see firsthand how laws like this leave vulnerable youth without the resources they need to succeed. In our program, we provide critical services—housing, life skills, transportation, and basic needs support—specifically for justice-involved youth. Now, 17-year-olds charged as adults are no longer eligible for these services. Did the taxpayers agree to absorb the financial ramifications of this law?
This means that a 17-year-old, arrested for something as minor as trespassing or theft under $1,000, is now ineligible for non-secure care. Instead of receiving guidance and rehabilitation, they face the cold, harsh reality of adult jail or prison. These young people, who are often still maturing and learning how to navigate life, are denied the support systems that can help them transition into productive adulthood.
Without access to housing or transportation, many of these teens are forced into unstable environments, increasing their likelihood of reoffending. The law essentially abandons them at the exact moment they need help the most. These are not hardened criminals—they are adolescents making impulsive mistakes. But with this law, they lose their chance to learn, grow, and reintegrate into society, which ultimately creates a cycle of recidivism, generational poverty, and disconnection.
The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. Once these youth enter the adult system, they face lifelong barriers to education, employment, and housing. It’s a system that imposes a punishment that far exceeds the crime. And for youth already facing challenges, such as those who are LGBTQ+ or youth of color, the effects are even more severe.
We’ve Done This Before. It Didn’t Work Then, It Doesn’t Work Now
The long-term consequences of prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults are far-reaching and devastating. Once these young people are thrust into the adult criminal justice system, they lose access to the rehabilitative programs that are proven to help reduce recidivism and support positive development. Instead, they are subjected to harsher sentences, public criminal records, and a permanent label that follows them for the rest of their lives.
Research shows that prosecuting juveniles as adults increases the likelihood of reoffending. Youth who go through the adult system are more likely to commit new crimes, partly because they lack the resources to reintegrate into society after their release.
Instead of receiving education, mental health services, or vocational training, these youth are left with a prison record that blocks access to jobs and stable housing.
There are effective alternatives to this punitive approach. Rehabilitative and restorative justice programs have been shown to address the root causes of youth crime far more effectively than incarceration. These programs focus on providing counseling, life skills, and educational opportunities that help youth make better decisions and build a future outside of the justice system. States that have invested in such programs have seen reductions in youth crime and recidivism.
Louisiana needs to shift its focus away from punishment and toward solutions that support youth development. By providing these young people with the tools they need to succeed—housing, life skills training, counseling—we can help break the cycle of crime and incarceration. This is especially important for vulnerable youth, such as those in foster care, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth of color, who are disproportionately affected by these harsh laws.
We Can do Better by Doing More
Louisiana’s new law does more harm than good. It strips vulnerable 17-year-olds of the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and access the resources that could help them build a better future. As a state that claims to protect life, we must reflect on what that truly means. Rather than funneling teenagers into a system that sets them up for failure, Louisiana should be investing in rehabilitative, community-based alternatives that give youth the chance to grow, reform, and thrive.
We owe it to our young people to be the adults we needed while growing up. We can’t be that if they are behind bars.
As an aspiring small business owner, you’ve been self-funding your vision. You also know that, at some point, you will need to find the right funding to take you to the next level. It is important to start managing your business finances for growth from the beginning. Building your vision includes building a strong financial foundation. You have to position your business to secure funding, and sound financial records are a part of that positioning. In this blog, I’ll show you how to start managing your business finances and provide actionable tips to help you position your business for funding and long-term success.
Understanding Your Finances
Let’s start by reviewing the basics. Before you can effectively manage your finances, it is essential to understand your business’s financial status. This includes your revenues, expenses, profits, and cash flow. You can create a simple spreadsheet to start tracking these expenses. I know a few of you will tell me that you prefer paper and pencil or you have a notebook, however, try and trust me on this – you need a spreadsheet, or at the very least some type of financial tracking system that will compensate for human error. You can try a spreadsheet, like this one. You will need to make a copy to use it. If you are ready to take the plunge with an online system, here is the one I used to get started. It’s free and pretty user-friendly (I’m not affiliated).
If you haven’t opened a business banking account, do that today. It is a mistake to put this off until you have “significant funds or sales”. Start practicing this muscle early and often. Separate and manage your business finances in a separate account. There are plenty of banks that have low opening deposit requirements.
