Mr. Nadadur S. Kumar, a prominent U.S. immigration attorney with over 30 years of experience, will lead the session. He will walk attendees through key aspects of the EB-5 program, including eligibility requirements, the difference between direct and regional centre investments, job creation mandates, targeted employment areas, documentation standards, and recent changes impacting Indian applicants. The seminar is intended to equip participants with accurate, actionable information so they can make well-informed decisions in what has become an increasingly complex immigration environment.

“In today’s global climate, families are looking for long-term solutions that offer security, flexibility, and opportunity,” said Mr. Nadadur S. Kumar. “The EB-5 visa continues to be one of the most effective and reliable pathways to U.S. permanent residency — not only for investors, but for their spouses and children as well. Our goal with this seminar is to demystify the process and help individuals make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.”

In recent years, interest in the EB-5 visa from Indian investors has grown significantly, driven in part by uncertainties around student visas, H-1B backlogs, and long wait times for green cards through traditional routes. The seminar comes at a time when many high-net-worth individuals are seeking more reliable and permanent solutions for U.S. residency for themselves and their families. Financial advisors, wealth managers, and legal professionals who work with clients interested in U.S. immigration are also encouraged to attend.

The seminar will be held in Pune at JW Marriott Hotel, Pune, from 4:00 PM onwards, with participation free of charge, though prior registration is required as seats are limited. For registration or further details, interested individuals can visit the Law Offices of Nadadur S. Kumar’s website at www.nskumarlaw.com.

The post Understanding the Surge in Indian Interest for EB-5 Visa appeared first on NRI News.

CINCINATI, OH: Dr. Hetal Gor, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist from New Jersey, assumed charge as the Chair, Board of Trustees of AAPI, during the 43^rd annual convention being organized here at the iconic Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter and Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH on Saturday, July 65, 2025. Dr. Sunil Kaza, the outgoing BOT Chair, during the luncheon meeting as part of the Convention, officially handed over the mantle to Dr. Gor.

“Reflecting on AAPI’s progress over the last year, Dr. Sunil Kaza, the outgoing BOT Chair, said during the luncheon meeting, ‘Start of AAPI 2024-2025 term was like a storm, the likes of which AAPI had never seen before !” Quoting Sadhguru, Dr. Kaza said, “You can learn to prevent the storm, or you can learn to ride the storm! If you can learn how to ride the storm, the storm is not a problem anymore. We decided to ride the storm! We decided to right the ship !” and added, “Despite multiple and significant challenges, together with our EC, BOT, and committee members, we have fulfilled our PROMISES.”

Highlighting some of the major initiatives under his leadership, Dr. Kaza said, “We provided scholarships through the Kakani educational scholarship for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. For medical students, residents, and fellows, funds were secured and raised to support MSRF and its convention. For young physicians, funding was obtained to support YPS and their convention.”

For AAPI, Dr. Kaza said, “BOT helped address various legal matters. We secured IMRA membership for AAPI and united Indian physicians regardless of their state of origin. We prioritized fiscal responsibility by minimizing social event expenses and ensured AAPI elections followed ethical standards. Collaboration with the Executive Committee maintained transparency and continued a conservative approach to spending.”

Regarding the activities from the US to India, Dr. Kaza referred to an AAPI meeting with India’s Health Minister, Mr. JP Nada, to discuss improvements in emergency medicine care, including expanding education and increasing the availability of EMT technicians. Discussions also focused on increasing residency seats in family and emergency medicine.

During his leadership, he said, AAPI sponsored research awards for GAIMS, supported its peer-reviewed journal, collaborated to promote HPV vaccination awareness and raise $45,000 for health and education initiatives in India, began work on the AAPI Global Foundation, raised $31,000 to support 62 tribal schools through Ekal Vidyalaya, and worked to obtain FCRA exemption for future charitable activities via the AAPI India Foundation.

