Business and Finance
FACE teams up with TD to launch the “Propelling Black Entrepreneurship Program” with 50 grants to support Black entrepreneurs
he program will support Black business owners in the creation of critical business and financial documents to help improve access to financing
MONTREAL /CNW Telbec/ – The Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE), a nonprofit organization offering the first-of-its-kind Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund has collaborated with TD Bank Group (TD) to deliver its new “Propelling Black Entrepreneurship Program” and offer 50 grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to Black entrepreneurs across Canada. This program has been developed to support Black entrepreneurs in the creation of their business and financial documents, including business plans, financial statements, and tax filings to help improve access to financing
Participants in the program will receive training, tools, best practices, and mentorship opportunities related to managing and presenting financial documents and have access to FACE’s regional partners and corporate service providers, spanning leading financial and consulting firms. Business owners will also have the opportunity to partake in quarterly virtual and/or in-person sessions focused on preparing a strong business case for financing from lenders. The program has been designed to help Black business owners through the different stages of their entrepreneurial journey, so they can successfully access capital and scale their businesses.
FACE teams up with TD to provide 50 grants to support Black entrepreneursTweet
“There are many challenges for entrepreneurs as they pursue their business ventures, including navigating financial processes and paperwork. These challenges are accentuated for Black entrepreneurs who often also face bias in the financial system,” says Tiffany Callender, Chief Executive Officer of FACE. This program addresses some of these barriers by providing them with tools and advice so they can best manage and present their documents. Our sponsorship by TD helps support these applicants to be able to submit financially strong applications, thereby significantly increasing their chances of securing funding. Moreover, this program is open to all Black business owners interested in applying for loans, even if they have not worked with FACE before.”
“We are extremely proud to support “Propelling Black Entrepreneurship” through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank’s corporate citizenship platform,” said Alicia Rose, Associate Vice President, Social Impact – Canada, TD Bank Group. “We know the value that entrepreneurs bring to our communities and to our local economies. Through these 50 grants, our aim is to help remove the barriers and potential bias that limit Black entrepreneurs from accessing financing to help fund their ambitions.”
Since its inauguration in 2021, FACE has raised $160 million in capital, including $130 million from Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), and disbursed $21.7 million, cementing itself as a catalyst for Black generational wealth creation and empowering Black Canadian entrepreneurs.
The Propelling Black Entrepreneurship program will launch in April 2023, the details for participating in this program will be available on FACE’s website at https://facecoalition.com/
About FACE
The Federation of African Canadian Economics is a coalition of Black-led organizations dedicated to stimulating economic growth and creating generational wealth for Canadians of African Descent. In 2021 FACE was launched to address the needs of Black business owners and entrepreneurs who were economically devastated during the pandemic.
SOURCE The Federation of African Canadian Economics
Consumer Corner
Things to Look for When Considering an Auto Secured Loan
Many Americans continue to feel pressure from rising everyday expenses. Some are turning to credit cards and other expensive options like unsecured loans to cover surprise bills, manage a temporary gap in cash flow or even pay for basics like groceries and gas. For these people, an auto secured loan may offer another option for borrowers who own a vehicle and are looking for a more affordable way to access funds.
(Feature Impact) Many Americans continue to feel pressure from rising everyday expenses. Some are turning to credit cards and other expensive options like unsecured loans to cover surprise bills, manage a temporary gap in cash flow or even pay for basics like groceries and gas.
For these people, an auto secured loan may offer another option for borrowers who own a vehicle and are looking for a more affordable way to access funds.
Unlike an unsecured personal loan, an auto secured loan uses a vehicle as collateral. This can help borrowers qualify for higher loan amounts at better interest rates and with more flexible repayment terms.
Not all loans are created equal, however. If you’re considering an auto secured loan, here are six features that responsible lender Oportun suggests borrowers prioritize when evaluating their options.
1. Transparent, Easy-to-Understand Terms
A responsible lender will clearly explain the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR), monthly payment amount, repayment schedule, fees and total cost over time.
Borrowers should also understand what happens if a payment is missed and what options may be available if financial circumstances change. Clear information helps consumers make confident, informed decisions.
