Additional Resources
Ambition to Achievement: Goal Setting That Works
Ambition is great, but ambition without feasibility is failure in disguise. Around this time of year, you’re setting goals for your business—brainstorming, whiteboarding, and daring to dream big. But without the right structure, capabilities, and systems, those goals risk remaining just that—dreams.
So, what does it take to translate ambition into actual impact? What does it take to turn bold goals into real success?
It takes an integrated set of choices, capabilities, and support systems—in other words, it takes an engine to drive your goals forward.
The Business Goal Engine (BGE) is a powerful framework of six interconnected, interdependent elements designed to move you from ambition to achievement.
Join us for the Ambition to Achievement Masterclass, where you’ll learn how to:
- Turn bold ambitions into feasible, actionable goals.
- Build the systems and capabilities needed to bring strategy to life.
- Align dreams, tactics, and techniques, for real and sustained progress
This isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about winning smart. Whether you’re planning for 2025 or the decade ahead, this masterclass will provide the clarity and tools you need to turn ambition into achievement and vision into real, lasting impact.
ASL Interpretation and Captioning will be provided. To make a reasonable accommodation request or if you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org. Please allow at least 3-5 business days’ advance notice; last minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill.
Evaluating Your Idea Before It’s Too Late (The Job-To-Be-Done Way)
How do you know if you’re onto something? And how do you assess its viability before investing time, resources, and energy? Enter the Job-To-Be-Done (JTBD) framework—a powerful methodology for understanding customer needs and designing solutions that resonate.
In this practical session, we dive deep into the approach. You will walk away with the practical toolset and skillset required to ensure you’re on the right track before making significant investments.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions) – Coming Soon!
View and download the PowerPoint Slides
ASL Interpretation and Captioning were be provided. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Small Business Exporting – Entrepreneur’s Experiences
Join us for an engaging panel discussion moderated by LaTaunya Darden, Business Development Specialist, Minority and Women-Owned Business Outreach Division, Export-Import Bank of the United States. Business owners who used EXIM’s services to build and grow their businesses globally will share how they started their companies, what product or service they offer, their experience with EXIM and lessons learned along the way.
Following the panel of entrepreneurs, viewers will hear from David Hincapie, Lender Relations Specialist, Veteran Business Development Officer, Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration. David will discuss the SBA’s role in supporting international trade. Attendees will learn about SBA’s trade loans, export finance programs and the functions of the SBA Office of International Trade, providing valuable resources and guidance for small businesses venturing into global markets.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and download the PowerPoint Slides
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Strengthening Your Small Business: Certification Funding and Growth Opportunities
Explore certification benefits and funding programs for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Learn about MBE, DBE, ACDBE and SBE certifications, along with SBA funding options like 7(a) loans, 504 Loans, Microloan Programs and more. Gain insights into crafting effective loan proposals and credit management strategies. Plus, discover how to seek and apply for grants and access valuable resources for business growth. Don’t miss this chance to propel your business forward!
During this workshop you will learn how to:
- Obtain Certification
- Access Funding
- Network and Connect at No Cost
- Maximize Marketing
To make a reasonable accommodation request or if you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org. Please allow at least 5 business days’ advance notice; last minute requests will be accepted, though may not be possible to fulfill.
GHA Training: Blending Funding for Self-Employment
This session will provide viewers with an example of a business owner who used several funding streams and resources to launch their business. The example will include details about the business owner’s experience, including lessons learned, as well as provide a brief explanation of each funding source. The session will include featured guests comprised of the business owner and other key team members.
Presented by Griffin-Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers:
- Rachel of Rachel Rasnick Art
- Michael of Red, White & Brew and Budding Violet
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View the slides from Rachel Rasnick and Michael Coyne
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
GHA Training Series: Reporting Business Activity for SSDI/Medicare
This session will explain the timing and process for reporting the start of a business and ongoing business activity for SSDI and Medicare, including Medicare financial assistance programs. This session will also explain how Social Security reviews an SSDI beneficiary’s work activity and the documentation an SSDI beneficiary should keep and be prepared to submit to Social Security.
Presented by: Griffin-Hammis Associates
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Preparing for Accessing Capital
During this session, Karlene Sinclair-Robinson, Director of CBP’s Business Finance Center, will address the capital challenges small business can face, and explore how to prepare for capital and strategies for accessing it. Community Business Partnership (CBP), based in Springfield, Virginia, is one of the organizations certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s CDFI Fund. They are also a Small Business Administration’s Approved Intermediary Microlender, and a Virginia Small Business Resiliency Lender. The organization focuses on lending to small businesses, startups, and individuals seeking to start up micro-enterprises. The CBP provides loans starting at $1,000 to qualified applicants in their geographically approved markets.