Managing Your Finances
The next step to managing your business finances is to create a budget using the spreadsheet you created in step one. The budget is a financial plan that outlines your expected revenue and expenses over a specific period. It is important to note that the budget I’m referring to here is your working budget, not the budget you created for your business plan. This is where you are going to record what you spend on your business and the amount of money you have invested in your business to cover those expenses.
If you are self-funding your business (and if you are a forced entrepreneur you most certainly are) use this process to manage the integration of your personal life with your business life. Starting a business is a stressful journey and finances will play a large part in that stress. Create a process that helps you manage early financial concerns by determining how much of your personal finances you can comfortably contribute to your growing business. In the beginning, you will want to do this by month to account for unknown changes in your environment. Life is complex and by accounting for these complexities in your budget, you can still grow your business without worrying that you are taking something away from your personal life.
Use the sample budget I linked earlier and put the amount you’ve determined in the first line of the Income section titled “Personal Investment”. Complete the rest of the budget by replacing the sample numbers with your actual numbers.
Positioning your Small Business for Funding
Business funding refers to the financial capital that businesses use to start up, expand, or operate their businesses. There are many different types of business funding, including loans, grants, and investments. Each type of funding has its own set of qualifications and criteria, however, the most important step is making sure your business has sound financial practices.
Why Good Financial Management Practices Matter for Small Businesses
Good financial management practices are critical for any business, regardless of its size. They help you make informed business decisions and ensure that your business remains financially healthy.
But for small businesses, good financial management practices are especially important. This is because small businesses often operate on tight budgets and have limited resources. Without good financial management practices, small businesses are more likely to run into financial problems, which can lead to missed opportunities for growth and even business failure. In addition to creating a budget, here are some other tips to help you position your business for success.
Create a Financial Plan
One of the first steps in good financial management is to create a financial plan. A financial plan outlines your business’s financial goals, strategies for achieving those goals, and the resources required to implement those strategies.
The financial plan is more than a budget. It can help you identify potential funding sources and determine how much funding you need to achieve your goals. It can also help you determine the most effective use of funding and ensure that you have the resources to repay any loans or investments.
Monitor Cash Flow
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Without sufficient cash flow, businesses can’t pay bills, purchase inventory, or invest in growth opportunities.
Small business owners should closely monitor their cash flow to ensure that they have sufficient cash on hand to meet their business’s needs. This means tracking inflows and outflows of cash, predicting future cash needs, and having a plan in place to manage any cash shortfalls.
Small business owners often find themselves bailing out their businesses by covering expenses as they come up. Determining the amount of your personal investment and sticking to that number is an example of monitoring cash flow. The financial plan then helps you identify potential cash flow problems before they become critical and take steps to address them.
Maintain Accurate Financial Records
Accurate financial records are essential for good financial management. Small business owners should keep track of all financial transactions, including sales, expenses, and investments. Simply put, keep track of everything you spend or receive as it relates to your business.
When you have a clear understanding of what’s going in and what’s going out, you can better understand your business’s financial health, identify areas for improvement, and make informed business decisions.
Accurate financial records are also important when seeking funding. Investors and lenders will want to review a business’s financial records to determine its financial health and potential for growth.
Seek Professional Help
You don’t have to go it alone when it comes to financial management. Seeking professional help from an accountant or financial advisor can provide valuable insights into a business’s financial health and strategies for improving it. Learn early that you don’t have to know it all, however, you do need to know how to get the help you need.
Professional help can also be valuable when seeking funding. Accountants and financial advisors can help small business owners prepare financial statements and projections that demonstrate their business’s potential for growth and profitability.
Build a Strong Credit History
A strong credit history is essential for small businesses seeking funding. Lenders and investors will review a business’s credit history to determine its creditworthiness and potential for repayment.
Small business owners can build a strong credit history by paying bills on time, maintaining low credit card balances, and avoiding opening too many new credit accounts at once. They can also establish relationships with banks and lenders to demonstrate their creditworthiness and increase their chances of securing funding.
Diversify Your Funding Sources
Small business owners should not rely on a single source of funding. Instead, they should diversify their funding sources to reduce their risk and increase their chances of securing funding.
Diversifying funding sources can include seeking loans from multiple lenders, seeking investments from multiple investors, and exploring alternative funding sources such as crowdfunding or grants.
By diversifying funding sources, small business owners can improve their financial stability and position themselves for future growth opportunities.