2. Affordable and Predictable Payments
The best loan is one that fits comfortably within your budget. Look for fixed monthly payments, reasonable repayment terms and the ability to pay off the loan early without penalties. Be cautious of products that rely on repeated refinancing or loan rollovers that can increase costs over time.
3. Lower-Cost Alternatives to Payday
When unexpected expenses arise, some consumers turn to high-cost forms of credit, such as payday loans, because they are often marketed as fast and easy to secure.
A responsible auto secured loan may offer a more affordable alternative with lower rates and repayment terms designed to help borrowers successfully repay what they borrow rather than become trapped in a cycle of debt. Be sure to shop rates across loan types and lenders.
4. Flexibility and Strong Customer Support
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Borrowers should look for lenders that offer convenient account management tools, flexible payment options and access to knowledgeable customer support representatives. The ability to get help when it’s needed can make a meaningful difference over the life of your loan.
5. Credit Building Opportunities
A loan can do more than just solve an immediate financial need. Many responsible lenders report payment activity to the major credit bureaus, allowing borrowers to build or strengthen their credit history through consistent, on-time payments. Over time, a stronger credit profile can open the door to additional financial opportunities.
6. Responsible Collateral Practices
Before taking out an auto secured loan, it’s important to understand how a lender approaches collateral. Responsible lenders use a vehicle to help expand access to credit. They do not offer credit as a shortcut to taking ownership of your vehicle. Look for lenders that offer hardship assistance and work with borrowers facing financial setbacks before pursuing collection actions. Repossession should always be a last resort.
Choosing the Right Lending Partner
If you’re considering an auto secured loan, make sure the lender you choose supports these six practices. Responsible lenders design their products to help people both access funds for short-term needs and improve their long-term financial health.
For example, Oportun offers clearly priced auto secured personal loans designed to help members access affordable credit and repay them on time so they can build a stronger financial future. Since its founding, the lender has provided more than $22 billion in responsible and affordable credit, helped more than 1.3 million people establish a credit history and saved its members more than $2.5 billion in interest and fees.
By focusing on lenders that prioritize transparency, affordability, flexibility and successful repayment outcomes, borrowers can find an auto secured loan that meets their current and future financial needs. Discover more information by visiting Oportun.com.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Oportun
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Travel
How to Get More Out of Your Travel Budget
Every great vacation starts long before you pack a suitcase – from choosing where to go to mapping out the perfect itinerary – ensuring you get the most out of your travel budget.
How to Get More Out of Your Travel Budget
(Feature Impact) Every great vacation starts long before you pack a suitcase – from choosing where to go to mapping out the perfect itinerary.
A recent survey conducted online by Talker Research on behalf of World of Hyatt found 70% of U.S. respondents ages 18-65 feel pressure to make every vacation feel “worth the money.” For many, travel rewards have become part of making that happen with 74% saying using travel rewards makes travel spending feel more worthwhile. That sentiment is even stronger among younger travelers, including 84% of Gen Z and 77% of Millennials.
It’s no surprise travelers are putting more thought into the planning process. Nearly 4 in 10 respondents said they spend three or more hours researching and choosing a destination, showing that getting the most out of a travel budget has become just as important as choosing the destination itself.
Make Everyday Spending More Rewarding
One of the easiest ways to stretch your travel budget is choosing a credit card that rewards the purchases you’re already making. More than half of travelers (53%) who travel at least once a year and use credit cards said they’d travel more often if accommodations were partially covered by rewards or points, while 36% said they’d take trips they otherwise wouldn’t.
With the World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase, cardmembers earn two Bonus Points per $1 spent on dining, local transit and airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, plus one Bonus Point per $1 on all other purchases. When it’s time to travel, cardmembers earn up to 9X total points on qualifying purchases at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts (four Bonus Points per $1 spent with the card and up to five Base Points per eligible $1 spent as a World of Hyatt member). By turning everyday spending into travel rewards, the credit card can help bring those getaways within reach.
For those looking to earn toward future vacations faster, now through Aug. 20, 2026, new World of Hyatt Credit Card cardmembers can earn up to 75,000 Bonus Points – enough to redeem for up to five free nights at Category 1-5 Hyatt hotels or resorts when redemption levels are at or below 15,000 points per night.
