CSX’s Post

It's TECH TUESDAY! This news goes for all minority-owned businesses across all industries. a historic collaboration between The National Business League (NBL) and US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will empower Black businesses. With a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding, over 120,000 Black-owned enterprises will now have access to vital resources for patent and trademark registration. NBL President Dr. Ken L. Harris emphasizes the significance in overcoming historical barriers for Black innovators. The Black Innovators series, launched on February 1, celebrates legends like Dr. George Washington Carver and Madam CJ Walker. Derrick Brent of the USPTO highlights the commitment to equity and empowerment, paving the way for future trailblazers. The partnership includes a trademark registration for NBL, marking a milestone in its 124-year history and ensuring national brand integrity. Click www.beacons.ai/kcs to learn more! 💼🔧 #KenyattaComputers #TechInnovation #HardwareProcurement #hardwareservices #newlaptops #newdrives #newhardware #minoritiesintech #blackistech #blacksintech #MSP #helpdesk #managedservices #CleanEnergy #DiversityInTech #yourmsp #ithelp #bestinIT #DEI #VentureCapital #InclusionMatters✨

"There are a lot of doors that are still closed for us. But there are a lot of people in this room that can open them." – Riean Stewart, Octopus Black Network founder ✨ At Octopus Investments, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspective. Last week, the Octopus Black Network (OBN) hosted a dynamic panel discussion, "Back to the Future: The Past, Present, and Future of Diversity & Inclusion." ️ Featuring industry leaders like Suen Oshinusi, Head of Financial Crime Operations at Mettle, Stephen Adeoye, CEO at Beyond Education, and Oke Eleazu, Founder/CEO of Elevate Colour, the conversation delved deep into the journey of D&I. They also explored: 👉 Past challenges, present progress, and what the future holds. 👉 Overcoming both individual and systemic barriers. 👉 Fostering inclusive leadership and celebrating achievements. 👉 The power of collective action in creating lasting change. The OBN is a shining example of how employee-led initiatives can create a platform for connection, mentorship, and advocacy for Black professionals. Their work extends beyond empowering individuals by educating and engaging the wider community in meaningful conversations about D&I, dispelling myths, and fostering understanding 🤝 Learn more about working at Octopus Investments and check out our open roles at https://bit.ly/49vNtvT #Diversity #Inclusion #OBN #OctopusInvestments #FutureofWork

💫 Sometimes, success is less about what you achieve and more about the rooms you’re in. 💫 These past few days at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation week have been eye-opening. I’ve repeatedly heard from founders that despite their achievements, the experience of being a Black business owner requires a certain level of agility. Regardless of the industry, this message resonates strongly. #FromVisiontoVictory #CBCF2024 #Techsgiving #Govtech #SimpleTechnologySolutions #FearlessTechnology

🌟 Breaking Boundaries: Discover how Black Tech Nation Ventures remains resilient amidst DEI backlash, championing diversity in tech! 💡✨ #DiversityInTech #BlackTechNation #DEI #Innovation #VentureCapital #TechDiversity https://lnkd.in/ejPNkR8X

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝘃𝘀. 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗔 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗮 One of the most common challenges I hear from founders is the constant struggle between managing daily operations and focusing on long-term strategy. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks—operations, administration, and the endless to-do lists—that we forget to step back and look at the bigger picture. But taking that step back is essential. Even smaller organizations need time to anticipate changes and plan for the future. That’s why our team prioritizes offsite meetings. We step away from the daily grind and immerse ourselves in a completely new environment, free from operational distractions, to plan the next month, year, and beyond. Personally, my favorite part of these offsites is our “walk and talk” sessions. There’s something about moving through a new village or nature trail that gets the creative juices flowing. We discuss every aspect of the business, from strategy to culture, in a relaxed yet productive setting. And if we stumble upon an ice cream 🍦 shop, even better—there’s nothing like planning the future of BxC while enjoying a scoop of something sweet! #Strategy #Leadership #Founders #Offsite

