María Alejos is the owner of Blossom Flower Studio, a custom floral home studio based in Cedar Park, Texas that specializes in creating artistically designed floral arrangements and installations for weddings and life event celebrations. Her company designs and set up each event with care and thought, making sure that the result reflects the client’s vision. In addition to its floral design services, Blossom Flower Studio also offer floral workshops.
María Alejos was certified in the Los Angeles Flower School and worked for many years in prestigious design studios in California. After moving to Texas, she continued her education with Intrigue Designs which is run by Sarah Campbell.
Maríashares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My birthday is on January 16th, which is close to Martin Luther King Day. Thus, every few years, my birthday is on a national holiday, and it makes me feel really lucky because it makes my day more special to have my family and friends celebrate with me.
Another fun fact about me is that I am very creative during cooking time. I love to cook and explore different flavors. During many years I have collected many cook books of worldwide dishes recipes, including my Peruvian food. I just see the ingredients and the picture, and I never look for instructions! Sometimes, I use other ingredients to make healthier meals, which results in a delicious dish and, of course, the presentation in a decorated table with flowers is the final touch and is very important for me.
“EGBI taught me all the essential tools to start a business and gave me all the support and resources that I still need to succeed.” María Alejos
How did you first find out about EGBI?
I found the information in a flyer at an entrepreneur event in Austin. I contacted them immediately, and I started the classes on January 16th. I still remember because it was both my birthday and the beginning of my entrepreneur journey. I have been with EGBI for the past 8 years.
How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?
EGBI taught me all the essential tools to start a business and gave me all the support and resources that I still need to succeed. An entrepreneur needs to have many talents in order to function, and in my case, just to be creative with my flower designers was not enough. Now, I am in the first month of a EGBI 90 Days to Biz Success Program directed by Joni Foster with a fabulous group of business owners.
Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?
EGBI will keep giving all those essential resources for entrepreneurs, such as support from companies and donations. There are also many ways to consider helping EGBI, such as contributing with money donations, participating in the galas every year and donating time as volunteers or donating products or services.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.
Chef Nikki is the mother of a 10 year old boy named Leython, named after her business Leython’s Island Plates. Nicole Samuels, better known as Chef Nikki and her husband decided to start their catering business when they saw that there was a need for more diverse food In Central Texas. Her inspiration comes from cooking as a young girl at the age of 9 years old with both of her grandmothers, from getting up every Saturday at 9 am cleaning and cooking, to preparing to help both grandmothers on alternate weekends. One weekend Chef Nikki would be cooking Jamaican food, and the other weekend would be Central American food from Honduras.
Chef Nikki is a family woman who enjoys spending time with her family and doing fun things with them. She loves to laugh and watch comedy, suspense, horror, and some scientific movies. Nikki loves music, dancing, and having a great time entertaining. She loves creating art in her home or decorating, and enjoys watching food networks, cooking shows, and other cultural meals. Nikki’s passion for Asian cuisine also comes out in her cooking.
Nikki shares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My background is very diverse in culture. I want to give my customers food that has a flavor and great herbs, where your stomach is fully satisfied and you can say, “Chef Nikki, that hit the spot!” – a saying my dad would say when the food he ate was good. I cook vegan and gluten-free and all my food has flavor, is tasty and the texture is up to par. I love good quality food, so I cook and prepare meals just as if I was eating it. If it is not up to my standard, I start all over again. That’s how particular I am about food.
How did you first find out about EGBI?
I found out about EGBI through the Austin Texas business building network. I actually heard one of the employees at EGBI speak and offer their services to any small business owner. That is how I reached out.
“EGBI is a great organization for any business who needs help or a blueprint to follow through with their business.” CHef Nikki
How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?
EGBI helped my business by learning more about then bookkeeping with the help of Leonardo. Monica has helped me with marketing and how to utilize Facebook and social media. She gave me pointers on how to use marketing tools for my business, in addition to teaching me how to market my business and cross market. EGBI is a savior to me, because I was losing hope and wanted to give up. After speaking with the employees there, they showed me there is more I can do. I just have to put in the work and accomplish the goals to get our business, seen, heard and gain more traffic.
Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?
EGBI is a great organization for any business who needs help or a blueprint to follow through with their business. EGBI is a life saver. They have a great team of people who genuinely want to help you. I feel at home, and I don’t feel like I am talking to a stranger – I feel part of their family. I can speak and be open about any issues I may be having.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.
Phishing scams typically involve scammers sending emails, messages, or websites that look like they came from legitimate organizations or individuals. They often lure victims into clicking on malicious links, downloading harmful attachments, or providing personal information. By understanding how phishing scams work, you can recognize suspicious activities and protect yourself effectively. In this blog, we will identify a couple of ways to avoid phishing scams.