Dr. Hetal Gor is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, is the president/Founder of Bergen Indian Medical Association, President /Founder of US chapter of FOGSI (Federation of OBGYN Society of India, and had served as the past President of the American Association of OBGYN of Indian Origin. Dr Gor is the Chair of the North NJ chapter of the Indian American Women Entrepreneurs Association, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, where she brings Indian art and artists to showcase Indian Heritage.

Dr. Gor shared with the audience her ten-year journey in AAPI, from co-Chair of the NYC Convention in 2016 to the chairwoman of the AAPI BOT. Dr.Gor described her plans for AAPI as the new Chair -Her plans in collaboration with the new Executive Committee led by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty.

“One thing that I’m very passionate about is knowledge, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, so starting this year a medical Legal monthly Zoom webinars, this  will be in collaboration with SABA -South Asian Bar Association.”

Integrative medical wellness is another area Dr. Gor wants to focus on, she said. “This will help us have work-life balance, tackle physician burnout, and create a demanding, stressful work environment,” said Dr. Gor

“A well-balanced person is a better physician,” Dr. Gor said. Another area where AAPI plans to engage is organizing free health fairs and lecture sessions, educating the general public on common health issues that impact our communities.

“This year, we plan to implement and continue with the mentorship mentee program, guiding the junior physicians, medical student residents, alongside working with AMA,” Dr. Gor said. She promised financial stability, transparency, integrity, and hard work. “So, we’re going to make it a fun, entertaining, stress-free environment with positive vibrations, and everybody will be part of it.”

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, the outgoing President of AAPI lauded the support and guidance he received from Dr. Kaza and other members of the BOT, including the incoming BOT Chair, Dr. Gor. Expressing his gratitude to AAPI’s executive committee members, including  AAPI’s Convention committee chairs and members, volunteers and sponsors for their continued dedication and visionary leadership in their efforts to make this convention truly a historic one for all, Dr. Kathula, said. “The organizing committees have been working hard to make the AAPI Convention of 2025 rewarding and memorable for all.”

Announcing the recipients of the prestigious AAPI Service Awards, Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda said,  “AAPI is glad to recognize and honor your accomplishments, hard work, dedication, and  contributions to the cause of AAPI.”

Dr. Navin Nanda, Dr. P.K. Vedantham, Dr. Krishan Kumarm, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Dr. Ravi Parikh, and Dr. Avi Singh Gandhi were honored with the prestigious AAPI awards at the luncheon event. 

Dr. Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh Media, shared with the audience his vision to share our heritage with the next generation of Indian origin people through his media platforms. He assured the audience of his collaboration and support for AAPI in reaching its message across the Indian American community. “It’s been an honor and privilege for me to be associated with AAPI because I recognize the tremendous role that is being played by AAPI in promoting friendship between India and the United States,” he said.

In his keynote address, Aftab Pureval shared with the audience his life story as a child born to refugees from the Himalayas in the United States. “I’m the son of a refugee. My mom was born in Tibet, and she was forced to flee when the Communists took over. So my mom and my grandparents picked up, made their way through the Himalayas, through Nepal, and into India. Against all odds, she made it to college by the grace of the support and generosity of the Indian government, where she met my father, who’s from Punjab, India. The young couple got married and decided to come to the United States.”

Pureval went on to add, “I’m proud of my parents’ story, and proud of the fact that the generations that came before you had to struggle and progress to create community. Had to take racism and xenophobia head-on and nevertheless create community, whether it be religious or cultural, or professional, to continue to thrive and grow in this country. My parents loved America even before they themselves were Americans. They loved the idea of the American dream, and they came here hard, and they achieved that dream for themselves, but also their kids.”

Referring to the flourishing community of Indian Americans, Pureval said, “Our community is so drawn to healthcare, so drawn to helping others, so drawn to public service, so drawn to supporting the most vulnerable in our community. And it’s because of Trailblazers like you that next generations like me and my brother can pursue our dreams in whatever field that may be. Congratulations, everybody, so excited for you to choose Cincinnati, and I hope you have a wonderful conference.”

The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academia, research, and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and lawmakers. AAPI is also transitioning into a multiyear thinking and behavior by maintaining core continuity.

