4 The Hampton Roads Messenger Editorial


Lasting Economic Empowerment Is Obtained Through Business Ownership


of hiring someone to help them navigate through the process of SWaM certification by taking advantage of the expertise offered by this state agency.


There are also numerous nonprofit


organizations that assist businesses; Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is one such organization. SCORE can help businesses, and people considering starting a business, in many areas including, writing a business plan, choosing the type of business entity that will work best for their situation and developing a marketing plan.


Community BY ANGELA JONES Although Virginia has recently


received excellent grades for their business climate, Hampton Roads small businesses do not always get all of the support that they need. Sometimes the help they need is available; however, the business owner does not know that it exists. The Hampton Roads Messenger attempts to bring small business owners together with entities that offer services for small businesses through our conferences and workshops each year. We believe that lasting economic empowerment in a community can only be obtained through business ownership.


Government agencies such as the


Small Business Administration (SBA), the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (DMBE) and Economic Development Departments of city governments all offer services for small businesses. The Hampton Roads Messenger has partnered with these agencies for seven years to bring valuable information to business owners, who are in dire need of the information these and other agencies provide, in order to remain viable.


SBA loans are offered through


financial institutions to assist people in starting and growing businesses. The SBA does not make loans; however, they guarantee small business loans, making it more feasible for financial institutions to approve certain business loans. Even in the current climate, financial institutions want to lend money to businesses and the SBA makes it easier.


of


The Department Minority


Businesses Enterprise assists


business


owners in registering businesses to be able to apply for government contracts. Although one can go online to complete the necessary forms, the DMBE will walk business owners through the process step- by-step. Many Small, Woman-owned and Minority-owned (SWaM) businesses have been able to forgo the expense


Established 2006 Angela Jones, Publisher Chris Parks, Editor


Rae Willis, Graphic Designer Ida Davis, Contributing Writer


PO Box 10414 ● Norfolk, VA 23513


Sales and Information 757-575-1863 info@hamptonroadsmessenger.com Copyright pertaining to contents of this edition. All rights reserved.


Development


Corporations can offer small businesses micro loans, which usually provide $50,000 or less in funding. The economic development departments of many cities sometimes provide low interest loans or grants to assist small businesses located within their city limits. Funding for façade improvements is one such area where cities often provide grants or loans.


Small business incubators are


another tool small businesses can use to help with start up costs. Businesses can benefit from the lower rent costs and other perks associated with operating from an incubator. Small business incubators often offer training and guidance in-house during the fragile first years in the life of a business.


The Hampton Roads Messenger


is partnering with many of the agencies mentioned above again this year to offer the 2013 Small Businesses Thinking Big Conference, for existing businesses and for individuals who are merely considering starting a business. Last year, even Hurricane Sandy could not interfere with the wealth of information that was offered to attendees. This year’s conference will take place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA on June 28, 2013. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with repre- sentatives from banks, government agencies, nonprofits and other small business advocates, all in one place. For more information visit www. HamptonRoadsMessenger.com.


Volume 7 Number 9 Avoiding Scams FROM PAGE 1


these sites offer incredibly low prices or other enticing promotions."


And, as Spencer noted, "Always


be suspicious of these types of requests because a legitimate organization would not solicit updates in an unsecured manner for information it already has."


Think twice before opening


attachments or clicking on links in unsolicited e-mails and text messages. These messages may install "malware" (malicious software) on your computer or cellphone. "This software could allow crooks to spy on you and gain access to your online banking sites," explained Benardo.


To confirm a message's validity,


contact the supposed sender. "But don't automatically assume the contact information listed in the e-mail is accurate," said Benardo. He recommended finding the telephone number, Web site or e-mail address from an independent, reliable source.


For guidance on whether a bank


or bank Web site is legitimate, you can call the FDIC at 1-877-275-3342 or use Bank Find, our online directory of FDIC-insured institutions that provides Web sites, at research.fdic. gov/bankfind.


Deal only with reputable merchants,


service providers and charities. Friends and family may be able to provide recommendations. You can search for complaints against a business by contacting your state or local consumer affairs office (www.consumeraction. gov/state.shtml) and your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbbonline. com). There also are popular sites on the Internet for consumer ratings and reviews of businesses.


Fraud artists also claim to be from


legitimate charitable organizations — especially after a major disaster — and ask for "donations." The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (www. give.org) and other organizations can help you find legitimate charities with good reputations.


Be on guard against counterfeit


checks, cashier's checks or money orders. These often are associated with scams that say you have won a lottery or


May 2013


other prize, are bogus work-from-home offers, or are attempts to steal something you are selling on the Internet. They can also be associated with offers to purchase items you are selling online or through classified ads. Be especially leery if you get a check for more than the amount due and you're instructed to return the difference by depositing the check and wiring the excess amount to the other party's account or to an associate. If the check turns out to be counterfeit, you will be out the money regardless of whether you sent a check, wire or cash.


Be wary of unsolicited investment


offers that sound too good to pass up or that require you to act fast. "Statements about low-risk investments with ‘guaranteed returns' that are unusually high are red flags," said Luke W. Reynolds, Acting Associate Director in the FDIC's Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection.


He also advised walking away


from any offer that involves pressure to pay cash or provide personal information right away. For additional guidance, see "Don't Get Burned by Hot Investments," in the Spring 2007 FDIC Consumer News (www.fdic.gov/ consumers/consumer/news/cnspr07/ investments.html).


Protect your mail and other


documents at home. Thieves know that credit card or bank statements and other documents contain valuable, confidential information. Try to use a secure mailbox for your incoming mail. Keep bank and credit card statements, tax returns, credit and debit cards and blank checks secure, even at home. Also shred sensitive documents before discarding them. Similarly, use an updated security program to protect your computer.


Look at your bank statements and


credit card bills as soon as they arrive. Immediately report any discrepancy or anything suspicious, such as an unauthorized withdrawal or charge, to your financial institution.


Periodically review your credit


reports and dispute any inaccurate information, which could indicate identity theft. You are entitled to a free copy from each of the nation's three major credit bureaus every 12 months. To request a credit report, go to www. AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll-free 1-877-322-8228.


c Flavor


46th Hampton Jazz Festival Hampton Roads x Music ● A rt ● B usiness ● Food ● C ultur e Calling All.... Bands, Choirs, Performers, Visual Artists, Models & Vendors


If you believe you represent the "Flavor of Hampton Roads" and are interested in presenting your talent on June 28 - 30, 2013, send an email to info@TheFlavorofAmerica.com.


June 28 - June 30, 2013


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