J&P CONSULTING GROUP

November Newsletter

PATHWAY TO SUCCESS EDITION

This project is proudly funded by ICJIA

Future thinking

A message from our EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AAs someone deeply committed to empowering small business owners and supporting economic development in our community, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of continual education and strategic networking within your industry. The journey of starting and growing a business is filled with opportunities, challenges, and the need for resilience. One of the best ways to prepare for these ups and downs is to ensure you are well-informed about your industry and actively connected with others who share your passion.

Education in your field is essential for understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape. Industries are constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest developments allows you to pivot, innovate, and offer value to your customers. When you invest time and resources into learning, whether through industry seminars, workshops, or reading the latest research, you are building the knowledge base needed to make informed decisions that can set your business apart.

Networking is equally crucial. It offers a unique avenue for growth that goes beyond what you know—it's about who you know. Building relationships with other business owners, industry leaders, and even potential customers opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and valuable insights. Networking can connect you with mentors who have walked the path before you, partners who can complement your services, and resources that can help you overcome obstacles faster.

At a time when small businesses face increasing competition, knowledge and community are powerful tools. Staying educated and well-connected can be the key to not only surviving but thriving in today’s business landscape. Together, through shared knowledge and support, we can create a stronger, more resilient small business community.

Thank you for your dedication to your growth, and I encourage you to make education and networking a priority in your journey.

Warm regards,

Celebrating achievements

Recognizing major milestones

We stand on the cusp of yet another remarkable year, humbled and exhilarated by the multitude of significant milestones that have punctuated our journey thus far. Each achievement attained is not merely a numerical triumph, but a testament to the creativity and perseverance embedded within our team's DNA. These milestones represent the culmination of tireless hours, strategic planning, and a shared commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our clients and industry peers alike.

"When our work aligns with our passions, every task becomes an opportunity for fulfilment and growth... It's not just about the end goal but the journey itself, where every moment is infused with purpose and meaning."

Above and beyond

Looking forward, our resolve to uphold a standard of excellence in all our endeavors remains unyielding. Armed with the invaluable lessons gleaned from our past triumphs and the steadfast backing of our community, we stand poised to embark on a new chapter, brimming with boundless opportunities and uncharted milestones waiting to be conquered.

Dr. Nina Page & Dr. Mariann Jordan

Dr. Nina Page & Dr. Mariann Jordan

With every achievement, we are reminded not only of the incredible journey that has led us here but also of the profound impact our collective efforts have had on our clients and the industry as a whole. Beyond the mere numbers and figures, these achievements symbolize the tangible results of our shared passion, resilience, and ingenuity.

The right people

We celebrate these milestones with a deep sense of appreciation for the dedication and hard work that have brought us to this moment. It is the tireless commitment of our exceptional team, combined with the ongoing support of our loyal clients, that has propelled us to new heights of success and recognition.

"Omari Kamal" Owner of C3 Tax & Accounting

"Omari Kamal" Owner of C3 Tax & Accounting

We remain steadfast in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, delivering excellence in all that we do, and continuing to make a positive impact in our industry and beyond. With a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and determination, we eagerly anticipate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, confident in our ability to achieve even greater milestones together.

Industry trends

Navigating AI

Jacquez Potts- AI Specialist

Jacquez Potts- AI Specialist

Jacques Potts specializes in AI and being able to teach it to others. “AI will not take your job as you may have heard but it is going to be a person who knows how to use AI who could take your job.” Potts explains. In the workshop, Jacques focused on how AI closes the gap that may prevent businesses from unlocking their true potential. Within an hour he was able to help our CEO Marian Jordan integrate AI into her workflow. He also went over ways to use AI as a catalyst for logos, media, automation for jobs, appointments, and many other strategies that can save time, promote efficiency, and allow businesses to focus on what are the main goals to them.”

"Generative AI, powered by machine learning algorithms, has emerged as a game changer..."

Through insightful commentary and expert perspectives, we offer a nuanced understanding of how these industry trends impact our organization and how we are strategically positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities. In addition to traditional market analyses, we shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of generative AI technology. Generative AI, powered by machine learning algorithms, has emerged as a game-changer in various industries, including ours. By enabling the creation of new content, products, and experiences, generative AI is revolutionising the way businesses innovate and engage with customers.

AI Trends:

Generative AI

Text, Image, and Video Generation: Tools like GPT (for text), DALL·E (for images), and Runway (for video) have made significant strides. Businesses are using generative AI to create content, automate marketing, and even assist with design processes.
Custom AI Models: Companies are building their own AI models to generate highly personalized content for their audiences.

AI-Driven Automation

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA tools powered by AI are transforming industries by automating repetitive tasks like data entry, customer service, and basic decision-making, freeing up human workers for more strategic roles.
Workflow Automation: AI is increasingly used to streamline workflows in HR, finance, and other departments, improving efficiency and reducing human error.