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CHICAGO, IL: Lalbhai Dalpatbhai College of Engineering (LDCE), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, one of the oldest (established in June 1948) and premier institutes in the western part of India, is marching on to its Roadmap towards its 100th year, exactly on the same path as India started her journey of independence in 1947, and is on her path of development when she turns 100 in 2047.

A Core group of Alumni along with Dr. Rajul Gajjar, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Technological University (GTU, of which LDCE is a part, as an affiliated Institute) and who is also the former Principal of LDCE, Dr. Nilay Bhuptani, current Principal of LDCE, Anand Patel, President of LDCE Alumni Association (LAA), Prerak Shah, Vice President,  and members of LAA BOG, Apoorva Thakershy, Parag Shah, Chetan Thakkar, and Saleel Bhatt are on a North America tour to the 3 cities of New Jersey, Chicago, and San Francisco to re-invent the Alumni Network here. LDCE has an estimated 30 to 35k Alumni across the globe, with many of them heading global companies or having created their own large and highly successful ventures and businesses.

This Core Group from LAA- -Ahmedabad is in a single-minded pursuit of bringing together this entire network of Alumni and connecting them to their Alma Mater, like the mythical Kalpavruksh.

Their endeavors have met with a tremendous response from the two Alumni Meets at NJ and Chicago, where a total of 230 alums came together in one big celebration of homecoming. Alumni traveled from different cities to meet up with old friends, to their pleasant surprise, new friends living across their streets who they had not met in 20-25 years so far!

They are creating Local Chapters of LAA- USA and leaving behind a Framework for these Chapters.

At home, LDCE Alumni have created a Strategic Plan for LDCE@100 with KPMG to achieve global standards. They have also created a Master plan for the redevelopment of the whole campus, by Aniket Bhagwat, an internationally renowned architect. The government on its part has done matching grants to put LDCE on a fast track towards its LDCE@100 plan. A ₹ 100 cr Research Park in Emerging and Deep Tech is also on the anvil.

This small group of Alumni Leaders is super confident in reaching out and connecting the roots with the help of the Alumni who have joined this movement across the USA and India.

The post India US Alumni Connect appeared first on NRI News.

The event welcomed over 25 esteemed organizations representing the vibrant tapestry of the Indian diaspora in the New York area. The esteemed Consul General of India in New York, Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, was the guest of honor.

“This evening, we celebrate more than just the arrival of a distinguished diplomat,” said Mahesh Wani, Secretary of the Gandhian Society. “We celebrate an opportunity to bridge cultures and communities, a principle that resonated deeply with Mahatma Gandhi.”

The event highlighted the Gandhian Society’s commitment to inclusion, a cornerstone of Gandhi’s philosophy. It brought together individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, united by their connection to India and its values.

“Our organization fosters a spirit of inclusion,” Wani added. “We have experienced seniors who guide us with their vision, while our younger members translate that vision into action. This mentorship ensures the Society’s sustainability and cultivates future leaders.”

The evening featured a cultural performance that showcased the rich diversity of the Indian-American community.

Dignitaries and Community Leaders Address the Gathering

The event featured remarks from a distinguished group of dignitaries and community leaders:

• Mayors:
  • Mayor Sam Joshi of Edison Township welcomed the Consul General and expressed gratitude to the participating organizations.
  • Mayor John McCormick of Woodbridge Township spoke about the Indian-American community’s valuable contributions to their local communities.
• Business Leaders:
  • Albert Jasani and Dr. Dinesh Patel, owners of Royal Albert Palace and the event’s hosts, extended a warm welcome to all guests and the Consul General. They further offered to host future consulate events benefiting the community.
  • Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, lauded the Gandhian Society’s humanitarian work and pledged his continued support.
• Community Organizations:
  • Kenny Desai, former president of FIA, Bharat Rana, president of FISANA, and Jahanvi Mehta of the Oak Tree Road Business Association offered their greetings to the Consul General.
  • Anil Narang of World Vegan Vision spoke about Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of veganism and promoting Gandhian values.
  • Upendra Chivukula, chairman of the board of public utilities of NJ, offered his support and that of the state of NJ to the Consul General.

