Austin, TX – 2024 – Patricia Bedford, owner of Suga’s Cakery, has been honored as one of the 2024 Top 40 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Central Texas by the Austin Black Business Journal. This recognition highlights her entrepreneurial excellence, community impact, and leadership in supporting Black-owned businesses. A client of the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) since 2019, Bedford is a trailblazer whose journey from engineering to cake artistry is both inspiring and deeply rooted in family tradition.
From Engineer to Cake Artist – A Legacy of Sweet Success
A native Austinite, Bedford holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Baylor University and spent over a decade in engineering, specializing in testing, product development, and client support. However, after the passing of her beloved grandmother, affectionately known as “Suga”, Bedford felt compelled to continue her grandmother’s culinary legacy.
Determined to honor Suga’s memory, she began baking cakes and mastering cake artistry. Encouraged by family and friends, she launched Suga’s Cakery, a custom cake shop specializing in event catering and dietary-friendly treats. Today, her business is known for high-quality, beautifully crafted cakes that bring joy to special occasions across Central Texas.
A Leader in the Black Business Community
Beyond her success as an entrepreneur, Bedford is a dedicated advocate for Black-owned businesses in Central Texas. She serves as the Vice President of the Pflugerville Black Business Builders (PBBB), where she actively supports business education and networking opportunities.
As VP, she played a pivotal role in organizing the Inaugural PBBB Business Symposium in collaboration with the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC). The event brought together 50+ business owners for a day of learning and networking with industry leaders, including representatives from Google, Facebook, the Secretary of State’s Office, CPAs, and intellectual property attorneys.
Bedford also serves as a liaison between PBBB and key organizations, including:
Pflugerville Community Development Corporation
Pflugerville Downtown Association
Pflugerville City Council
Her advocacy efforts have been instrumental in policy changes, including supporting a city ordinance allowing food trucks within Pflugerville city limits. She currently serves on the Downtown East Community Stakeholder Committee and has been a member of the CEDS 2.0 Steering Committee with PCDC.
Passions Beyond Business
When she’s not running her business or advocating for local entrepreneurs, Bedford enjoys cooking, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. A former clarinetist, she aspires to learn the piano in the future.
Contact & More Information
For custom cakes, event catering, and dietary-friendly treats, visit Suga’s Cakery at: 1100 Grand Ave. Pkwy Suite 112, Pflugerville, TX (512) 262-9983 Info@sugascakery.com www.sugascakery.com
Austin, TX – 2024 – The 2024 FAVE Awards celebrate local businesses that exemplify resiliency, adaptability, and innovation, supporting their customers, employees, and the community. This year, I Am Ready Swim, founded by Miranda Collins, was honored as the FAVE Innovative Company of 2024 by the Austin Young Chamber. Miranda is a client of EGBI since 1018, and is now an ambassador of the organization.
I Am Ready Swim provides top-tier aquatic and management services for community pools and commercial facilities, prioritizing safety, high-quality service, and exceptional customer care. The company is also dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, reinforcing its mission of promoting aquatic safety and community engagement.
About Miranda Collins & The Journey of I Am Ready Swim
Miranda Collins, formerly Miranda Melendez, discovered her passion for water safety at age 18 as a swim instructor and lifeguard. Tragedy struck during her senior year when she lost her mother, prompting her to reflect on her future and pursue work that truly fulfilled her.
Determined to create a business that aligned with her love for teaching kids water safety and preventing water accidents, she continued offering swim lessons after high school. Her big break came when she was offered the lifeguarding contract at the community pool where she had taught for years. With the support of her husband, Dajour, she took a leap of faith—investing their entire savings to launch I Am Ready Swim.
A Thriving, Minority-Owned Business Serving Central Texas
Since its inception, I Am Ready Swim has grown significantly, now employing over 100 individuals every pool season across Austin, Pflugerville, Hutto, Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Manor, and Buda. The company offers a range of aquatic services, including Lifeguarding, Swim instruction, Pool monitoring, Pool cleaning, & Janitorial services for pools and community facilities.
Miranda and her husband, Dajour, continue to lead the company with a strong commitment to safety, community service, and innovation. Under Ready Up Aquatics, Dajour oversees the pool monitors, lifeguards, and maintenance teams, ensuring top-quality service at every location.
