6:10PM: WELCOME + INTRODUCTIONS: John Mapp Jr, President, Level Construction   

StrikeOut Wingz + Refreshments sponsored by NWBA. Thank you Jonathan Leonard for hosting.

• Introductions (1 min):  Your name, business name, business location, years in business, events

• • WHAT SERVICES OR RESOURCES DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED IN 2025?

  • HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS MEETING? 

  • ARE YOU A MEMBER OF NWBA?

• Follow us @NWbizatl on IG & FB. VisitEvents for Community Events.  Business Resources

6:25PM: APD Zone 1 Report 

6:30PM: District 3: Councilmember Amos: bdamos@atlantaga.gov 

• State of the District in February    SIGN UP FOR DISTRICT 3 NEWSLETTER

6:35PM: Finances: Ben Norman, Treasurer, Studio Driven

• Current Bank Balance: $32,021.19

• NWBA Profit & Loss Statement, ABI Grant and Budget

6:35PM: BUSINESS UPDATES: Jennifer Ohme, Community Development: welcome@nwba-atl.com

• COA BUSINESS LICENSE MEMBERS ONLY ASSISTANCE DAYS: 2/6/25 @ 1pm. Sign up here: https://nwba-atl.com/event-5978593. 6 members signed up. 

• • Business License Renewals due by Feb 15, 2025.   Payments due April 1, 2025. 

  • SEE INFO HERE- ONLY ONLINE AT ATLCORE PORTAL. 

  • Simplifying the Process Webinar Recording  Passcode: ?bYRj$6d

• 2024 Accomplishments  https://nwba-atl.com/BLOG/13453694

• • February: Networking and Meeting sponsors added. 

  • March: Launched NWBA-ATL.com with membership portal, blog and calendar. 

  • October: Hired part-time Social Media manager and launched social media profiles. 

  • • RECAP: 36 New members, 10 hosted monthly meetings, 9 local business networking sponsors, 48 community calendar events posted, 12 community events participated in, 7 workshops hosted, 200+ business owners engaged, 33 member spotlights posted, 105 social media followers since October, 61 informative business resource blogs posted and $59K grant funding received from the Atlanta BeltLine. 

• Northwest Atlanta 411: Resource Guide for Businesses & Residents

• • Friday, January 24 is the last day to join and still be published in the Community Resource Guide set to be available by our February 27th meeting. 

  • Graphic Artist/Layout Designer Needed by 1/31/25. MORE INFO + APPLY HERE

6:40PM: MEMBERSHIP: Gail Mapp, Committee Chair, Level Construction   https://nwba-atl.com/membership    37 MEMBERS!!! 

• $100 annual: DLH and Neighborhood Storefronts

• $50 annual: Affiliate and Resident Entrepreneur 

• Friday, January 24 is the last day to join and still be published in the Community Resource Guide. 

6:45PM: GROVE PARK READY PROGRAM: INITIAL SESSION: Eric Fears, Grove Park Foundation

https://nwba-atl.com/event-6041865

Monthly 30-minute intensive business development sessions followed by facilitated workshop discussions. Classes are designed to help Grove Park businesses assess and strengthen their operations for upcoming economic opportunities.

• Initial Sessions: 4th Thursday monthly, 30-minute presentation at monthly NWBA Networking Meetings from 6:00-7:30pm. RSVP TO MEETINGS

• Follow-up Workshops: 2nd Thursday the following month, group discussion and work review: 90 minutes at Grove Park Foundation, 1566 DLH Pkwy NW,  from 6-7:30pm.  SIGN UP HERE

• This is a three month series to launch the program. Each session has two parts. The series builds each month to complete in April.  Attend one or all. 