Consul General’s Remarks and Cultural Performances

The Consul General expressed his appreciation to the Gandhian Society for organizing the event and the warm welcome he received. He commended the captivating cultural show featuring Indian classical music, a traditional Mallakhamb performance, a Tabla ensemble, and an Odyssey dance recital. He acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s dedication to both their homeland and their adopted communities while preserving their heritage through culture, values, and traditions.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Bhadra Butala, founder of the Gandhian Society.

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The inaugural moments of the event unfolded in the timeless Indian tradition, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and wisdom through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Standing as custodians of this symbolic act were luminaries of FIA: Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah, President Vinita Gulabani, President Pratibha Jairath, and esteemed past presidents, each contributing to the collective radiance. In keeping with FIA’s commitment to inclusivity, the stage beckoned all Advisory Board members, Directors, and Members, to partake in this auspicious initiation.

The grandeur of the main event was ushered in by the dynamic presence of FIA’s General Secretary, Nilabh Dubey, seizing the stage to a resounding applause that echoed through the venue. Nilabh Dubey set the tone by introducing the evening’s main MCs with his eloquent articulation that offered a glimpse into the diverse talents that define FIA, specifically, that highlighting the professional achievements of the evening’s MCs. The spotlight of the evening shifted seamlessly to the captivating presence of the main MCs, Anu Malhotra and Suchitra Kukreja, who effortlessly took command of the stage, igniting the atmosphere with great excitement.

Inviting Founder Chairman Sunil Shah to share his insights, Sunil Shah, in his smooth style, painted a vivid picture of FIA’s pivotal role in uniting the diaspora in and around Chicago land over the past several years, including expanding into neighboring states. Sunil Shah eloquently articulated the organization’s vision and mission, setting the stage for a night of celebration and reflection.

Past President Vinita Gulabani, gracing the stage, highlighted the remarkable achievements of 2023, emphasizing the phenomenal growth from 58 to over 160 members—a testament to a staggering 300 percent increase in funding, event sizes, and the number of events hosted. Current President Pratibha Jairath, invited to the stage by Anu Malhotra, expressed gratitude to the Executive members and outlined her ambitious plan for 2024. In a groundbreaking move, she introduced an additional event focusing on Animal Medical Welfare and Care, reiterating FIA’s commitment to diverse and impactful community engagement.

The stage then welcomed the esteemed Chief Guest for the evening, Consulate General Somnath Ghosh, who spoke passionately about the relevance of India’s Republic Day to the Indian Diaspora, conveying key messages from the President of India to the captivated audience.

In a poignant moment, FIA’s Advisory Board members, instrumental in the organization’s decade-long growth, took center stage. Syed Hussaini, Manish Gandhi, Asha Oroskar, Pinky Thakkar, Lakhvir Sahota, Dr. Anuja Gupta, Dr. Bhupinder Beri, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Nimish Jani, Shrujal Patel, Sushma Bhanot, Shital Daftari, and Jasbir Suga shared their perspectives on FIA’s contributions to the community, underscoring the collective impact made month after month.

The culmination of this segment gave way to an exhilarating and patriotic performance, as children from the Atharv Dance Academy, unleashed a foot-stomping patriotic dance that echoed the spirit of the evening.

The festivities included the bestowal of awards and honors upon exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark on the community across diverse fields. Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, President Vinita Gulabani, President Pratibha Jairath, and Consulate General Somnath Ghosh, graced the occasion to present these accolades. The luminaries acknowledged for their unwavering generosity in both time and funding, breathing vitality into numerous remarkable FIA and community initiatives, were Sudhir and Archana Agarwal, Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar, Chintan & Digna Patel, Chirag Patel, Sunny Patel, Arjun Patel, Manish & Shailja Gandhi, Suketu Amin, Kunal Sarangi (ex-MLA), Naresh Shah, Dr. Bhupinder Beri, and Jayanti Oza. The dynamic duo MCs, Anu Malhotra and Suchitra Kukreja brought their collective expertise to the forefront, turning the award ceremony into a flawless celebration of community service and contribution.

