We are not just here to scroll. We are here to learn, grow, make money, and build together. This month, we are opening up the floor to the brilliance inside this community. 💎 What is your expertise? 💎 What problem do you solve? 💎 What product or service do you offer? Drop your expertise in the comments and type YES along with your website or link! if you would like the floor to share your product or service with the community. Let’s collaborate. Let’s refer each other. Let’s support each other. Let’s step it up in February. Your voice matters. Your business matters. Your impact matters. Now tell us… what do you do? 💚

What it is: A national recognition and grant program from Zoom celebrating 50 of the most innovative solo entrepreneurs in the U.S.. 🗓Deadline Nominations are open until: 📅 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 13, 2026 ✅Who Qualifies To be eligible for the Zoom Solopreneur 50 program you must: • Operate a U.S.-based business • Have no full-time employees (sole founder/operator) • Be in business for at least 12 months • Demonstrate innovation, independence, and measurable impact in your business Other industries are welcome — creative, tech, consulting, education, wellness, media, community impact, etc. 🎁 What Winners Receive • Recognition as a Zoom Solopreneur 50 honoree — national visibility across Zoom platforms and community exposure. • Access to a network of mentors and peers in the Zoom ecosystem. • Top 5 Honorees receive financial grants to grow their business. 📍How to Apply / Nominate Anyone can nominate themselves or another solopreneur by completing the online form. 🔗 Nomination/Application Link: https://www.zoom.com/solo50 📝 Notes • No purchase or payment required to enter or win. • Only one nomination per person (self-nominations allowed). • Honorees are announced in Q2 2026 after review by a panel of judges.

i felt amazing and confident.

This is a strong opportunity for brick-and-mortar business owners ready to grow and make deeper community impact. Grant Name: Amex Shop Small Grants ProgramGrant Amount: $20,000 per award 💵Run by: American Express in partnership with Main Street America 👥 Who qualifies To be eligible, your business must: • Be a for-profit small business • Be independently owned • Operate from a physical brick-and-mortar location • Be located in the United States or Washington, D.C. • Have been operating at the current location since at least January 1, 2025 • Have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees • Be legally registered and in good standing • Be owned by someone 18 years or older • Have a clear project plan for how funds will be used ❌ Not eligible This program does not fund:• Nonprofits• Franchises• Online-only businesses• Home-based businesses• Mobile vendors• Businesses operating from coworking or shared spaces 💡 What the money can be used for Funds must be used for growth and impact, such as:• Marketing campaigns• Store improvements or build-outs• Purchasing equipment• Expanding product lines• Enhancing customer experience• Community-focused upgrades These funds are meant to help you grow and innovate, not cover payroll or debt. 📅 Application window Closes: January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT 📌 How applications are evaluated Applications are reviewed based on:• Eligibility• Business impact• Community impact• Feasibility of your project plan• Ability to complete project within six months 🔗 Apply here https://mainstreet.org/about/partner-collaborations/amex-shop-small-grant-program 🧠 Pro Tip from Inga Nykole Do not submit a vague plan & be specific about what you will build, improve, or expand with the $20,000. Funders want to see vision, clarity, and execution.

Today we’re spotlighting a MAJOR funding opportunity backed by American Express, in partnership with Main Street America — this is a serious grant for businesses ready to grow. 💰 Grant Amount Up to $20,000 📅 Deadline Closes February 2026(Apply early — this one is competitive) 🎯 WHO THIS GRANT IS FOR ✔ U.S. small business owners✔ Independently owned, for-profit businesses✔ Brick-and-mortar businesses (physical locations)✔ 20 or fewer employees 🚫 Not for nonprofits, online-only, or home-based businesses 🔗 APPLY HERE 👉 https://mainstreet.org/about/partner-collaborations/amex-shop-small-grant-program 📝 TODAY’S CHALLENGE 1. Click the link and review eligibility 2. If eligible, outline:• What you want to fund• How $20,000 would move your business forward• How your business impacts the local community 3. Begin your application or save your notes for submission You do not have to submit today — today is about strategy and preparation. 💡 WHY THIS GRANT MATTERS This grant supports:• Business expansion• Equipment or renovations• Marketing and customer growth• Community-centered business improvements American Express is investing in local businesses that matter. 💬 COMMUNITY ACTION Comment below when you review or start:👉 “DAY 21 READY” Bonus: Share your project idea in one sentence. 💛 COACHING FROM INGA Big grants require clear vision — not perfection.Preparation is how funding becomes possible. Let’s keep the momentum going. We’re building fundable businesses together.