Location: Northwest Business Association Meetings and Grove Park Foundation office

BUSINESS SERIES

1. Business Readiness Assessment (January)

• Initial Session: 1/23/25 @ NWBA Meeting.  Workshop Focus: 2/13/25 @ GPF Office 

2. Business Model Assessment (February)

• Initial Session: 2/27/25 @ NWBA Meeting. Workshop Focus: 3/13/25 @ GPF Office

3. Marketing Assessment (March)

• Initial Session: 3/27/25 @ NWBA Meeting. Workshop Focus: 4/17/25 @ GPF Office

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 

• NWBA MONTHLY MEETINGS: 1/23, 2/27, 3/27, 4/24, 5/24, 6/26, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/20

• Grove Park Neighborhood Association: First Tuesday of the month @ 7pm- Paradise Baptist           GroveParkAtlanta.com

• Center Hill Neighborhood Association: First Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm. In Person: Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct, Virtual: Feb, Mar, May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Nov, Dec centerhillatl.com/ 

• NPU-J: 4th Tuesday at 7pm on Zoom.  Register here https://www.npujatlanta.com/zoom/ Center Hill, Dixie Hills, Grove Park, Harvel Homes, Penelope Neighbors, West Lake

7:15PM: ADJOURN: Networking until 7:30pm. 

The next Networking Meeting + Grove Park Ready Session is Thursday. Feb 27 @ 6pm: 2050 DLH Pkwy NW.

GROVE PARK FOUNDATION PRESENTS CAREER DAY

We are excited to be hosting Career Day at KIPP Woodson Park Academy on Friday, February 14th, at 8:45 AM, and we would be honored to have you, and members of the Northwest Business Association join us. This event provides a unique opportunity for our scholars to learn about a variety of professions and to be inspired by leaders in our community.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to inspire and empower our scholars. I look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards,

Roy Cogdell III

Education & Community Outreach Director

Office (404) 882-2410

Mobile (612) 816-9631 

1566 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

www.groveparkfoundation.org

VIRTUAL SATURDAY SCHOOL: Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

Join the RICE center for FREE hybrid classes to elevate your business in 2025. 

Retail Readiness Prep

• Tues., Jan 28th, 2025 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
• Sat., Feb 8th, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
• Tues., Feb 25th, 2025 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
• Sat., March 8th, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
• Tues., March 25th, 2025 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Launching Your First MVP

• Sat., February 8th, 2025 - 2:30pm - 3:30pm
• Sat., March 8th, 2025 - 2:30pm - 3:30pm
• Financial Prep for Growth & Scale
• Sat., February 8th, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Sat., March 8th, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Creating an Executive: Networking & Business Etiquette

• Sat., January 25th, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Sat., February 22nd, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Sat., March 22nd, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• The Digital CEO: Marketing & Online Sales
• Sat., January 25th, 2025 - 11:30am - 12:30pm
• Sat., February 22nd, 2025 - 11:30am - 12:30pm
• Sat., March 22nd, 2025 - 11:30am - 12:30pm

Global Business Essentials

• Sat., January 25th, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
• Sat., February 22nd, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
• Sat., March 22nd, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am

Can't make it in person? Join us virtually!
Saturday School is going hybrid.
Links will be provided when your RSVP for upcoming classes.

REGISTER HERE

The Northwest Business Association is seeking a contract graphic artist and layout designer to help create the 2025 Community Resource Guide. 

• This is a paid, contract position from January 2025-July 2025. 
• Budget is $2500. 

NWBA is seeking a skilled graphic artist with at last 3 years experience in illustration, graphics and print layout to create: 

• Original graphic art depicting the history, character and today's view of the NPU-J neighborhoods.  This will be used for printed cover art and scaled/resized to be used on the digital version, website, social media, printed posters and email newsletters to promote the guide.
• Print and digital formatting experience a must. 
• Layout of NWBA member directory with logos and contact info. 
• READ DESIGN BRIEF HERE

• First printing deadline is February 18, 2025.
• Second printing deadline is July 10, 2025 will include updated content and NWBA member directory.  Original cover artwork will not be changed.