Jaspreet Kharbanda, the CFO of Dabur USA, took us on a heartfelt journey to India, not just through geography but through the senses, creating an immersive experience. In a gesture that transcended the ordinary, he generously treated all attendees to the rich flavors of Badshah masala chai/tea and the delightful burst of aromatic richness of Pani Puri. Truly Jaspreet’s thoughtful gesture reinforced the simple act of breaking bread together.

In a commitment to fostering community development, the FIA proudly extends its support through a commendable scholarship program presented annually on India’s Republic Day. This initiative, grounded in both financial need and academic excellence, attracted an impressive pool of more than 35 applications this year. The rigorous evaluation led to the shortlisting of 17 exceptional candidates, and we are thrilled to announce that, on this occasion, 6 remarkable individuals were honored with scholarships. The entire process was led by Vinita Gulabani and Kamlesh Kapoor from FIA. Consulate General Somnath Ghosh, Swapnil Shah, Sahaj Shah, Asha Oroskar, Lakhvir Sahota, and Kamlesh Kapoor, graciously presided over the awards ceremony. Vice President of FIA and pro-MC Richa Chand, with an eloquent and inspirational delivery, announced the recipients of the scholarships, highlighting their remarkable achievements. Richa Chand infused the moment with a sense of pride and uplifting experience for the exceptional accomplishments of the scholarship winners. These scholarships, a testament to the collaborative spirit of various businesses and the visionary leadership within the FIA, symbolize our unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and empowering the aspirations of deserving students in Chicago land.

Chandini Duvvuri, Vice President of FIA, eloquently conveyed the Vote of Thanks, embodying gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the entire organization. In her heartfelt expression of thanks, Chandini extended sincere appreciation to Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, acknowledging the enduring legacy he has crafted and commending current and past presidents for consistently elevating the standards of FIA events to unprecedented heights. She expressed deep gratitude to Consulate General Somnath Ghosh, Linda Davenport, Court Judge, and other esteemed dignitaries whose presence added prestige to the occasion. Chandini offered a profound thank you to the altruistic individuals whose generous contributions made the event and scholarships possible. Recognizing the dedication and unwavering commitment of FIA Advisory Board members and Directors, she emphasized their pivotal role in shaping the organization’s collaborative spirit and serving as a continual source of inspiration.

President Vinita Gulabani set the stage ablaze, ushering in the main cultural show with a magnetic presence that commanded attention. Her introduction of renowned artists from India and across the globe heightened anticipation, reaching a crescendo when the iconic Shaid Rafi was warmly welcomed on stage, earning a resounding standing ovation. Shahid Rafi, with grace and nostalgia, guided the audience through the corridors of memory, offering poignant insights into Mohammad Rafi’s personal life and his role as a father.

The cultural extravaganza unfolded with a cascade of melodies that transported the audience through a time capsule of Bollywood’s golden era. Classics such as “Aajkal Tere Mera Pyar Kay Charche,” “Chaahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe,” “Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra,” “Gulabi Aankhen,” and “Parda Hai Parda” echoed through the venue, setting the stage on fire.

During the electrifying rendition of ‘An Evening in Paris,’ Sunil Shah’s signature dance moves ignited the crowd, prompting an impromptu dance floor and stage invasion by the audience. The infectious energy made it a delightful challenge for our ace photographers—Suresh Bodiwala, Vivek Joshi, Nilabh Dubey, Ramesh Punetar, Jayanti Oza, and Matt Chennoor—to capture the essence of the unbridled celebration.

The crowd, carried away by the euphoria, chanted “Once more, once more” after each super-hit performance by Neelajan Ray, Priyanka Mittra, Sammy M., Gautami Roy, Prakhar Ghosh, and Mohammad Salamat. Even the Q&A session between Rizwan and Shahid Rafi added a touch of humor, leaving the audience clamoring for more on a night that seamlessly blended patriotism, nostalgia, entertainment, and sheer joy.