Conclusion
Good financial management practices are critical for small business owners seeking funding. By creating a financial plan, monitoring cash flow, maintaining accurate financial records, developing a budget, seeking professional help, building a strong credit history, and diversifying funding sources, small business owners can position themselves for funding opportunities and take their businesses to the next level.
While implementing these practices may require some effort and investment, the benefits are well worth it. Good financial management practices can improve a business’s financial health, increase its chances of securing funding, and ultimately lead to long-term success.
So if you’re a small business owner looking to position your business for funding, start implementing these financial management practices today. With the right strategies in place, you can achieve your business goals and take your business to the next level.
Accessibility as a Key Component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become buzzwords in recent years as individuals and organizations strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society. However, accessibility is often overlooked as a critical component of DEI. Accessibility means designing out any unnecessary barriers that make it harder for people to engage and take part in everyday activities. In this installment of DEI Evolved, we’ll explore why accessibility is integral to achieving DEI and how designing for accessibility benefits everyone.
Why Accessibility is Key to Achieving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
When we think of diversity, we often focus on visible differences such as race, gender, and ethnicity. However, diversity encompasses much more, including differences in ability, age, and socio-economic status. If we design products, services, and environments without considering accessibility, we exclude a significant portion of the population from participating fully in society. When we create barriers, we limit diversity and, by extension, limit opportunities for equity and inclusion.
The Benefits of Designing for Accessibility
When we are designing our business, we often think about the average user. The principles of DEI encourage us to think about the disenfranchised user. Who might benefit from your services if there were no barriers? When we design from that premise, we create business practices that benefit everyone. For example:
Improved usability: Designing with accessibility in mind can lead to better products and services for everyone. For instance, subtitles on videos benefit people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also benefit anyone who wants to watch a video in a noisy environment.
Increased market share: People with different lived experiences represent an opportunity to increase your business’s market share. By starting with a mind toward inclusivity, your business is primed to evolve as the market evolves, creating a stable customer base.
Enhanced reputation: By prioritizing accessibility, your business can demonstrate its commitment to inclusion and equity, which enhances its reputation and brand image.
How to Design for Accessibility
Designing for accessibility doesn’t have to be complicated. Some essential considerations include:
· Use inclusive language: Avoid using ableist language that may offend or exclude people with disabilities. For example: Instead of saying “wheelchair-bound,” use “wheelchair user” or “person who uses a wheelchair.” Describing someone as “wheelchair-bound” suggests that their wheelchair is a negative constraint on their life, when, it’s simply a tool that helps them navigate the world. Using person-first language, like “person who uses a wheelchair,” centers the individual and acknowledges their humanity.
· Provide alternative formats: Provide alternative formats for information, such as braille, audio descriptions, or transcripts. Start by ensuring that your website is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes using alt text on images, providing closed captions on videos, and ensuring that your website is compatible with screen readers. You can also include a statement on your website that acknowledges your commitment to accessibility and provides contact information for individuals who need assistance accessing your website.
· Don’t forget your policies: Create policies that promote inclusion and accommodation. For example, you can have a policy that allows for reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, or a policy that ensures that your products or services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. You can also train your employees on how to interact with individuals with disabilities in a respectful and inclusive way.
Check out this website for more tips on integrating accessibility in the workplace.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility is a crucial component of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Designing out barriers is essential to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all. By prioritizing accessibility, we can create better products, services, and environments that benefit everyone, regardless of ability or background.
As individuals, we can start by being more aware of the barriers that people with different abilities face and advocating for more accessible products and services. As organizations, we can prioritize accessibility in our designs, ensuring that we are creating inclusive spaces for all.
In conclusion, designing for accessibility is not only the right thing to do, but it also benefits everyone. By breaking down barriers, we can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully. Remember that the goal is liberation, and we can’t get free alone.
Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in our society, providing critical resources and services to those in need. Nonprofit organizations feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and make sure children and other vulnerable populations are safe and have access to the resources they need to thrive. Simply put, we have positioned nonprofit organizations as the social safety net for humans who find themselves struggling to survive in our society. Great, right? Well, yes. Established institutions exist to supply a framework and monitoring to guarantee the continuity of society, while businesses that are driven by profit aim to provide a channel for commercial activity. When the organization of society and commerce do not supply an avenue for inclusion of the public (or collaborate to hinder citizens from being integrated into society), it leads to a necessity for a system or agency to assist in the reintegration of affected citizens. Nonprofit organizations were not originally created for the express purpose of infusing justice and crisis response into the society at large; however, it has become the prevailing justification for their continued existence. These organizations are supported by tax dollars and thus they can be tasked with cleaning up after the government and profit-based businesses. Tax dollars are scarce and it’s a big country. Nonprofit organizations are required to be transparent with every dollar spent and to operate within margins so slim that their employees often qualify for the safety net services they provide. So, what do we do? We have conferences and create coalitions and collaborative initiatives to “problem-solve” and come up with creative and unique (read: cheap) solutions to cover the growing chasms popping up all throughout society and threatening to swallow us whole.
Challenges Faced by Nonprofit Organizations
There are many challenges facing nonprofit organizations. Most notably, nonprofits don’t typically have the same profit margins as for-profit businesses, so generating revenue can be a significant challenge. Successful nonprofit organizations must therefore employ various strategies to raise funds and build a sustainable revenue model. In addition, the donor landscape has shifted in recent years, making it more difficult for nonprofits to secure funding. Consequently, it is important for organizations to employ strategies and tactics to help them grow and become more effective. Funding models have changed as well, making it increasingly important for nonprofits to diversify their funding sources. Though philanthropic giving is on the rise, it remains uncertain as to how much it will continue to grow. Moreover, traditional donors are aging, and there are fewer younger generations to take their place. Newer funding models like social impact investing, crowdfunding, and foundations that encourage collaborative partnerships are also changing the landscape. To respond to these changes, nonprofits must find new ways to engage with investors and funders, build collaborative partnerships, and diversify their revenue sources.
Whew! That’s a lot of challenges.
Looking at these challenges from a holistic angle, we see nonprofit organizations stuck in a negative feedback loop. They are asked to stand in the gap for the failures of society while suffering from the same constraints as the individuals they are tasked with helping. It seems to me that the real challenge is holding accountable the systems that create the circumstances that necessitate the need for a safety net. Said another way, it’s time we hold policy officials accountable for creating the very environment that necessitates the existence of these organizations. The government’s refusal to design societal structures that demand a more inclusive capital system has resulted in an overburden on nonprofits, who are left to pick up the pieces and provide essential services to those in need. This is a one-sided bargain. Every year, hundreds of nonprofit organizations spend hours responding to funding announcements, justifying their existence amid worsening conditions. Once they are funded, they spend a large amount of the project year managing administrative and reporting requirements rather than focusing on improving services and outcomes.
A Better Deal
It appears to me that the responsibility of increasing the effect of non-profit dollars rests with the funding organizations, not the groups expected to carry out the services. The present system of funding for non-profit organizations is a prime example of wasted resources going after misused resources. Government bureaus, private foundations, and corporations ask non-profit organizations to utilize their resources and proficiency to mend the gaps in society without a promise to guarantee that the problem in society that necessitated the repair has been solved. Housing organizations reduce the strain on people excluded from the housing market only to return them to the market whose costs have risen even higher. When aid ends and those people are not able to be successful in a market that has grown in its disparity, the creators of the system and market propose that it is somehow the efficiency of the organization that is to be blamed. Why are nonprofit organizations continuing to bear the responsibility of picking up after a society that refuses to change? Why should a housing organization accept money to “reduce homelessness” when they know that there is no housing stock that meets the definition of safe, affordable, and decent?
Accountability Ethics Evolved
Accountability ethics refers to the ethical principles that organizations must adhere to ensure that their resources are being used responsibly and ethically. These principles include transparency, responsibility, integrity, and fairness. Nonprofit organizations should hold their funders to the same principles. Their resources are not being used responsibly and ethically if there is no commitment to changing the social environment that perpetuates extreme disparity among its citizens. If you really want to get spicy about it, it is unethical for nonprofit organizations to create a housing program when they know that their participants will never be able to afford to live independently because the economic and housing markets have already excluded them. Of course, meeting them where they are in this situation will not lead to positive outcomes. Organizations can, however, decide to do the real work of being a social enterprise by demanding changes to the market in which it exists. The challenges that nonprofit organizations face is real and evolving in real time. What isn’t evolving are the actions of the main contributors to the hostile social environment: institutional structures and commerce. It’s time to demand shared accountability. It is wasteful to fund solutions to the problems if there is no commitment to resolving the conditions that created the problem!