Strengthen Your Passwords:
Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or pet names. Furthermore, consider using a reputable password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.
Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Messages:
Exercise caution when receiving emails or messages, especially from unknown senders or unusual sources. Look out for red flags such as misspellings, grammatical errors, generic greetings, or urgent requests for personal information. Legitimate organizations typically address you by name and use professional language.
Verify the Legitimacy of Websites:
Before entering sensitive information on a website, ensure that it is secure and trustworthy. Look for “https://” in the URL, indicating a secure connection, and a padlock icon in the address bar. Double-check the website’s domain name for any variations or misspellings that may indicate a phishing attempt.
Be Cautious of Unexpected Attachments or Links:
Avoid clicking on attachments (.ZIP, .JAR, .JS) or links in emails or messages unless you are confident in their authenticity. Hover over links to preview the URL before clicking on them. Be wary of shortened URLs or suspicious domains. When in doubt, contact the sender through a trusted communication channel to verify the legitimacy of the message.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Utilize two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password. Even if your password is compromised, the attacker would still need the second factor to gain access.
Keep Your Software Updated:
Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and security software to ensure you have the latest security patches. This helps protect your devices against known vulnerabilities attackers may exploit to launch phishing attacks.
Educate Yourself and Stay Informed:
Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and scams. Keep up with cybersecurity news and be aware of new threats. Educate yourself and your team about the risks of phishing and the importance of practicing safe online behavior.
Use Antivirus and Anti-Phishing Software:
Install reputable antivirus and anti-phishing software on your devices. These tools can help detect and block known phishing websites or suspicious activities, adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
Report and Delete Suspicious Messages:
If you receive a suspicious email or message, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as your email provider or the organization being impersonated. Most email providers have mechanisms in place to report phishing attempts. Delete the suspicious message without interacting with it further.
Phishing scams pose a significant threat to our online security, but following these essential tips can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to these fraudulent attacks. If you think or are worried that you’ve been targeted by a phishing scam, be sure to run a virus scan and also change your account password. Stay vigilant and be sure to educate yourself and others!
In today’s digital age, establishing a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Being active on your Google Business Profile will help in being found on a Google search. While optimizing your website and leveraging search engine optimization (SEO) techniques are essential, another powerful tool at your disposal is Google Posts. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Google Posts and provide practical tips on how to add posts effectively to enhance your online visibility and engage with your target audience.
Understanding Google Posts:
Google Posts is a free tool that enables businesses to manage their online presence across Google search results and maps. Google Posts allows you to share relevant and timely information directly on your Google My Business profile, ensuring that potential customers can find your content when searching for your business or related keywords.
Key Benefits of Adding Posts on Google:
a) Increased Visibility: By regularly adding posts to your Google My Business profile, you have the opportunity to appear in Google’s local search results, knowledge panels, and even Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
b) Improved Engagement: Google Posts enable you to share updates, promotions, events, product highlights, and more, directly in search results. This helps to grab the attention of users, entice them to click through to your website, and engage with your brand.
c) Enhanced Brand Perception: Posting relevant and valuable content on Google helps establish your brand as a credible and authoritative source. It allows you to showcase your expertise, share customer testimonials, and create a positive impression that sets you apart from the competition.
Tips for Adding Effective Posts on Google:
a) Be Concise and Engaging: Google Posts have a character limit, so make sure your content is concise, compelling, and provides a clear call to action. Use eye-catching images, compelling headlines, and well-crafted copy to grab attention and encourage users to take an action.
b) Include Relevant Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords in your Google Posts to improve your chances of appearing in relevant search results. Use natural language and ensure the keywords flow seamlessly within the post’s context.
c) Utilize Multimedia: Include high-quality images, videos, or GIFs in your posts to make them visually appealing and encourage user interaction. Visual content tends to capture attention and improve engagement.
d) Regularly Update Your Posts: Keep your Google Posts fresh and relevant by updating them frequently. This demonstrates to both users and Google that your business is active and provides value to customers. It is incredibly important to consistently upload posts since your most recent post won’t be highlighted in your Business Profile if it’s older than 6 months.
Measure Performance and Optimize:
Track the performance of your Google Posts through insights provided by Google My Business. Analyze metrics like views, clicks, and engagement to understand what content resonates with your audience. Adjust your strategy accordingly and experiment with different post types to optimize your results over time.
Google Posts present a valuable opportunity to enhance your online visibility, engage with your target audience, and drive traffic to your website. By consistently adding relevant and engaging posts, optimizing with keywords, and utilizing multimedia, you can effectively promote your business and establish a strong brand presence on Google. Remember to measure your performance, adapt your strategy, and reap the benefits of increased visibility and customer engagement. Start leveraging Google Posts today, and watch your online presence soar to new heights.