Contact & Learn More
For more information about I Am Ready Swim and its services, visit: 🌐 www.iamreadyswim.com 📞 Call: (512) 872-1176
Austin, TX – [Date] – Saamiya Seraj and Sarah Seraj, co-founders of A Better Force, have been honored with the 2024 Emerging Business Award at the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce’s Ovation Gala. This prestigious recognition celebrates their outstanding contributions to leadership and professional development, as well as their commitment to equity and empowerment. The sisters have been clients of the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) since 2023, leveraging their expertise to create meaningful change in workplaces and communities.
A Better Force is dedicated to empowering individuals and companies through customized leadership and professional development programs. Their training is tailored to the unique needs of their clients, focusing on well-being, equity, and actionable solutions. As a women- and minority-owned business, they have a strong emphasis on supporting women, BIPOC professionals, and the immigrant community, ensuring that leadership development is inclusive and impactful.
About the Founders
Saamiya Seraj – Co-Founder & CEO
Saamiya Seraj earned her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. Following her doctorate, she spent five years in the construction industry, advocating for improved safety, quality standards, and building designs that prioritize occupants’ mental health and well-being.
Through her industry experience, Saamiya recognized a gap in leadership training that failed to address systemic inequities. She began facilitating workshops and discussions on the topic, which ultimately led to the creation of A Better Force. Her passion lies in empowering individuals—especially BIPOC professionals—and helping companies cultivate thriving, equitable workplace cultures.
Saamiya currently resides in Austin, TX, and is a recent survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a testament to her resilience and determination to create positive change.
Sarah Seraj – Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Sarah Seraj initially pursued a career in environmental engineering but transitioned into social psychology after recognizing the critical role that social and psychological factors play in problem-solving. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, focusing her research on social upheavals, cultural shifts, and racial issues.
At A Better Force, Sarah leads training sessions, consults with businesses on workplace culture, and integrates cutting-edge research in organizational psychology—particularly language-based data analysis—to develop innovative, research-backed solutions for companies.
Currently based in Austin, TX, Sarah enjoys reading and writing fiction in her free time, balancing her analytical expertise with creativity.
A Commitment to Inclusive Leadership Development
With a mission to equip organizations with transformative leadership strategies, A Better Force is redefining workplace training. By combining academic research, real-world experience, and an unwavering commitment to equity, the Seraj sisters are helping companies cultivate inclusive, thriving, and innovative work environments.
For more information about A Better Force and their services, visit www.abetterforce.com.
Austin, TX – October 26th, 2024 – The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC) has awarded Lucero Valle Ortiz, founder of Lucero Creative Studio, the prestigious title of 2024 Businesswoman of the Year. This recognition highlights Lucero’s exceptional contributions as a Latina entrepreneur, agency owner, and advocate for small businesses through strategic branding and high-impact visual storytelling. Lucero has been a client of EGBI since 2012.
As a certified Women and Minority HUB business, Lucero Creative Studio is a culture-driven, bilingual agency dedicated to helping businesses, government entities, corporations, non-profits, and professionals build compelling brand identities. With over 20 years of experience in photography and branding, Lucero and her team have transformed countless businesses by delivering high-quality photography, video production, social media management, and website design that resonates with diverse audiences.
“After years of capturing incredible visuals, we realized our clients needed more than just photography—they needed strategic marketing support,” said Lucero Valle Ortiz. “So, we stepped it up! Now, we offer a full suite of creative services to ensure brands not only look great but also connect meaningfully with their audiences across different platforms and languages.”
Lucero’s commitment to excellence and client success has earned her widespread acclaim. Tito San Diego, a long-time client, praised her expertise: “I highly recommend Lucero Valle as your next photographer! She’s the ultimate professional—kind, informative, and dedicated to providing outstanding customer service. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her on multiple occasions, and each time she delivers incredible results. Her engagement with subjects allows them to relax and truly shine, making all the difference in her photography.”
Lucero Creative Studio remains at the forefront of empowering brands through powerful visual storytelling, innovative marketing, and a deep commitment to community impact. As Businesswoman of the Year, Lucero Valle continues to inspire and uplift businesses in Austin, Texas, and beyond.
For more information about Lucero Creative Studio and its services, visit or contact https://www.lucero-creative.com/or (512) 825-9946.