Karlene started with CBP as a client 18+ years ago and evolved to where she supported the organization’s lending mission to bringing the current loan funds and programs to the community. Karlene is considered an Alternative Financing Expert and is a speaker on numerous topics impacting the small business community.
Presented by: Community Business Partnerships
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
GHA Training Series: Reporting Business Activity for SSI/Medicaid
This session will explain the timing and process for reporting the start of a business and ongoing business activity for SSI and Medicaid. This session will also explain how Social Security adjusts the SSI benefit based on projected net earnings from self-employment and reconciles the benefit payments after the business tax return is completed.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Is Owning a Business a Good Fit for You?
Completing this class is an important step towards deciding whether you should start a business. After completing this class, you will be able to:
- Clarify some of the myths and realities of small business ownership.
- Start a self-assessment to determine your readiness to become a small business owner.
- Set a plan of action to complete your self-assessments by seeking feedback from stakeholders, such as family, friends, and potential customers.
- Have exclusive access to grant opportunities and professional consulting and mentorship 1:1.
- Learn more about various business resources and program opportunities.
Register here: https://startup2023.eventbrite.com
To make a reasonable accommodation request or if you have questions about this event, please email Ruth Chavez at rchavez@ndi-inc.org. Please allow at least 3-5 business days’ advance notice; last minute requests will be accepted though may not be possible to fulfill.
GHA Training Series: Starting Small with My Big Goals
This session explains how entrepreneurs can get their businesses going with little to no capital by starting small with products, launches, and partnerships. Featured guests will share their methods of business growth that allowed them to work slowly and steadily towards their big goals. Guests will speak on how they created community awareness and excitement around their business with little-to-no overhead costs.
Presented by: Griffin-Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers: Daman Wandke of Wandke Consulting and Victor Ocando of Adapt The Game
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
GHA Training Series: Net Earnings from Self-Employment and SSDI/Medicare
This session will explain how net earnings from self-employment (NESE) affects SSDI and how an SSDI beneficiary can have more income when self-employed. A brief explanation of SSDI work incentives will also be provided. In addition, the affect NESE has on Medicare and the Medicare financial assistance programs will be discussed.
Presented by Griffin-Hammis Associates
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Is Owning a Business a Good Fit for You?
Learning Objectives
After completing this class, you will be able to:
- Clarify some of the myths and realities of small business ownership.
- Start a self-assessment to determine your readiness to become a small business owner.
- Set a plan of action to complete your self-assessments by seeking feedback from stakeholders, such as family, friends, and potential customers.
- Have exclusive access to grant opportunities and professional consulting and mentorship 1:1.
- Learn more about various business resources and program opportunities.
Register here: https://startup2023.eventbrite.com
GHA Training Series: Funding Your Business
In this session, we share ideas for funding your business start-up. Each business and business owner has unique start-up needs, as a result most business owners combine multiple sources for start-up funds to launch their business. We invite featured guests to share how they funded their businesses, what resources they recommend, and how they communicate their funding needs to meet their individual start-up needs.
Presented by: Griffin Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers:
- Jane Jonas of Eyeth Studios and Lost River Vacations
- Renee Metro of Fulcrum Stained Glass
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and Download the Presentation Slides
View and Download Renee’s Slides
Watch the Lost River Vacations Video
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
GHA Training Series: Business Structure & Business Plan
This session touches on two pivotal parts of starting a business: choosing a business structure & navigating the business plan. In this time together, we will provide a brief overview of the common business structures, important benefit considerations for choosing a business structure, and an overview and importance of a business plan. We’ll learn and understand how our featured guests chose a business structure that best serves them and how they use their business plan as working document to help them grow and maintain their business.
Presented by Griffin Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers:
- Thad Brown of VASLA
- Sherry Wynn of Just Fix This Mess
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
GHA Training Series: Business Feasibility & Creating a Plan
Once a person identifies a business idea that fits, they need to determine if the business idea has the potential to succeed. This session explains the information that needs to be gathered to assess the feasibility of a business, strategies for supporting a person with a disability and their employment team with gathering the information, and steps for evaluating the results to ensure that the proposed concept is both viable and meets the person’s ideal conditions for employment. In this session, we invite featured guests to shift the mindsets of attendees to think differently about providing business feasibility processes and supports to reach business viability.
Presented by Griffin-Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers:
- Paola Blanco of Pixels N Paper
- Melody Stein of MxT 2510
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.