Justice Evolved is Liberation
Liberated organizations realize that they are the glue keeping society together and while they tirelessly (and lovingly) continue to serve their neighbors, they push against the institutional structures causing the problems. They are not afraid to make full use of their partnerships with funders and demand that they too take up arms in this struggle. Nonprofit organizations exist to infuse justice into systems that operate free from the restraints of considering the human condition. The evolution of that infusion should lead to a liberated society. One in which our duty to respond is parallel to our duty to repair and restore.
Are you a Liberated Organization? I’d love to hear what you’re doing! Check out our course if you want to learn how to become one.
In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been at the forefront of corporate strategy, driving cultural change and creating more inclusive workplaces. However, alongside their rise, DEI initiatives are now facing significant resistance. From political discourse to budget constraints and shifting public sentiment, DEI programs are being reevaluated, challenged, or even dismantled in some organizations.
As a leader, it’s essential to understand the roots of this pushback and learn how to navigate these challenges effectively while maintaining the core values of DEI in your organization. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Origins of the Pushback
DEI programs were initially designed to address systemic inequality and create opportunities for underrepresented groups. However, in today’s politically charged climate, some see these initiatives as divisive or favoring certain groups over others. The argument is often that these programs promote exclusion rather than inclusion or that they are unnecessary given existing laws and policies meant to prevent discrimination.
This pushback can also stem from a growing sentiment that DEI efforts are overly focused on symbolism rather than creating tangible results. As such, some critics question the effectiveness of these initiatives in bringing about true equity in the workplace.
Budget and Resource Constraints
In times of economic uncertainty, DEI programs are often the first to experience cuts. For many companies, the financial pressures of a challenging business environment have led to budget reductions or a scaling back of programs deemed “non-essential.” This can leave DEI initiatives underfunded and vulnerable to being deprioritized.
For leaders, this presents a difficult choice: how to justify and sustain DEI investments when resources are limited. The key is reframing DEI as a long-term value proposition, one that enhances innovation, employee engagement, and market competitiveness.
Internal Resistance from Employees
While leadership may be committed to DEI, internal resistance can emerge from employees who feel alienated by these programs. Some may view DEI as imposing unnecessary changes in the workplace, while others may fear that they will lose opportunities in the pursuit of a more inclusive environment.
Addressing this type of resistance requires a combination of transparency, education, and open communication. Leaders must clearly articulate the purpose and benefits of DEI programs, making it clear that they are intended to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, rather than favoring one group over another.
Political and Cultural Influences
The conversation around DEI has become highly politicized in some regions, with opposition linked to larger debates around “wokeness” or perceived overreach in the pursuit of social justice. This has made it challenging for some organizations to maintain DEI initiatives without encountering external pressure or backlash.
Leaders must walk a fine line in these instances, ensuring that their organizations remain committed to their DEI values while being mindful of the political and cultural landscape in which they operate. A balanced approach—one that focuses on measurable results and concrete actions rather than rhetoric—can help mitigate these challenges.
Finding a Path Forward
Despite these obstacles, DEI remains a critical driver of business success. Studies consistently show that diverse teams outperform less diverse ones and that inclusive work cultures attract top talent and improve employee retention.
To overcome the pushback, leaders should:
Emphasize measurable outcomes: Focus on data-driven metrics to demonstrate the impact of DEI initiatives on employee satisfaction, retention, and performance.
Adapt and evolve DEI programs: Programs should not remain static. They must evolve to meet the changing needs of the workforce and address feedback from supporters and critics.
Invest in education and dialogue: Create spaces where employees can openly discuss their concerns, and offer training to foster understanding and empathy across diverse groups.
Lead by example: Commitment to DEI must be visible at every level of the organization, especially from leadership.
Conclusion
The challenges facing DEI initiatives today are significant and present an opportunity. By addressing pushback with a thoughtful, strategic approach, organizations can reaffirm their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, positioning themselves as leaders in an increasingly complex and competitive business environment. Leaders who navigate these challenges effectively will not only preserve the gains made through DEI but also create more resilient and adaptable workplaces for the future.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. Many businesses are beginning to realize the importance of these initiatives and are making an effort to incorporate them into their strategies. But what exactly is DEI, and how can businesses leverage it for success? In this article, we’ll dive into the concept of DEI and discuss strategies for diversifying your business, engaging your employees, and leveraging your efforts for success.
What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?