About Lucero Creative Studio
Lucero Creative Studio is a full-service creative agency specializing in commercial photography, videography, branding, social media management, and website design. Led by Lucero Valle Ortiz, a Latina entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, the agency is dedicated to helping businesses craft compelling brand identities that drive engagement and success.
As a business owner, you’re no stranger to the countless decisions and challenges that come with running a company. However, there’s a growing threat that every entrepreneur needs to be aware of: mail scams targeting businesses. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often disguising themselves as official correspondence or urgent legal requirements. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect your business from unnecessary fees and potential legal troubles.
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires many businesses to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Scammers are exploiting this legitimate requirement by sending official-looking letters demanding immediate payment for BOI registration.
The Truth: While BOI reporting is a real requirement, it’s free to file with FinCEN. Any letter demanding payment for this service is likely a scam.
Similar to BOI scams, some fraudsters are sending letters claiming to be from government agencies, insisting that businesses must pay fees to comply with the CTA.
The Truth: The CTA is indeed real, but compliance doesn’t require paying fees to third-party companies. Official information and filing are done through FinCEN at no cost.
3. Other Common Scams
Business License Renewal Scams: Letters demanding payment for renewing various business licenses, often at inflated prices.
Directory Listing Scams: Invoices for listings in business directories you never agreed to join.
Labor Law Poster Scams: Offers to sell government-mandated workplace posters at excessive prices, when many are available for free from official sources.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be on alert for these common tactics used by scammers:
Official-looking seals or logos that mimic government agencies
Urgent deadlines creating pressure to act quickly
Threats of penalties, fines, or legal action for non-compliance
Requests for sensitive business or financial information
Demands for payment by wire transfer or gift cards
Use of vague or misleading language about services offered
How to Protect Your Business
Verify all requests: Before paying any fee or providing information, verify the request with the appropriate government agency directly through their official website or phone number. Ask EGBI staff. EGBI is willing to help if you receive any letter.
Educate employees: Ensure that all staff members who handle mail and finances are aware of these scams and know how to identify them
Stay informed: Regularly check official government websites and reputable business associations for updates on actual requirements and known scams.
Use official sources: For any government filings or renewals, always use the official government websites or offices directly.
Be skeptical: If something seems off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and do your due diligence.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a business mail scam:
Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared financial information or made a payment.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.
File a report with your local police department.
Alert your state’s Attorney General’s office.
Inform industry associations and nearby businesses to help prevent others from falling victim.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced business world, scammers are constantly devising new ways to exploit hardworking entrepreneurs. By staying informed about common scams, recognizing red flags, and implementing protective measures, you can safeguard your business against these fraudulent schemes. Remember, legitimate government agencies won’t pressure you for immediate payment through the mail. When in doubt, verify, verify, verify. Your business’s financial health and reputation are worth the extra effort to ensure you’re dealing with legitimate requirements and not falling prey to sophisticated scams.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep your business safe from mail scams.
In today’s digital age, securing your social media accounts is more important than ever. One of the best ways to protect your Facebook account is by using an authenticator app. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for hackers to gain access.
Follow these steps to secure your Facebook account using an authenticator app:
Step 1: Install an Authenticator App
First, you’ll need to download an authenticator app on your smartphone. Some popular options include:
Google Authenticator
Authy
Microsoft Authenticator
You can find these apps on the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Step 2: Log into Your Facebook Account
Open your web browser and log into your Facebook account. Make sure you’re using a secure network connection.
Step 3: Go to Security Settings
Click on the downward arrow in the top-right corner of Facebook to open the drop-down menu.
Select Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings.
In the left-hand menu, click on Security and Login.
Step 4: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
In the Two-Factor Authentication section, click on Edit next to Use two-factor authentication.
Facebook will prompt you to enter your password again for security purposes.
Step 5: Choose Your Security Method
You’ll see several options for two-factor authentication. Select Authentication App.
Facebook will display a QR code.
Step 6: Link Your Authenticator App
Open the authenticator app on your smartphone.
Tap on the + icon or Add Account (the process may vary slightly depending on the app).
Choose Scan a QR code and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on Facebook.
The authenticator app will automatically add your Facebook account and generate a six-digit code.
Step 7: Enter the Code
Enter the six-digit code from the authenticator app into the Facebook prompt.
Click Continue.
Step 8: Save Your Backup Codes
Facebook will provide you with a set of backup codes. These can be used if you lose access to your authenticator app.
