How Do I Qualify?
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
To qualify for The Freedom In Me Business Showers program, applicants must meet the
following criteria: pre-venture, a sole proprietor, For-profit or non-profit organization within the United States. Verification will be conducted via the Office of the Secretary of State to confirm the filing date and/or through a review of personal/business income tax records. In addition, the following Program requirements must be met:
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1.1 LLC Holders with Lapsed Filing
LLC holders who initially filed with the Secretary of State but did not renew their LLC filing are eligible. Applicants must show proof of the current year’s taxes and demonstrate that they have not operated outside of their LLC structure for more than three years.
1.2 Sole Proprietorships
Sole proprietorships that have been operational for three years or less qualify and are subject to business income verification through personal taxes not to have exceeded $75,000 in annual revenue.
SCREENING CRITERIA
2.1 Applicants will sit for a panel interview to determine their commitment and readiness for a twelve-week training program. The panel is looking to see what you have done and also assess the viability if your business model.
2.2 Business Shower Board will review any special circumstances outside of the above criteria and can approve or deny applicants through a vote if any special circumstances are present.
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Hey Freedom, It's Me!
BUSINESS REGISTRY
Honorees will participate in a competitive professional coaching program that provides high-level business development training.
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All honorees will be awarded a Business Shower and a standard business shower package, which includes the following services if needed:
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Legal Business Entity filing & Covered Fees associated with filing
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Single-Page Website Design fees are covered
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Professional Headshot & Brand photo
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Business Logo created & all fees associated with design
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Business Card Design & all fees associated with the design
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Small Business Banking 101 (Banking partner)
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Small Business Payroll & timekeeping (payroll partner)
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Business Showers operates as a competitive program where awards extend beyond the standard package, but are granted according to performance and ranking within the program.
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Honorees can receive industry-related gifts OR cash incentives (depending on availability).
Business Shower gifts are announced annually in July during the Business Shower event. Awards are contigent on deliverables pre and post Business Showers being met and are processed within 90 days post the Business Shower Events.
FINALIST APPLICATION/REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:
The only fee associated with our program is a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $100.00. This flat fee is collected from all applicants before an interview is scheduled.
Our recruitment efforts will be directed primarily to residents of Charlotte, North Carolina and its surrounding communities. However, this program is open to all businesses in the United States. If you are selected to be an honoree, all expenses related to travel and lodging are the honoree’s responsibility.
RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Recipients must commit to attending/competing in a twelve (12) week business training course to compile and pitch a fund-ready business plan; Attendance is required, including Saturdays.
Recipients are required to participate in our community vote program (soft marketing launch) by spreading the word about their business to family, friends, and within their communities; then obtaining votes for their business during the community vote campaign(s)
As part of the Freedom In Me Business Showers program, each recipient must also commit to attending a two-day event. (Business Shower) To be eligible to receive cash awards and business gifts, recipients must attend the events from July 18th, 2024, through July 19th, 2025, and all post-business shower training. (Typically four (4-6) weeks post the Business Shower Event)
Recipients are expected to give back to the Business Shower Program.
We refer to this as "The Giving Circle," and you can contribute by either volunteering at an event, in a training, completing a task, or making financial contributions to The Freedom In Me Business Showers. The ways to give are endless, just ask.
Recipients must cooperate with all post-follow-up surveys, calls, or requests to track business progress.
(EX: Business Shower exit interview, six (6) months, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year post-business showers).
Recipients must cooperate with any post-follow-up surveys, calls, or requests from Freedom In Me Business Showers to track business progress. We use this data to compete for funding for our recipients so they will continue receiving our free services.