DEI is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of initiatives and strategies designed to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These initiatives include measures such as creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, promoting equity in hiring and promotion practices, and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. DEI is an ongoing process that requires ongoing commitment from both businesses and employees.
At its core, DEI is about creating an environment in which everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. It is about ensuring that all employees have the same opportunities and access to resources regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other factor. It is also about creating an environment in which everyone can succeed and reach their full potential.
Here at Collective Vision Consulting, we call DEI, Access and Inclusion because our training focuses on the outcomes of infusing DEI principles in your business. The end-goal of environments in which everyone feels welcome, respected and valued is increased access to resources and opportunities in an ever expanding net of people.
The Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion
The business case for DEI is clear. In addition to creating a more positive and productive work environment, DEI initiatives can also help businesses increase their bottom line. Studies have shown that businesses that promote diversity and inclusion are more likely to attract and retain top talent, as well as increase customer loyalty.
Furthermore, businesses that embrace DEI are more likely to be perceived as forward-thinking and innovative. This can give businesses a competitive edge in the market and help them stand out from their competitors. Finally, businesses that take DEI seriously have shown to be more profitable, as they are better able to attract and retain top talent, as well as better able to attract and retain customers.
Strategies for Diversifying Your Business
There are a number of strategies that businesses can use to diversify their workforce and create an inclusive work environment. These include:
1. Developing a diverse and inclusive recruitment and hiring process. This includes implementing policies and procedures that ensure all qualified candidates have an equal chance of being hired, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors.
2. Creating an inclusive workplace culture. This includes providing employees with resources and support such as mentoring and professional development opportunities, as well as ensuring that all employees feel respected and valued.
3. Promoting diversity in leadership. This includes making sure that all levels of leadership are diverse and inclusive and that all employees have an equal opportunity to reach the top.
4. Offering flexible work arrangements. This includes offering flexible hours, remote work options, and other accommodations to ensure that all employees have the same opportunities.
5. Investing in diversity and inclusion initiatives. This includes investing in initiatives such as diversity training, anti-discrimination policies, and DEI education.
Engaging Employees in Diversity & Inclusion Efforts
Creating an inclusive workplace is more than just implementing policies and procedures – it requires active engagement from all employees. To ensure that everyone is on board with DEI initiatives, businesses should create an environment that encourages open dialogue and feedback. This can include holding regular meetings to discuss DEI initiatives, providing employees with resources such as DEI training, and creating DEI committees or task forces to help employees get involved.
Businesses should also create a safe and supportive environment for employees to share their thoughts and opinions. This includes allowing employees to speak freely and without fear of retribution, as well as providing resources and support for employees who may be facing discrimination or harassment.
Leveraging Your Business’s Diversity & Inclusion Efforts
Once businesses have implemented their DEI initiatives, they should make sure to leverage their efforts for success. This includes actively promoting the company’s commitment to DEI, as well as showcasing the successes of their initiatives.
Businesses can also use their DEI initiatives to attract new talent and customers. This can include highlighting the company’s commitment to DEI in job postings, as well as promoting their efforts in customer-facing materials. Finally, businesses should make sure to actively measure and track the success of their initiatives in order to make sure that their efforts are having the desired effect.
Challenges of Implementing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
Implementing DEI initiatives is not without its challenges. Businesses must be aware of the potential for backlash and resistance from both employees and customers. Additionally, businesses must prioritize DEI initiatives in order for them to be successful. This means that businesses must be willing to make changes and invest both time and resources in order to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Finally, businesses must be prepared to face the possibility of failure. DEI initiatives can be complex and require a great deal of time and effort to implement. As such, businesses must be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them in order to create a successful DEI program.
Conclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of any successful business. By implementing DEI initiatives, businesses can create a more positive and productive work environment, attract and retain top talent, and increase their bottom line.
In order to do this, businesses must create a diverse and inclusive recruitment and hiring process, create an inclusive workplace culture, promote diversity in leadership, offer flexible work arrangements, and invest in DEI initiatives. Additionally, businesses must engage their employees in DEI initiatives and leverage their efforts for success.
Ultimately, DEI initiatives can be challenging to implement, but the rewards are worth it. By creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, businesses can reap the benefits of a more positive and productive work environment, increased customer loyalty, and increased profitability.
If you’re looking to learn more about how to leverage diversity, equity and inclusion in your business, sign up for our Liberated Business workshop!