Save these codes in a secure place. You can either download the codes, write them down, or save them in a password manager.
Step 9: Confirm and Finish
Once you’ve entered the code and saved your backup codes, click Finish.
You’ll receive a confirmation that two-factor authentication is now enabled.
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Account Secure
Enable Login Alerts: Under the Security and Login settings, enable alerts for unrecognized logins. This will notify you if someone tries to access your account from an unknown device or location.
Regularly Review Your Security Settings: Periodically check your security settings to ensure everything is up to date.
Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps: Only connect third-party apps to your Facebook account that you trust.
By following these steps, you can add a significant layer of security to your Facebook account.
In today’s unpredictable business landscape, having a financial contingency plan is not just prudent; it’s essential. Eduardo Miramontes, Member Success Manager at A+ Federal Credit Union, shares his insights on the importance of financial preparedness for businesses. With his rich background and dedication to helping others, Eduardo offers valuable advice that every business owner should consider.
Eduardo Miramontes’ story begins in Mexico, where he spent the first half of his life working for major banks. His career took a significant turn when he moved to the United States in 2009, choosing to work exclusively with credit unions. Starting as a member service counselor, he has held various roles, including branch manager positions. Today, as a Member Success Administrator, Eduardo focuses on developing strategies to better serve the Hispanic community, bringing his passion for helping others to the forefront.
Eduardo’s professional journey is deeply intertwined with his personal values. He believes that the true purpose of life is to assist and support those around us. Every day, he finds joy in making a positive impact on people’s lives through his role at A+ Federal Credit Union. Unlike traditional banks, credit unions operate as not-for-profit organizations owned by their members. This member-centric approach ensures that the primary focus remains on serving the members rather than generating profits. Each member has a vote in electing the board of directors, who serve voluntarily. This structure allows employees like Eduardo to prioritize helping members without the pressure of meeting sales targets, aligning perfectly with his personal values and professional mission.
Eduardo frequently encounters business owners who lack a contingency plan or savings for unforeseen events. He emphasizes the importance of defining what constitutes a “rainy day” and differentiating it from regular, predictable expenses. For instance, regular vehicle maintenance should be planned for, whereas something as unpredictable as the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies a true rainy day scenario.
While many potential challenges in business can be anticipated and planned for, truly unforeseeable events require a dedicated rainy day fund. This fund should be distinct from regular savings and specifically earmarked for emergencies. During the pandemic, businesses with such savings were better able to retain employees and maintain operations while awaiting government assistance.
For entrepreneurs and small business owners, Eduardo’s primary advice is to start saving immediately, regardless of the amount. Developing the habit of setting aside a portion of income regularly is crucial. He suggests treating savings as an expense within your budget to ensure it becomes a consistent practice. Whether it’s a percentage of income or a fixed amount, the key is to begin without delay and maintain the discipline to continue saving over time.
Eduardo Miramontes’ insights highlight the critical role of financial preparedness in business success. By understanding the unique advantages of credit unions, recognizing the importance of a rainy day fund, and starting to save immediately, business owners can build a more resilient and sustainable future.
Katherine is a summer intern here at EGBI. She will be going into Junior year in these coming months. She was born here in Austin Texas. She is planning on playing soccer, basketball, and volleyball. She also enjoys skateboarding during her free time.
Are you currently in school? If so, what grade will you be going to this year?
Yes I am currently in school, I will be going into junior year.
Where were you born?
I was born here in Austin Texas.
Do you do any activities in school?
I don’t do activities, but this year i am planning on joining cheerleading or basketball.
What are some other activities you do outside of school?
Outside of school I love walking, talking to my friends, I also enjoy skateboarding and watching series on netflix and eating. And I love listening to music a lot.
How did you end up here at EGBI?
I am an intern here in EGBI, I always wanted to study criminal justice as well as having a business. I ended up choosing a business office because I wanted to learn a few things and get experience that will be useful for my future.
What’s a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I play soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
Do you enjoy it here at EGBI?
I enjoy being here and having an opportunity to work for EGBI. I love how they help people and teach them new things. Another thing is as an intern they still have expectations we have to follow so they can teach us how work is done, how we can be time efficient, and among other things.
What’s a good experience you had here at EGBI?