As the resonant notes of Mohammad Rafi’s songs, sung by Shahid Rafi, patriotic melodies filled the air, a poignant scene unfolded among some of the senior citizens who had witnessed the trials and triumphs of India’s freedom struggle. The evocative strains of timeless classics like “Mera Rang De Basanti Chola,” “Karo Zindagi Ko Watan Ke Hawaale,” and “Nafrat Ki Laathi Todo” stirred deep emotions, bringing tears to the eyes of those who had personally lived through the historic era. In those heartfelt moments, the power of Rafi’s voice became a bridge, connecting the present to the indomitable spirit of the past. Songs such as “Naujawaanon Bharat Ki Taqdeer,” “Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna,” and “Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawaanon Ka” acted as an emotional time machine, transporting these seniors back to a time of sacrifice, unity, and an unyielding love for their motherland. The tears that welled up in their eyes were not just a response to music; they were a poignant tribute to the enduring legacy of India’s struggle for independence. The yearning for more was felt through the audience, an audible echo of their profound connection to the mesmerizing performance, many requests were made to Founder Chairman Sunil Shah to continue the program for some more time. Yet, as the clock struck midnight, signaling the culmination of a spectacular show, a collective sigh of both satisfaction and reluctance filled the air. The lingering applause and non-stop dancing, though a token of appreciation, was also a wistful plea for the FIA’s Republic Day magic to continue.

As the Consulate General of India, Sonath Ghosh, truly remarked “This FIA, Chicago event was not merely a reflection, but a vivid manifestation of our love for India and profound pride in being part of the world’s largest democracy, India.  The celebration left an indelible impression, cultivating a heightened sense of patriotism and national pride among the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) connected to their roots and heritage”.

FIA Chicago’s Republic Day festivities were not just a commemoration; they were a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of India and its diaspora.

The post The Federation Of Indian Associations Chicago (FIA) Hosts USA’s Largest Republic Day Celebrations appeared first on NRI News.

WASHINGTON:  Business leaders across the country are joining the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in voicing support for the agency’s slate of major improvements to the agency’s popular 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program. These changes – launched under a new name, Empower to Grow (E2G) – include significant upgrades to the program’s core services and are designed to deliver on the SBA’s commitment under the Biden-Harris Administration to advance equity in federal procurement.

In Fiscal Year 2023, small businesses participating in the 7(j) program, submitted 3,700 bids for federal contracts, and 2,200 of those bids were awarded contracts — a win rate of 60%. More than 6,000 small businesses participated in the program and, on average, firms that received training self-reported that their percentage growth in annual revenue had increased by 45%. This adds to the SBA’s release of FY21 and FY22 federal contracting data disaggregated by race and ethnicity, which shows that small businesses in every demographic category analyzed are seeing an increase in federal contracting dollars under the Biden-Harris Administration.   

“Small business growth unlocks paths to prosperity and generational wealth building in America, which is why the Biden-Harris Administration continues to prioritize equity and leveling the playing field so small business owners from historically underrepresented groups can successfully compete for over $700 billion in small business-eligible federal contracts,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’ve revitalized the 7(j) training program to launch an improved ‘Empower to Grow’ acceleration program with tools to help ready more businesses and build a diversified supplier base, which will also increase competition, innovation, and performance in the federal marketplace. We know there is more work to be done to reverse the disparities in federal procurement for America’s minority-owned businesses, and the SBA’s Empower to Grow training program will be a critical resource supporting that work.”

Upgrades to the Empower to Grow program will include:

• Enhancement of customized 1:1 training tailored to develop the critical skillset needed to win government contracts.
• Launch of the enhanced Federal Market Acceleration Program (FedMAP), a three-month training program in government contracting led by government business development experts.
• Launch of a federal contractor master class providing new tools and techniques to accelerate small businesses competing for contracts including Sources Sought and Request for Information requirements.
• Integration of networking and matchmaking events with government agencies and prime contractors.
• Bidding technology for 8(a) firms to receive, review, and respond to over $2 trillion of State and Local bid opportunities.
• Multilingual counselors fluent in Spanish and other languages to ensure outreach and accessibility in all states and territories.