- 45,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
- Up to 30,000 Bonus Points by earning two Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first six months on purchases that normally earn one Bonus Point (up to $15,000)
Free hotel nights also top many travelers’ wish lists with nearly half of survey respondents (45%) saying they’re the most valuable travel reward. To help make stays more attainable, the credit card also includes an annual Category 1-4 Free Night Award after each cardmember anniversary with the opportunity to earn a second after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. Complimentary Discoverist status adds even more value with perks like room upgrades and 2 p.m. late checkout (as available), helping make every stay even more enjoyable.
Find Your Next Escape
Put your rewards to work at unforgettable destinations, such as:
- Get away this fall
Experience fall at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, where scenic waterfront trails, championship golf and seasonal outdoor adventures offer a relaxing change of pace.
- Celebrate the season in the city
Plan a festive Chicago getaway at Chicago Athletic Association with easy access to Millennium Park’s ice-skating rink, the Christkindlmarket, holiday lights and the city’s vibrant dining scene.
- Spend the new year at the beach
Escape to Wild Dunes Resort, where oceanfront accommodations, sandy beaches, championship golf and resort amenities create the perfect coastal Carolina getaway.
Start Planning Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re planning a bucket-list vacation or a weekend escape, thoughtful planning and making everyday spending work harder can help unlock your next getaway.
Learn more about maximizing your travel rewards at chase.com/gethyattcard.
Content courtesy of Chase and World of Hyatt.
Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults aged 18 – 65 who travel at least once per year and use credit cards. The survey was commissioned by Hyatt and administered online by Talker Research between June 29-July 6, 2026.+
SOURCE:
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Lifestyle
Get Your Kids Ready to Go Back-to-School with Affordable Health Coverage
Once school starts, life moves fast. There is homework, practices, permission slips, and early mornings. Before the calendar fills up, take a moment to make sure your child has affordable health coverage for the year ahead.
Get Your Kids Ready to Go Back-to-School with Affordable Health Coverage
(Feature Impact) Once school starts, life moves fast. There is homework, practices, permission slips, and early mornings. Before the calendar fills up, take a moment to make sure your child has health coverage for the year ahead.
Free or low-cost health coverage is available through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid in your state for eligible individuals. With health coverage, your kids and teens can get the care they need to stay healthy and do well in school.
Think your family might not qualify? You might be surprised. Many families may qualify for coverage without realizing it! Eligibility varies by state and is based on family income and household size. In most states, children up to age 19 from a family of four earning up to $80,000 per year may be eligible. In some states, eligible children can still qualify if family income is even higher.
Getting your child covered helps you get them the health care they may need. When a child is sick, the right medicines help them get back to school. If a child has a tough time focusing, there are supports to help. If your child does not see as well as other children, these programs cover glasses. Healthy kids are confident kids, who are ready to participate in every opportunity inside and outside the classroom!
Why Health Coverage Belongs on Your Kids’ Back-to-School List
Having health coverage can help families, like yours, to send your kids and teens off to school ready to learn. Depending on the program and a child’s individual needs, Medicaid and CHIP can provide eligible kids up to age 18 (Medicaid) or 19 (CHIP) with a range of services to support their health all year long, such as:
- Annual checkups and school physicals to prepare children to learn, play, and participate.
- Preventive care to identify health needs early and keep children healthy throughout the year.
- Dental care to help prevent tooth aches, cavities, and missed school days.
- Vision and hearing services to support learning and classroom participation.
- Mental health care to support emotional well-being and school success.
- Prescription medications and treatment to help manage symptoms and stay on track.
- Specialized services for children with disabilities to support growth and learning.
How to Apply
You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP in many ways:
- By phone
- By mail
- In-person through your state’s Medicaid or CHIP office
- Or find your state’s information online at InsureKidsNow.gov/coverage.
Act now to get your child covered before they need health care. Enrollment for these programs is open year-round, meaning families do not have to wait for a specific time of year to get covered.
Once enrolled, coverage must be renewed every twelve months, so it is important to keep your address, email, and phone number up to date with your state Medicaid or CHIP office to avoid missing important renewal information. Visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) for more information.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. This communication was printed, published, or produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer expense.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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