Conditions: 

• Artist will be credited for original artwork. NWBA retains the exclusive rights to the finished artwork for uses in perpetuity as long as artist is credited. 
• Artist will receive a social media, website and newsletter feature. 
• Artist will receive a complementary NWBA membership and included in the Community Resource Guide.
• Payment terms will include a deposit and payments based on an agreed upon deliverable schedule between NWBA and artist. 

TO APPLY: 

Email your resume and digital portfolio/website to welcome@nwba-atl.com by January 28,2025.

• Include your name, business name, zip code and why you want to assist with this community project.  

2024 NWBA Year Review + Accomplishments

We're so proud of what we accomplished together last year. Your support and engagement makes YOUR business community thrive. 

Grove Park Ready: Business Ready Classes
Northwest Business Association Meeting Series

Program Overview

Join us for monthly FREE 30-minute intensive business development sessions followed by 90-minute facilitated workshop discussions. Classes are designed to help Grove Park businesses assess and strengthen their operations for upcoming economic opportunities.

Schedule & Format

• Initial Sessions: 4th Thursday monthly, 30-minute presentation at monthly NWBA Networking Meetings from 6:00-7:30pm. 
• Follow-up Workshops: 2nd Thursday  the following month, group discussion and work review: 90 minutes at Grove Park Foundation, 1566 DLH Pkwy NW,  from 6-7:30pm.  Secure your spot here
• This is a three month series to launch the program. Each session has two parts. The series builds each month to complete in April. 

Location

• Northwest Business Association Meetings and Grove Park Foundation office

Class Series

1. Business Readiness Assessment (January)

Initial Session: 1/23/25   SEE MATERIALS HERE

• Evaluating your business's current state
• Understanding operational strengths and gaps
• Identifying growth opportunities and challenges
• Tools for self-assessment and benchmarking

Workshop Focus: 2/13/25

• Review of completed business assessments
• Action plan development
• Peer feedback and solutions

2. Business Model Assessment (February)

Initial Session: 2/27/25

• Analysis of revenue streams and cost structures
• Customer segment identification
• Value proposition refinement
• Resource allocation evaluation

Workshop Focus: 3/13/25

• Business model canvas review
• Strategy adjustment recommendations
• Scaling opportunities discussion

3. Marketing Assessment (March)

Initial Session: 3/27/25

• Current marketing strategy evaluation
• Digital presence assessment
• Target market analysis
• Brand positioning review

Workshop Focus: 4/17/25

• Marketing plan critiques
• Audience engagement strategies
• Implementation timeline development

Expected Outcomes

Participants will complete each month with:

• Detailed assessment of their business area
•  Actionable improvement plan
• Network of peer support
• Access to additional resources and mentorship

Registration

Contact the Northwest Business Association to secure your spot in this valuable program series. See EVENTS PAGE

Atlanta Business League Bridge Mentor Program

In partnership with Atlanta Gas Light, The Atlanta Business League’s Bridge Program is a comprehensive six-month mentorship program designed to uplift entrepreneurs and aspiring executives with a passion for building and growing successful ventures. Through our comprehensive network of mentors, experts and resources, participants are equipped with the tools and confidence to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

Our program is open to entrepreneurs at all stages, aspiring executives, as well as college students and recent graduates ready to turn their ideas into impactful businesses. Program participants range in age from 19-40 years.

The Bridge Program offers:

• Guided Mentorship: Work with accomplished business leaders who provide insights, feedback, and support tailored to your unique business journey.
• Hands-On Workshops & Training: Gain practical skills through workshops on financial planning, digital marketing, scaling operations, and more.
• Access to Resources: Connect with resources covering everything from finance and marketing to technology and operational strategy, ensuring you have what you need to succeed.
• Community Building: Join a network of peers, seasoned entrepreneurs, recent graduates, and college students, fostering connections that lead to collaboration and growth.
• Pathways to Opportunity: Discover avenues for funding, partnerships, and business development to fuel sustainable growth.