A good experience I had here at EGBI is being able to talk to business owners as well as co-workers and making new friends.
Has EGBI helped you achieve a goal of yours?
EGBI has helped me personally and professionally to better my communication and expand my vocabulary. They have also taught me a few business tips as well and I will forever be grateful to this amazing organization and for giving me the opportunity to be here.
Katherine es una pasante de verano aquí en EGBI. Ella entrará al tercer año en los próximos meses. Nació aquí en Austin Texas. En la escuela juega fútbol, basketball, y volleyball. También le gusta andar en patineta durante su tiempo libre.
¿Estás en la escuela? Si es así, ¿A qué grado irás este año?
Sí, estoy en la escuela, entraré al tercer año.
¿Donde naciste?
Nací aquí en Austin Texas.
¿Realizas alguna actividad en la escuela?
No hago actividades, pero este año planeo unirme a porristas o baloncesto.
¿Cuáles son algunas otras actividades que haces fuera de la escuela?
Fuera del colegio me encanta caminar, hablar con mis amigos, también disfruto andar en patineta y ver series en netflix y comer. Y me encanta escuchar música mucho.
¿Cómo llegaste aquí en EGBI?
Soy pasante aquí en EGBI, siempre quise estudiar justicia penal además de tener un negocio. Terminé eligiendo una oficina de negocios porque quería aprender algunas cosas y adquirir experiencia que me fuera útil para el futuro.
¿Qué dato curioso sobre ti?
Un dato curioso sobre mí es que juego fútbol, baloncesto y voleibol.
¿Lo disfrutas aquí en EGBI?
Disfruto estar aquí y tener la oportunidad de trabajar para EGBI. Me encanta cómo ayudan a las personas y les enseñan cosas nuevas. Otra cosa es que, como pasantes, todavía tienen expectativas que debemos seguir para poder enseñarnos cómo se hace el trabajo, cómo podemos ahorrar tiempo y, entre otras cosas.
¿Cuál fue una buena experiencia que tuviste aquí en EGBI?
Una buena experiencia que tuve aquí en EGBI fue poder hablar con dueños de negocios y compañeros de trabajo y hacer nuevos amigos.
¿EGBI te ha ayudado a alcanzar alguna de tus metas?
EGBI me ha ayudado personal y profesionalmente a mejorar mi comunicación y ampliar mi vocabulario. También me han enseñado algunos consejos de negocios y siempre estaré agradecido con esta increíble organización y por darme la oportunidad de estar aquí.
¿Hay algo más que te gustaría compartir?
Y no tengo nada más que compartir, gracias
Traducido en Español por Michael Arroyo. Encuentre la version Ingles aqui
My name is Larissa Davila and I am happy to welcome you to our space for small business owners in Central Texas. I am part of the La incubadora podcast and this project is part of an economic broad business incubator. EGBI is a local non-profit organization in Central Texas with the mission of providing training, coaching, and support to entrepreneurs and existing business owners who face a barrier to growing a successful business. We believe that every business should be profitable, sustainable, and an asset to our community. We dedicate all our efforts to pave the way for a community where this is attainable. The organization works with micro and small business owners who have been in businesses for less that five years and many businesses we work with are not active yet. Some companies associated with EGBI could be considered informal businesses but the owners are ready to transition into a more structured format. Typically companies that partner with EGBI are family businesses or what is defined as a family business or a lifestyle business. This is a type of business that guys into the lifestyle of the business owner. The reason we decided to launch a language podcast is because we see success stories everyday and we wanted to create a space to share these stories. We also receive lots of questions that are very repetitive and we wanted to provide audio and video for small business owners to be able to listen to this information at their own business, own time, and at their own pace. To be able to take notes. Once they are ready they can come forward and continue with their coaching services. We also know that we talk a lot of entrepreneurs that have a lot of experience. We speak with leaders of opinion and with people that work in risk in organizations and companies that are resources for small business owners and we wanted to provide all information in one space. Additionally all the episodes that we record are recorded in both English and Spanish. If you listen to this episode in a language that is not your primary language just skip to the next episode and you’ll find that in another language. Remember at EGBI we offer coaching and support for small business owners and you can find all the information out at egbi.org. If you know someone who could benefit from this information please share with them this link. We want you to join us as a client, ally, volunteer, or sponsor. We are here to help.
Find video here and find the Spanish version here.