AI-Powered Personalization

Customer Experience (CX): AI is helping businesses create highly personalized experiences for customers across eCommerce, content recommendations, and customer service.
Predictive Analytics: AI uses data analysis to predict customer behavior and optimize marketing strategies or product recommendations in real-time.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Chatbots

Advanced Conversational AI: With tools like OpenAI's GPT and Google's BERT, businesses are deploying chatbots that can handle more nuanced and contextually relevant conversations, enhancing customer support and engagement.
Voice Assistants: AI-driven voice technology is becoming more sophisticated, improving tools like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for better interaction and integration with daily tasks.

AI in Healthcare

Medical Imaging and Diagnostics: AI models are increasingly used for analyzing medical scans and assisting doctors in diagnosing diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and neurological disorders.
Personalized Medicine: AI is helping to develop treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles and health histories, improving patient outcomes.

Behind the brand

Focus on J&P Consultant Group

J & P Consulting Group understands that keeping focused on starting a business and supporting growth and improvement is not easy. We help small businesses identify weaknesses and challenges to determine relevant solutions. We help you drive projects to successful completion. For more than 25 years, the owners and principal consultants, Mariann Jordan and Nina Monique Page have focused on developing and achieving strategic goals and objectives to support small businesses. Both are accomplished leaders skilled at integrating multiple functions to benefit both organizations and businesses bottom line and promote growth.

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something, and I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."
Edward Evertte Hale

Grant Award Announcement

🎉 Congratulations to J & P Consulting Group Select Client Dr. Mica Battle! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Mica Battle, founder of Bridge to Freedom, has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. This grant will enable Bridge to Freedom to expand its transformative services to ex-offenders on Chicago’s south side, furthering its mission to support successful reentry, reduce recidivism, and empower individuals to thrive in their communities.

This milestone highlights the dedication and expertise of the J & P Consulting Group team in guiding and supporting the growth of minority-owned businesses and community-centered initiatives across Illinois. By securing this critical funding, J & P Consulting Group has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering economic opportunity, resilience, and positive change in underserved communities.

👏 Kudos to Dr. Mica Battle and the entire team at J & P Consulting Group! We look forward to seeing Bridge to Freedom make a lasting impact on the lives of ex-offenders and contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Business Marketing Tips

1. Define Clear Objectives

Set specific, measurable goals for your social media efforts—whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting sales.

2. Know Your Audience

Research your target audience's demographics, interests, and behaviors. Tailor your content to meet their needs and preferences.

3. Consistency is Key

Post regularly to stay visible in your audience’s feeds. Consistency helps build trust and recognition over time.

4. Create Engaging, Value-Driven Content

Share a mix of content that educates, entertains, and informs your audience. Videos, infographics, and polls tend to generate more engagement.
Use storytelling to make your brand more relatable and memorable.

5. Leverage User-Generated Content

Encourage your customers to create and share content related to your brand. This can build authenticity and trust.

Going the extra mile

Rev. Dr. Troy C. Underwood
Executive Director
Barbara W. Smith Family Life Center

Rev. Dr. Troy C. Underwood is an ordained pastor whose passion is fueled by helping others. He is an inspirational leader who believes that privileging the underprivileged creates opportunities for them to flourish. He is intuitively able to inspire action and bring people together to address issues of justice and mercy in his community.

Rev. Dr. Troy is the Executive Director of the Barbara W. Smith Family Life Center, the affiliate community-based organization of Covenant United Church of Christ. He is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plans of the organization, as well as fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.

Testimonial by: Reverend Troy Underwood

Upcoming events

The countdown begins

J&P YOUTH EMPOWERMENT NETWORK

Starting: November 2, 2024

The Safe Space Safe Place project, a 10-week program for youth ages 11-17 in underserved communities facing violence and instability, is made possible through the generous funding from Northwestern Medicine. We are deeply grateful for their support in empowering youth through character development and skill-building.

Sessions are held in person every Saturday for 2 hours and virtually every Wednesday for 1 hour, with each participant receiving $250 upon program completion. The project aims to improve mental health, behavior, and academic performance while reducing delinquent behavior through replicable interventions.

The program offers social-emotional learning workshops, one-on-one mentoring, trauma-informed counseling, conflict resolution, violence prevention, and workforce development activities like resume building and financial literacy. Family engagement workshops and evaluations track participants' well-being and academic progress, building emotional resilience and life skills.

Deliverables include a character development curriculum, trained mentors, improved youth outcomes, and a scalable model. An Impact Evaluation Report will document program effectiveness, contributing to safer communities and breaking cycles of poverty. Our Saturday sessions are hosted by the South Holland Business Association, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Northwestern Medicine for making this transformative work possible.