Whether you’re an established small business owner looking to grow, aspiring executive, a student with a fresh perspective, or a recent graduate with big ideas, The Bridge Program is here to support you in achieving your vision. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of business leaders and executives in Metro-Atlanta and creating a thriving ecosystem for success.

Application Deadline: February 14, 2025

Program Start Date: March 4, 2025

Apply Today https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7F5RRMQ

6:00PM:  THANK YOU SPONSORS:  Sweet & Savory Snacks sponsored by Hot 365 Media. Refreshments provided by NWBA. Host: Center Well Grove Park   SPONSOR THE NEXT MEETING

6:10PM: WELCOME: John Mapp Jr., President, Owner of Level Construction  

• Attendees: Name, Business Name, Location and number of years in business.

• SPONSOR: Hot 365 Media: Malorie Stewart

6:20 PM: Atlanta Police Department Zone 1

6:25 PM: City Council District 3 (Amos) District 9 (Hillis)       

6:30 PM: Northwest Business Association Updates

Treasurer's Report: Ben Norman, Studio Driven, NWBA Bank Balance as of 11.14.24: $10,179.49

• 2024 Budget + Income Statement. Atlanta BeltLine Grant funds next month! 

MEMBERSHIP: Chair, Gail Mapp, Level Construction: Based on your physical location of your business. One year- renews on join date. Online application, payment and membership directory.  JOIN HERE

• DLH Pkwy Corridor Storefront: $100 year   NPU-J Neighborhood Storefront: $100 year Resident Entrepreneur: $50 year    Affiliate: $50 year        Civic Services: FREE

• WELCOME TO OUR 33 MEMBERS: Bell Liberty Group, Center Hill Neighborhood Association, Paco tacos Atl, Historic Hills Community Development Corporation, Alhabu Scrubs LLC, whisk and ladle, Start:ME Northwest ATL, Level Construction, Party Wat3r Inc., Studio Driven, LLC., idealDESIGN, inc, Snug Concerts, Inc, Anders LLC, L.E.A.D. Center For Youth, HOT365Media, The Study Hall, Grove Park Neighborhood Association, Haliburton Heavy Equipment Operator School, The Laundry Centers, StrikeOut Wingz, Travel Source, Greener Solutions Tax and Accounting, Grove Park Foundation, Paradise CDC, Paradise Baptist Church, Fit-LC, Glaciers Italian Ice, Byron Amos City Council District 3, and Dogwood Library.

• Pending: PAWKids, Waffle Chicks of Atlanta, LLC. and Robyn Hoodz Beauty and Barber

>>>>Goal is 60 members in 2024! 27 more to go! We’ve grown 3 members since 10.24.24

NEW MEMBER BENEFIT: Join and get printed in the Community Resource Guide

• Neighborhood Association Collaboration Form

• Seeking Graphic Designer for cover and layout. Paid position.  More info & Apply Here

SOCIAL MEDIA WITH MALORIE: Malorie Stewart Hot365 Media: media@nwba-atl.com

• Follow us @NWBIZATL on IG & FB.  MEMBERS: Tag us and we’ll reshare in our stories/reels.

OPPORTUNITIES: 

• StartME: NorthwestSessions start Tuesdays Jan.’25. Cohorts will be notified this month! 

• Fifth Third Small Business Catalyst Fund:  Apply by 12/13. Applications are being accepted from October 31 – December 13th!       https://smallbusinesscatalystfund.com/

• • Grants in the amount of $5,300 are available to businesses in the Grove Park neighborhood (zip codes 30314, 30318)

  • Working capital loans are available starting as low as $5K and up to $750K (must be in the Fifth Third footprint)

• Paradise Baptist Church's 159th Commemorative Booklet Advertise by 12/31/24   

MORE INFO

• FIRST 2025 WORKSHOP: City of Atlanta Business License Assistance. Deadline Feb 15th.  Who needs assistance? 2 hour spots. January 9, 16, 23 & Feb 6, 2025. 

