Strengthening Communities Through Investment: A Montreal Case Study.

Anchored in the fabric of community, Federation CJA acts as the cornerstone, fortifying the ties that bind. It goes beyond mere financial contributions; it is a steadfast commitment to safeguarding each investment as a resounding testament to standing up for the community.

Building a thriving, sustainable future is not just about global initiatives and sweeping policy changes. The most meaningful impacts often originate from the grassroots level in local communities. This blog post explores the benefits of investing in local communities using Montreal’s vibrant Jewish community as a sterling example. We will underscore how such investments are not only morally compelling but can also yield substantial commercial returns.

Why Investing Locally Matters 

Investing in local communities is more than just a benevolent act; it is a long-term strategy that strengthens social fabric and promotes economic vitality. When we invest in local businesses, education, housing, and infrastructure, we empower individuals to participate actively in their communities, fostering social cohesion, encouraging self-reliance, and generating economic prosperity. This investment extends beyond the realm of economics, nurturing a sense of belonging and collective identity that enriches the culture and vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Federation CJA’s commitment to community-building resonates deeply here, as the organization tirelessly works to create opportunities that enable individuals to thrive within their local contexts.

Montreal’s Jewish Community: A Testament to Local Investment 

Montreal’s Jewish community offers a powerful example of the transformative potential of local investment. This diverse community, one of the oldest and most significant Jewish populations in Canada, has a rich history marked by a robust tradition of communal support and investment.

With the support of Federation CJA, the community has invested heavily in institutions that preserve and promote Jewish heritage and identity. Synagogues, community centers, and schools serve not just as hubs of religious observance but as vibrant cultural centers that cultivate community spirit and foster the transmission of traditions across generations.

One standout example is the Segal Centre for Performing Arts. This Jewish cultural institution offers a wide variety of artistic programs, fostering creativity and serving as a gathering place for people of all backgrounds. Its success is a testament to the power of investing in cultural institutions that elevate community identity and stimulate local economies.

The Commercial Upsides of Community Investment 

Contrary to some misconceptions, investing in local communities does not mean sacrificing profitability. Instead, such investment often stimulates economic growth, creating a virtuous cycle of prosperity. When businesses invest in the communities they serve, they earn customer loyalty, encourage local spending, and contribute to the area’s economic resilience. This approach aligns with Federation CJA’s multifaceted strategy of promoting community resilience by supporting local businesses and amplifying their impact and reach.

Local businesses in Montreal’s Jewish community illustrate this phenomenon. Bagel shops like St-Viateur and Fairmount, beloved institutions of Montreal’s culinary scene, have thrived by maintaining deep roots in the local community. Their success has spurred local employment and tourism, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Moreover, the Jewish General Hospital, a cornerstone of Montreal’s healthcare system, exemplifies how investment in local infrastructure can reap commercial benefits. This institution, founded by and for the Jewish community, now serves a broad demographic, earning revenue for its services while fulfilling a critical community role.

The Moral Imperative 

Investing in local communities carries a potent moral resonance, too. It reaffirms our shared responsibility to uplift those around us and cultivate spaces where all members can thrive. Such investments echo the Jewish concept of ‘tikkun olam’ or ‘repairing the world,’ which calls for actions that improve society.

This ethos is evident in initiatives like the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal, which receives vital support from Federation CJA, supporting various causes, including education, healthcare, and social services. By investing in these areas, the foundation has been able to address inequalities and create opportunities, making Montreal a better place for all residents.

Conclusion 

As demonstrated by Montreal’s Jewish community, investing in local communities is a powerful tool for cultivating social cohesion, stimulating economic growth, and reinforcing moral values. Whether supporting a local business, contributing to community infrastructure, or donating to a community fund, each act of investment can make a significant difference.

So, as we move forward, let us remember the Montreal Jewish community’s story. Above all, it’s about how building a brighter future begins at home, in our local communities. It’s a story of investment—of standing up for the community. Your next investment could be the catalyst that transforms your community and, by extension, the world.

Title: A World in Transition: ProMontreal Entrepreneurs at the 29th Conference de Montreal

In June 2023, PME had the privilege of attending the renowned Conference de Montreal organized by IEFA. Discover how PME embraced the conference’s central theme of “Thriving in a World in Transition” and engaged with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and diplomats to forge valuable connections and exchange insights.

The conference’s opening day buzzed with intellectual energy as PME joined diverse attendees in the bustling main hall. The introductory session echoed the central theme, opening discussions on pressing issues like inflation, the COVID-19 aftermath, and carbon neutrality. The session’s panel featured H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al-Mansoori, the Emirati ambassador to Canada, and Mr. Boon Chye Loh, CEO of the Singaporean Stock Exchange (SGX). They shared their distinctive experiences of adversity management, providing PME with invaluable wisdom.

While comprehensive talks on climate change, IT, and cybersecurity took place, networking opportunities became the highlight for PME. Despite lacking VIP access, PME made significant connections with regular attendees like Gregory Dreaver from the Cree First Nation. PME’s encounter with Dreaver offered valuable insight into his noble vision for Cree Nation’s aerospace integration.

While the first day offered substantial networking opportunities, the ensuing two days were equally informative and enriching. Day two shed light on supply chain intricacies in food production and agriculture and highlighted Canadian Space Leadership. On Day three, PME engaged in discussions on Quebec’s SMEs, disruptive innovations, and the threat of drug-resistant bacteria.