Leaders in the business community joined Administrator Guzman in celebrating the launch of Empower to Grow:

“The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. expresses its enthusiastic support for the latest announcement by the Biden-Harris Administration on the ongoing headway to enhance small business access to federal contracts for historically marginalized entrepreneurs. The progress unveiled by the Administration aligns with our commitment to creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and promoting diversity within the business landscape. As champions for economic inclusion, we applaud President Biden’s historic actions to deploy nearly $70 billion in federal contracts to SDBs over the last year, nearly $500 million of which went to Black-owned firms. In keeping with this progress, we commend the continued emphasis on increasing transparency, streamlining processes, and ensuring fair competition in federal contracting,” said Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “To maintain such progress, we encourage continued collaboration between the private sector and government agencies to implement and refine these initiatives effectively. As we highlighted three years ago during the beginning of this Administration, the USBC remains dedicated to working with the White House, policymakers, corporations, and community leaders to advance economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.”

“The Small Business Administration’s ‘Empower to Grow’ program represents a significant advancement in supporting small and minority-owned businesses and creating a diverse federal contracting environment, a commitment reflected in the historically higher increases in federal contracting dollars seen under the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “At the USHCC, we applaud these efforts and recognize the transformative impact of tailored training and resources for small business owners, underscoring our ongoing commitment to work with the SBA to invest in and elevate our small business community. We also acknowledge that there remains much work to be done to ensure equitable opportunities for all.”

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our nation. They create increased opportunities for families and their communities and inspire entrepreneurs to join the great American legacy of innovation and growth. Where obstacles for disadvantaged communities have existed, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked hard to remove them and expand new pathways for equity. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman’s announcement of the Management and Technical Assistance program under the new title, Empower to Grow, builds on this,” said Ying McGuire, CEO & President, of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. “We applaud the new tools and training this program provides to small business owners from disadvantaged communities that will allow them to access better contracting opportunities, become more competitive, and increase their families and communities’ ability to flourish. NMSDC looks forward to its continued partnership with Administrator Guzman and the rest of the Biden-Harris Administration as we pursue more growth for the entire small business community.”

“The SBA’s ‘Empower to Grow’ is an important program for America’s small businesses. The updates recently announced to the program are a good step forward, primarily the steps taken around disaggregated data,” said Rhett Buttle, President, of Public Private Strategies Institute. “By providing enhanced coaching, training, and technology tools, ‘Empower to Grow’ enables these businesses to become contract-ready, fostering competition, innovation, and robust performance in federal spending.“

“New data reveals a historic surge in federal contracting dollars awarded to small businesses, boosting America’s competitiveness and contributing to the economy. This trend reflects the work of the Small Business Administration and the Biden-Harris Administration’s policies, which have led to sustained economic growth across the country,” said Tammy Halevy, Executive Director, of Reimagine Main Street. “Yet despite strong improvements in contracting, disparities persist. The ‘Empower to Grow’ initiative, which will result in even more contract-ready small and disadvantaged diverse-owned businesses, will further enhance American innovation, supply chain resilience, and competitiveness of the U.S. economy.” 

“In recent years, Biden-Harris Administration policies have generated unprecedented success in federal contracting dollars reaching small businesses, but so many historic disparities persist,” said Shaundell Newsome, Founder of Sumnu Marketing, Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair. “The SBA’s ‘Empower to Grow’ initiative reinforces a commitment to continuous economic improvement by taking a proactive stance in closing gaps and ensuring business owners have all the tools they need at their disposal. Small and disadvantaged businesses can thrive when we ensure a level playing field.”

The post Business Leaders Applaud SBA’s Improved Empower To Grow (E2G) Program appeared first on NRI News.

The Security Summit, a coalition of the IRS, state tax administrators, tax software companies, the tax professional community, and others in the larger tax community, was formed in 2015 to combat tax-related identity theft through better public-private sector coordination, strengthening internal protections, and raising awareness about security threats.

