Finding Financial Freedom: Workshop Series

"Wait, what do you mean by fund your own freedom?" 

WE MEAN- If you're not working towards finding financial freedom, you're working towards losing it.

 

The Office of Economic Development (OED) is committed to overcoming the systemic marginalization of Black,

Indigenous and People of Color (BIPoC) communities by building an inclusive economy in the City of Seattle. As

the economy continues to recover from the impacts of COVID, Seattle’s small businesses will need to be competitive

by continuing to pivot business operations by offering eCommerce solutions, establishing and/or building an online

presence, and implementing robust accounting systems and practices, etc. 

The purpose of this program is to help historically-resilient, small businesses owners who reside and work in

BIPoC Communities to obtain a core understanding of best financial practices through free business education and strengthen their confidence in making financial decisions. 

COME AS YOU ARE, join the discussion, ask the questions you have, learn something new, and network with other entrepreneurs funding their own freedom! 

YOUR PANELISTS:

Tierra Bonds

“The Queen of Credit”

Tierra Bonds is from Olympia, Washington, and started Take Charge Consulting, LLC because owning a business was a dream of hers for as long as she could remember. Going against the traditional 9a-5p grain was expected for Bonds, a rebel at heart. Her company, Take Charge Credit Consulting provides credit repair and business consulting to authorize more young professionals to reach their credit, income, and lifestyle goals. Over the past 3 years, she has helped hundreds of diverse individuals with vital credit improvement and is currently honoring her mission of reducing the wealth gap by educating 100,000 people on credit and entrepreneurship while simultaneously aiding in the launch of 100 businesses. Outside of her professional life, Tierra is a foodie, dog mom, traveler, and favorite aunt.

Taryll Calhoun, Sr.

“The Tax Nerd”

Taryll Calhoun, Sr. is an Enrolled Agent and the owner of TNT Tax & Services in Seattle. Calhoun has performed professional tax services for over a decade in the Greater Seattle area and has worked for various reputable tax firms such as H&R Block and Liberty Tax. Taryll opened his own tax firm six years ago because he felt he could provide a more satisfactory service at a better price. Taryll has had several businesses over the years and understands the importance of having a proper understanding of accounting and taxation can make or break a business. Taryll, a self-proclaimed “Tax Nerd”, is always available to answer questions for individuals and fellow entrepreneurs alike.

Taryll was born and raised in Seattle and is the father of three. When he is not crunching numbers, filing out tax forms, or talking with IRS agents. Taryll likes spending time with his family, hiking, camping, and having a cold beer while watching his Seattle Seahawks.

Jawan Harris

“Basquiat of Business”

Born and raised in Seattle’s South End, Jawan Harris began his journey of business ownership as a response to the city’s ballooning gentrification and economic displacement of its communities of color. King’s Dream Business Consulting, philosophically inspired by  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Seattle’s King County, was established during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide small businesses across the country with technical business expertise at an affordable rate to increase their chance at economic survival. As of today, King’s Dream’s team of American business builders empowers sales growth in the areas of marketing, design, and operations strategy for both small businesses and local business districts. King’s Dream Consulting is also a certified Minority Business Enterprise and King County Small Contracts and Supplies company. Jawan’s background includes automated logistics earned through serving in the armed forces, multi-location market management, regional sales management, and holding a degree in retail management principles. Outside of business, Harris enjoys partaking in the local arts community, writing poetry, social justice, professional development, and the joyful panic of getting literally lost in nature.

Topics Covered:

Cash Management Fundamentals-

•  How to read and act on key financial reports (e.g., Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
• Leading cash management best practices to ensure profitability

Business Credit Improvement-

• Introduction to Credit Repair Consulting
• The importance of healthy credit in a small business environment
• How to leverage your credit to your entrepreneurial advantage

Bookkeeping, Accounting & Taxes-

• Learning the difference between Bookkeeping and Accounting and the importance of each
• Which accounting solution is right for your business, cloud-based, local, and national accounting solutions
• Small business tax preparation

Learning Outcomes:

1. Increased small business financial acumen
2. Introduction to user-friendly accounting solutions on the market & overview
3. Increased loan & lending eligibility
4. Increased awareness of accounting best practices & tax considerations
5. Personal and business credit awareness & improvement