Location: South Holland Business Association
Every Saturday-10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sign up @ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSettJrFpiVQ-jqRXaUmkN4n0LstmVsZCZxU0aFu63mgF4fbOA/viewform?pli=1 (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSettJrFpiVQ-jqRXaUmkN4n0LstmVsZCZxU0aFu63mgF4fbOA/viewform?pli=1*

*Limited numbers available*

Book of the Month

J&P Consulting Group, LLC
Introduction to:

“There’s a Book for That”

Monthly Reading Recommendations for Entrepreneurs

Hello, my fellow Entrepreneurs, I have been given the opportunity to share with you one of my favorite things to do and that is reading. As an entrepreneur it is important to expand one’s knowledge base through reading. There are thousands of books and articles on any number of business topics that you
can use to gain more information and insights into your business, your customers, your products and you. So why not take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to read and grow? Did you know that reading a book can relieve stress, help with sleeplessness, and foster creativity?
Often, we turn to our electronic devices when we are bored, having nothing to do or can’t sleep, watching endless reels on social media. Before we know it, we’ve wasted hours of precious time that we cannot get back. As an entrepreneur your work week will be at a minimum 10-20 hours more than a W- 2 employee. Therefore, it is important that you use your time wisely. Leisure time does not mean lazy time. When you are not working in your business, work on your business and yourself by reading a good book. With that being said, I’d like to welcome you to our monthly book series entitled, “There’s a Book for
That”. Here you will find reading recommendations not only for books but for articles and on occasion, podcasts. These recommendations will help answer business questions and introduce you to new topics and information. Additionally, “There’s a Book for That” will highlight authors associated with J&P
including Dr. Mariann Jordan, Co-Owner, Desiree McCray, Client as well as myself, Felicia Jones, Business Service Manager.

November Book of the Month
Strengths Finder 2.0 From Gallup by Don Clifton
This Wall Street Journal Bestseller has been used by businesses and business-minded, individuals since 2007. Typically, a manager or supervisor may ask their staff or team to take this self-assessment and send them the results. In my experience those results are used to determine how an individual will fit
into a team structure and what role, they will play based on their strengths.
As an entrepreneur, this self-discovery assessment tool will help you to uncover and focus on your strengths, which have a direct impact on the success or failure of your business. Don’t wait for someone to ask you to take this self-assessment, do it for yourself! You have nothing to lose and everything to
gain. Make sure you take the assessment before you begin reading the book. No cheating is necessary because there are no right or wrong answers.
Visit your favorite online bookseller (BTW, if you don’t have one, you need one) including Amazon to purchase your copy today. I am grateful for this opportunity to share the benefits and joy of reading with you, and I look forward to your participation and feedback.

Pathway to Ownership Program

Services Provided to New & Start-Up Businesses

One on One Coaching once a week via zoom or in person
12 -week commitment to participation in workshops with experts to develop your business strategies via zoom or in person
Up to a $1200 Financial Grant to cover basic start up fees
Free consultation with social media platform development
Free Website Development and or Logo Development
Assess to onsite business centers, computer lab, fax, phone, scanner and meeting space
Additional resources and referral for support

Grant Opportunities
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - Grant Opportunities dceo.illinois.gov
Small businesses in Illinois have access to various grant programs designed to support their growth and resilience. Here are some notable opportunities:
1. State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Illinois administers four programs under SSBCI to assist small businesses:
 Advantage Illinois Participation Loan Program (PLP): Offers low-interest loans in partnership with local lenders.
 Advantage Illinois Loan Guarantee Program (LGP): Provides loan guarantees to help businesses secure financing.
 INVENT Venture Capital Program (VCP): Invests in early- and late-stage businesses, focusing on underserved startups.
 Climate Bank Finance Participation Loan Program: Supports environmentally
supportive, & businesses.

Commerce and Economic Opportunity
2. Illinois Back to Business (B2B) New Business Grant This program offers financial relief to
businesses in industries most impacted by the pandemic. Eligible businesses that commenced operations between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, with total revenue between.
$25,000 and $20 million in 2021, can apply for grants up to $30,000.
Cook County Small Business Association.
3. Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund Provides low-interest loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $3 million in revenue in 2019.
Successful applicants owe nothing for six months, followed by fixed payments at a 3% interest rate for the remainder of a five-year term.

Commerce and Economic Opportunity
4. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs These programs offer federal funding for community-based projects, including:
 Public Infrastructure Program: Funds improvements to public infrastructure to
alleviate detrimental conditions.
 Housing Rehabilitation Program: Targets housing projects that preserve single-family, owner-occupied housing and encourage neighborhood revitalization.
Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
5. Illinois Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program An impact investment loan program. offering up to $500 million in deposits to banks and credit unions to assist Illinois small. businesses and non-profits negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois State Treasurer.
6. Federal Grants and Resources the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides. various resources and occasionally offers grant opportunities. While the SBA primarily offers loans, certain programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) provide grants for specific purposes. Small Business Administration For the most current information and application details, advisable to visit the official websites of these programs or contact local economic development offices. Additionally, consulting with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can provide personalized assistance in identifying and applying for suitable grants.

* All photos were taken by David Mahon *

Join us next time for more updates from the world of vision, achievements, and industry insights. We're grateful for your support and enthusiasm. Help us spread the word by sharing this newsletter with your network. Together, let's amplify our impact and reach new heights of success.

Thank you for being a valued member, your engagement drives us forward, and we're excited to continue this journey with you. Stay connected, stay informed, and let's make great things happen together!

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