The National Tax Security Awareness Week features a week-long series of educational efforts to educate and inform taxpayers and tax professionals on how to defend against identity theft and other scams. The campaign includes daily press releases, social media awareness, special educational materials, and a special webinar for tax professionals on developing a Written Information Security Plan (WISP).

The IRS and Summit partners are focused on combating identity thieves and their increasingly sophisticated scams. Identity thieves often impersonate the IRS and others in the tax community using fake emails, texts, and online scams. These schemes frequently use recent tragedies or imitate charitable groups to coax people into sharing sensitive financial data, which can lead to tax-related identity theft.

The Security Summit partners remind taxpayers that the awareness effort is a year-round effort in the tax community. The special National Tax Security Awareness Week that begins on November 27 provides extra awareness for taxpayers as the holidays and the 2024 tax season approaches. The IRS and Summit partners urge tax professionals to review the “Taxes-Security-Together” Checklist and create a written data security plan as required by federal law.

Overall, National Tax Security Awareness Week is an innovative way for the IRS, the states, and the private-sector tax industry to work together to protect taxpayers and the tax community. Protecting taxpayers is an important priority for the IRS, and the National Tax Security Awareness Week provides helpful information to taxpayers to help in the ongoing battle against identity thieves.

The post IRS and Security Summit Partners Launch 8th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week appeared first on NRI News.

Before the pandemic, appointment wait times for immigrant visa applicants stood at over two years. However, now applicants whose immigrant petitions are current can schedule their appointments for immigrant visa interviews within the standard time frame. This will facilitate faster reunification of families in the United States.

The U.S. Mission to India remains committed to reducing nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview wait times. With increased staffing in the Embassy and all Consulates around India, they have processed a record number of NIV applications – 900,000 – and will soon surpass one million visas. They continue to implement innovative approaches, including remote processing of interview waiver applications, to better meet the needs of visa applicants, and they regularly open new visa appointments to meet the high demand.

The significant demand in India for visas to travel to the United States and the increase of people-to-people ties reflects the strength and vitality of U.S.-India relations. The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is the designated center for processing immigrant visas in India.

More information about immigrant visa applications and approval times can be found on Travel.State.Gov under Visa Bulletin. This move by the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is a positive step towards reducing visa interview wait times and facilitating faster reunification of families in the United States.

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KANSAS: On Tuesday, August 15, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, will visit Abilene, Kansas, to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the Small Business Administration alongside local small business owners and highlight how President Biden’s Investing in America economic agenda continues to deliver for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.

Administrator Guzman, Kansas elected officials, and local leaders will deliver remarks recognizing the SBA’s seventy years of service to small business owners, connecting entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, federal contracting opportunities, and more. Established by President Eisenhower on July 30, 1953, via the Small Business Act, the SBA has since provided billions of dollars in support to small businesses across the country. After seven decades of helping entrepreneurs achieve their American Dreams of small business ownership, the SBA continues to assist millions of small business owners every year through resources and strategic guidance, helping them build meaningful lifelong connections and sustain their local economies.

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The Community Advisory Group is comprised of leaders of nonprofits, community organizations, foundations, and anchor institutions. The primary goal of the Community Advisory Group is to provide the New York Fed, including President John C. Williams, with a real-time view of the economic issues faced by a diverse set of communities and individuals across the Second District. Ms. Benson’s appointment comes in advance of the Community Advisory Group’s next meeting on June 21, 2023.

Ms. Benson is president and CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, a community development financial institution (CDFI) that has invested more than $1.1 billion in loans and grants to community nonprofits since 1980. Previously, Ms. Benson was executive vice president and chief operating officer of TruFund Financial Services, a Black-led nonprofit community development fund. Earlier in her career, Ms. Benson held community development finance roles at Carver Federal Savings, Banco Popular, and JPMorgan Chase. Ms. Benson serves on the boards of the Opportunity Finance Network, the New York State CDFI Coalition, and the New Markets Tax Credit Coalition, where she is board president. Ms. Benson graduated from Columbia University with a psychology degree.

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