Elizabeth Guerrero has always had a passion for tattooing. She began experimenting with permanent markers as a kid and then began grooming and styling her friends and family as she got older. She has always had a natural talent for helping people look their best and is very passionate about boosting others’ confidence. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to volunteer in the nursing homes at least once a month where she performs henna brows, mini facials, and other special holiday services to uplift them. She also enjoys spending time with her three children and taking them hiking or camping. She appreciates the martial arts of Jiu jitsu and combines it with nature.
Elizabeth shares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself A fun fact about me is that on top of owning a beauty salon I am a full-time tattoo apprentice.
How did you first get involved with EGBI? I was searching for local business support and I found this amazing place!
Why is it important to support organizations such as EGBI? It’s imperative to support local organizations like EGBI. For many local small businesses EGBI is making the difference between sink or soaring to success. As entrepreneurs we understand we have a vision, but EGBI gives us the guidance to execute our goals to make our vision a reality.
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally? I have only been involved with EGBI for a short period of time so far but so far, I have met brilliant financial advisors, marketing experts and incredible instructors. I have had the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs who are eager to grow their businesses.
If you would like to find out more on how EGBI can assist you in starting or growing your small business, please click the link for information in English or Spanish.
Elsa Iris Reyes was born in Chicago to an immigrant Mexican family. She moved to Austin in 2016 on a whim, but ended up meeting amazing friends and decided to build a life in Austin, Texas. Her time is mostly spent with loved ones. She stays as active as she can by playing tennis, going out for long runs along the trails, and working on small projects around the house. She especially enjoys traveling around the world and learning about the history and cultures of the places she visits.
Elsa has over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and accounting and now serves as Vice President of Finance at IronClad Consulting. Her clients range from pre-revenue to pre-IPO stage companies in food, beverage, natural food supplements, and software. Most of her clients are venture backed and high growth companies eager to share their products and mission. She enjoys sharing her technical knowledge and experience with her clients in efforts to scale their businesses to meet an ever changing business environment.
Elsa shares her experience as a volunteer with EGBI.
Share a fun fact with us.
I have ran 3 marathons. They were all in Austin. I was not the fastest, but I finished all of them.
How did you first get involved with EGBI?
My friend Yolanda Davila and fellow board member, invited me to an EGBI event. I immediately felt connected with the community and mission of the organization.
Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
I believe in the mission to invest in entrepreneurs to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to achieve their goals. The entrepreneurs in our community can often face added barriers of language and lack of knowledge of how to navigate a business environment. EGBI helps to close this gap through their services and continued efforts to elevate and honor small businesses we serve.
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
I am very proud of the work EGBI does. The work the organization does gives me hope that there are ways to ensure that everyone with the vision and dream to start a business can do it with some help.
Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.
Aura Rainwater is the brainchild of Alexander M. Williams, conceived while meditating one morning. Combining the concepts of Dr. Masaru Emoto’s research, which show the inherent vibration of positive and negative words can change the physical structure of water, with the intrinsic and unique properties of rainwater, Alexander knew that something special was being birthed. Mr. Williams is the quintessential ‘Jack of All Trades, Master of Many.’ He has spread his wings in many areas including finance, small business development, child and adolescent development, adolescent substance abuse treatment and support, community development, fundraising and more!
Alexander is a firm believer that we do not have a water scarcity problem. “We have water abundance, but do not understand how to access this living gift from nature.” Founded in 2018, Aura Rainwater represents a collective of individuals that know the importance of rainwater, and that energy is information that has a great influence on everyone and everything in life – including water! Alexander knows in his heart that Aura Rainwater is a realistic solution to the water needs for all of our communities as well as a solution to true hydration of the body.
Alexandershares his experience as a client with EGBI.
Share a fun fact with us.
The most incredible natural phenomena I’ve ever seen were Halos. They were common when I lived in Italy and often seen on my visits to Switzerland.
How did you first get involved with EGBI?
My involvement with EGBI goes back 6 months. After hearing a presentation by Joni Foster, EGBI’s Program Director, and meeting with both Joni and Monica the relationship started. Their positive vibes and high energy passion for helping people and businesses shinned.
Why is it important to support organizations such as EGBI?
EGBI provides both tangible and intangible resources. This is important for entrepreneurs like myself to preserve capital and gain support to accelerate our businesses. The unique support and customized services help fuel business potential.