NWBA HOLIDAY GATHERING:  Thursday. December 12 from 6-8:30pm @ 2050 DLH PKWY NW featuring food, drinks, raffle and kids coat drive with Women R Inc. MORE INFO

FOOD & DRINK:  Featuring NWBA members. Not a member? Join here. 

• Donate food or drinks for 25 people to get listed on the FB event, newsletters and social. For every donation, NWBA will purchase a $25 gift card from your business or a $25 visa card promoting your business for the raffle. 

RAFFLE PRIZES: Featuring NWBA members. Not a member?  Join here. 

• Donate a service or product(s) valued at $25 to get listed on the FB event, newsletters and social media. 

• For every raffle donation, NWBA will purchase a $25 gift card from your business or a $25 visa card to be used back at your business for the raffle.  Limit 2 per business. 

SIGN UP TO BRING FOOD, DRINK OR DONATE RAFFLE PRIZES HERE

KIDS COAT DRIVE WITH WOMEN R. INC. 

• Bring a new or unused winter coat for kids size 2T -17 years old to help single mothers in the community to the holiday gathering. 

• For every coat you donate, you'll receive ONE RAFFLE TICKET for a chance to win amazing prizes from NWBA members. 

NWBA MEMBERS: SIGN UP TO DONATE FOOD/DRINKS AND RAFFLE ITEMS

HOW TO GET RAFFLE TICKETS

• NWBA Member = 1 Raffle Ticket

• Donate Food or Drink = 1 Raffle Ticket

• Donate to the Raffle Drawings = 1 Raffle Ticket per donation

• Bring an unused or new kids coat = 1 Raffle Ticket per coat

• PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS: 1 for $1. 10 for $5. 20 for $10.  All money collected for raffle tickets will be given to Women R. Inc to support this coat drive.  Cash or Credit Card accepted. 

6:45PM: PRESENTATION

Understanding Small Business Financial Statements presented by Fifth Third Bank           Participant Guide  Brittani M. White and Latosha Trammer         

7:15 PM: ADJOURN               Holiday Gathering 12/12 @ 6pm. Everyone Welcome! 

NETWORKING UNTIL 7:30PM

Paradise Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 159th Anniversary in October.  It also launches our road to the monumental 160th Anniversary in 2025. Perhaps you joined Reed Street Baptist Church as a child when you lived in the Summerhill Community   Perhaps a dear departed family member is your connection to this church. Whatever your relationship to Paradise Baptist Church, we invite you to participate in our 159th Anniversary.  The theme of this anniversary is Celebrating a Glorious Past-a Productive Present- an Incredible Future.

Anniversaries give us the time to stop and reflect.  We stop, remember and re-dedicate ourselves to our vision and mission as a church and as an influencer in the community.   Members are asked to donate one dollar per church year or any amount as the Lord has prospered you.  To our Paradise Associates, we welcome your contributions as well.  There will be an Anniversary Souvenir Program in which you can place FULL COLOR ads. The prices are as follows:

Full Page-----------$100 One-half page------$50 One quarter page--$25

Please contact Francine Jackson at fjacksonre@gmail.com or email administration@paradiseatlmbc.org for more information. Extended Submission deadline: December 31, 2024

Ad Sizes: 

Full page is 8 1/2 by 11 inches 

Half 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 inches

Quarter technically was business card but in the book it was larger.

Approximately 2 by 2 2/3 inches. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the October 24th general networking meeting. Thank you to Alhabu Scrubs for the yummy sandwiches and bringing young entrepreneurs to the meeting.  We appreciate Center Well for hosting our meetings.

Our meeting was very informative with the FREE 30 MINUTE WORKSHOP by Fifth Third Bank. Get caught up by reading the following

READ THE MEETING AGENDA

VIEW THE HOW TO OBTAIN BUSINESS CREDIT PRESENTATION by Fifth Third Bank.

DOWNLOAD THE PARTICIPANT GUIDE