As B-BBEE experts, we understand the hurdles owners face with ownership rules. Yet, it's more than hitting targets. It's about boosting our economy. Here's why ownership is key: Growth: Black ownership rose from 3% in 1994 to 29% in 2021. Jobs: Black-owned businesses often hire from their communities. Innovation: Diverse owners bring new ideas. Having trouble with B-BBEE ownership? You're not alone. Here are solutions: - Join mentorships. - Look for special funding. - Invest in training. - Partner with others. Change takes time, but every effort matters. Together, we can create an economy that works for everyone in South Africa. Follow the link for more info: https://ownershield.co.za #Ownership #BBBEE

#BTS 📸 - An engaging hybrid meeting discussing #EconomicTransformation and the rise of Emerging Black Asset Managers. The Momentum Consultants team joined as we explored strategies for driving inclusive growth in the financial sector. Insightful perspectives were shared on empowering underrepresented talent and fostering an ecosystem that promotes diversity in asset management - reinforcing our commitment to creating equitable opportunities. #DiversityandInclusion #DEI #TransformingFinance #AssetManagement

The Fintech Guide on Advancing, Cultivating, and Elevating your Black Talent. 💫 One of our co-authors of the 12-step program, Elizabeth Boampong, Compliance Analyst at Monese, highlights her journey to gaining confidence through mentorship as a Black woman in a field with limited representation. She encourages breaking down barriers, reaching out to anyone for mentorship, and emphasises the importance of sharing success stories to inspire diverse career progression. Elizabeth challenges the notion that the issue is representation, stressing the need for visible success stories to support and inspire individuals from various backgrounds. You can download the workable document here: https://lnkd.in/ek3DHPhg To learn more and see how far we want to go, listen here: https://lnkd.in/ek3DHPhg #BlackHistoryMonth #FinTechsDEIDiscussions #FinTech #DiversityInTech #Diversity

Have you seen our range of alternative solutions available? We offer: Family Trusts A family trust with black beneficiaries will replicate the ownership like a natural person would, giving you the points you require for B-BBEE. Mandated Investments Mandated investments are made by or through any third party regulated by legislation on behalf of the owner of the funds. Direct Ownership A natural person that becomes a partner hands-on in the business. Someone who is trusted and can build the business with you. Share Options A share option is a viable ownership transaction recognised by the Companies Act and the B-BBEE Codes, regardless of the consideration paid, given that the option holder should exercise the “voting rights” and hold the “economic interest” attached to the shares without any restrictions within the option period. Preference Shares The use of preference shares in obtaining Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment ownership points is becoming more common in the marketplace. Preference shares are financial instruments that companies can use to raise capital/funds. Similarly, companies can issue shareholders with normal shares or issue bonds in exchange for capital/funds. Broad-based Ownership Schemes Broad-based ownership schemes help people who need it most – at a grassroots level. In doing so, your initiative enables B-BEE Ownership recognition and makes a real difference to BEE black empowerment Let us connect to discuss the options: https://ownershield.co.za/ #Ownership #BBBEE

As highlighted in our recent feature by Picasso Headline in The Sunday Times, the journey of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) is critical yet complex. I am Nadia Rawjee, and part of my experience at Uzenzele Holdings involves guiding large corporations through the intricacies of supporting start-ups and small businesses. Despite a robust investment of R26 billion in enterprise and supplier development in 2022, challenges persist in fully leveraging these initiatives. From budget constraints to internal conflicts, the obstacles are significant but not insurmountable. The alignment of BEE strategies with comprehensive support mechanisms is essential for promoting a sustainable business environment. Our insights, as shared in The Sunday Times, shed light on effective strategies for enhancing the impact of BEE initiatives. These strategies not only meet legislative mandates but also support small businesses in becoming competitive and sustainable players in the industry. Join us in this crucial discussion and discover how, together, we can bridge gaps and cultivate a thriving economic landscape for all. #BBBEE #ESD #SouthAfrica #Economy #Empowerment Link to Full Issue: https://lnkd.in/d67STwwR