“Working with EGBI has been an eye opening experience! There is ongoing mentorship and coaching support with no fixed start or end date from the staff.” – Alexander Williams
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
The power of networking is one of the most important elements in owning a business. My involvement with EGBI has given me the networking power to expand professionally by meeting other business owners in the community and understanding the growing pains of scaling a business. Personally, it has helped me further develop my communication skills by sharing exactly what I need from those around me.
If you would like to find out more on how EGBI can assist you in starting or growing your small business, please click the link for information in English or Spanish.
For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week is celebrated during the first week of May every year and takes place from April 30 to May 6 this year. As a local partner organization in Central Texas of Small Business Administration (SBA), Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) is looking to close the gap of information from informal business to bankable businesses.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners in central Texas who face barriers to growing a successful business. These barriers can be financial literacy, cultural awareness, education, and capital.
Through out the year, EGBI equips small business owners to a road of success through trainings on building a business plan, automating their business, and 90 days to success. Support services include free legal clinic twice a year and setting up Quickbooks for your business by appointment.
Most importantly, EGBI offers individualized help to central Texas business owners through business coaching to new or growing businesses. This may include bookkeeping support, marketing assistance, techinical training on apps to save a business time, or helping to reach business goals. Read more and register today for business coaching services in English and Spanish by clicking HERE.
John B. McLellan has over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, sales and marketing program development and project management. He founded Search 2 Sales, LLC in 2004, an advertising consulting firm that helps small and medium-sized businesses effectively implement Pay-Per-Click advertising on platforms such as Google Ads & Microsoft Advertising. Prior to founding Search 2 Sales, John worked at the Hewlett-Packard Company for over 25 years in a variety of sales, consulting and leadership positions across many of HP’s business segments. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
John shares his experience as a volunteer with EGBI.
Share a fun fact with us.
I hold dual citizenship with the US and Canada.
How did you first get involved with EGBI?
I first got involved with EGBI when I applied to volunteer on a project they posted on Catchafire. Catchafire is an online marketplace where nonprofits post projects that require a particular set of skills and individuals with those skills can volunteer. In this case, EGBI had received a grant for free advertising on Google, using the platform called Google Ads. EGBI selected me to help them develop an advertising campaign and teach them the skills that would enable them to optimize and expand on what we created.
Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
I believe that public service in any form, is not only an obligation, but a source of personal development and self-fulfillment. I currently serve on the board and as a volunteer for several nonprofits. I consider myself fortunate to have a skillset that even in my retirement years, is still relevant and in demand. Fortunately, I am able to work with organizations and individuals literally around the world, from the comfort of my home in Dallas. EGBI is one of several nonprofits I have helped with their Google Ads accounts over the years.
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
The time that I spend is personally gratifying because Monica is such a joy to work with. She sees the potential for the work we are doing and is excited whenever she makes progress or sees a new opportunity. For me professionally, I have grown by learning the ever-changing nuances of the Google Ad Grant program and how it differs from the advertising normally used by paying customers of Google Ads.
Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.
Austin, TX – After an extensive search process led by members of its board of directors, Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI), a nonprofit business support organization in Austin, has named Larissa Davila as their next Executive Director. She begins her tenure on March 27, 2023.
For the past 8 years, Davila has been owner of BCO Consulting Group, offering services to micro, small and mid-sized business owners, government agencies and nonprofit organizations around strategic planning, budgeting, pricing strategy, process improvements, market research, marketing services, and bi-lingual community outreach. Larissa started her company after about a decade of corporate experience with Bentoli, Inc, Fed Ex and Sony Corporation. Her experience includes community project and process management, international logistics, customer support, and business in general. She also served as the Executive Director of LACE, the Latino Arts, Culture & Education Organization and Amhiga Hispana in Austin.
Davila is no stranger to EGBI. She has taught many EGBI workshops, provided volunteer expertise to clients, and in 2022 was named EGBI Volunteer of the Year. Currently working towards her MBA at the University of Texas, Davila is married and has a son at home.
“Larissa is a great choice for EGBI. She has been an active leader in the Austin community and a faithful volunteer to EGBI,” said Mike Lancaster, EGBI board chair and VP at Broadway Bank.
Come out to support EGBI and network with business owners in Central Texas at EGBI’s fundraiser, #WeAreEGBI Happy Hour on April 19th from 6 PM to 8 PM at Simar Seafood Cocina. EGBI’s new Executive Director, Larissa Davila will speak about her vision for the organization and local small business. Register HERE.
EGBI is a non-profit organization working in Central Texas with the mission of providing training, coaching and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers such as knowledge, finances, or language. In 2022, EGBI provided services to over 360 aspiring and existing business owners in Central Texas. EGBI provides services in English and Spanish.