The diverse topics and enriching encounters at the Conference de Montreal provided PME a unique, enlightening experience. The broadened understanding of large-scale issues and the interconnectedness of various sectors left a lasting impression on PME. The organization is left contemplating if an initiative like the Eagle Flight Network could evolve into the next billion-dollar startup. Conference de Montreal remains a cherished memory as PME progresses in academic and professional success.

Bill 96 and its Implications for Commerce in Quebec

Quebec’s commerce sector stirs as new language restrictions under Bill 96 take effect on June 1, 2023. The government argues the law preserves and elevates French in Quebec due to perceiving it as threatened. However, the implications of this bill for English language and allophone businesses in the province have sparked concern, with its measures perceived as excessive by anglophone rights groups, including the Quebec Community Groups Network​.

Starting from June 1, Bill 96 mandates small Quebec companies to disclose the proportion of employees incapable of communicating in French. The provincial government will then publish this information in its searchable public registry of companies. This requirement applies to businesses with five to 49 employees, with new businesses required to declare this information upon registration. Existing businesses are required to do so when filing their annual update​.

The ability to communicate in French at work includes attending meetings, understanding instructions, participating in training, and writing/sharing documents. Premier François Legault seeks to limit English usage in Quebec through extensive toughening of language rules in this legislation.

The implications of these provisions on commerce in Quebec, particularly for English language or allophone businesses, are significant. Bill 96 enshrines in the Charter of human rights and freedoms a new “right to live in French,” requiring businesses to inform and serve consumers and the public in French​​. Every business offering goods and services to consumers, including those catering to other businesses, must comply with this obligation.

Businesses failing to meet the bill’s requirements face steep penalties. Under Bill 96, violations of the Charter result in increased fines: individuals face fines ranging from $700 to $7,000, while companies face fines ranging from $3,000 to $30,000. A second offence incurs double the fines, while subsequent repeat offences result in triple the fines. If an offence continues for longer than one day, it will constitute a separate offence for each day it continues​.

In addition to fines, Bill 96 includes administrative penalties, allowing the Minister of the French Language, in consultation with the Office, to suspend or revoke permits/authorizations of companies repeatedly violating the Charter. Additionally, Bill 96 expands the francization requirements for companies. Previously, only companies with 50+ employees in a six-month period had to register and obtain a francization certificate. Starting from June 1, 2025, companies employing 25 or more people will be subject to this obligation.

Non-compliant companies unable to fulfill francization obligations or reject the Office’s language learning services can’t contract with civil administration or receive public subsidies.

Bill 96 imposes strict language regulations on Quebec’s commerce sector to strengthen French usage, burdening businesses. It mandates disclosing non-French competent workforce and serving customers in French, with significant fines and permit suspensions. Concerns arise among anglophone groups and non-French businesses, impacting linguistic diversity and the economy.

Businesses must comprehend Bill 96’s expectations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Understand employee language abilities, communicate with the government, and consider language learning services. Consult legal and HR professionals, engage the Office, and support French promotion in Quebec’s commerce sector.

Daniel Blumer Co-Founder Revols

PME Mentor: Nancy Cleman

Mentorship is at the heart of PME’s success. On this 18th anniversary, it would only be appropriate to give thanks to our mentors. Our mentors spend countless hours helping our entrepreneurs reach their full potential. We recently got the chance to catch up with our longtime mentor, Me Nancy Cleman. Nancy is a member of the Quebec Bar and the law society of Upper Canada. Over her years of experience, she has provided legal advice to a variety of corporate and commercial clients, including a range of industries such as software, fashion, film and services for the elderly. Nancy is also an accomplished speaker and author. Here are her thoughts on mentorship, and why it matters.

Q: What aspects of mentorship do you enjoy most?

A: What I enjoy most about mentorship is being introduced to entrepreneurs and learning about their visions. Speaking to them and offering guidance businesses they are seeking to build is an essential part of being a mentor. I enjoy offering perspective and working collaboratively with entrepreneurs.

Q: How can an entrepreneur make the best out of their relationship with their mentor?

A: The entrepreneur can make the best of the relationship by respecting the relationship that is being built with a mentor. As mentors, we get many calls, however often times there is no follow up. The relationship of mentor and mentee is one of respect and trust. Mutual trust and respect is the only way of getting the work done in an efficient manner.

Q: What advice would you give an entrepreneur thinking of working with a mentor?

A: It is important to listen and to be clear with the facts. Thank the mentor for his or her time. If you have an appointment then keep it or tell the mentor, you cannot make it. Mentorship is a rewarding relationship for both parties. As a mentor, I benefit from the opportunity to learn new things and share my experiences.

Our mentors are passionate people dedicated to helping others. With their help, entrepreneurs have been able to reach great heights. Thanks to the efforts and unwavering dedication of professionals like Nancy, we look forward to what the next 18 years have in store for PME.

PME Mentor: David Horowitz

As the saying goes, the best way a mentor can prepare another leader is to expose him or her to other great people. Mentorship is an essential part of the PME Program. On this 18th anniversary, it would only be appropriate to give thanks to our mentors. We may not have all the answers, but what we can do is introduce you to someone who does. We recently got the chance to catch up with our longtime mentor, David Horowitz. David is a seasoned executive always interested in promoting entrepreneurship and international business. With over 30 years at Senior Management level, involved in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution, David wishes to pass on his knowledge gained from 10 years of teaching experience to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Q: What aspects of mentorship do you enjoy most?
A: Gaining the intrinsic rewards of helping others. When you decide to mentor someone, you really do not know how far they will go, but mentoring does make a difference. Whether you help shape the next great entrepreneur or help someone achieve their dreams, making a difference is all that matters. It feels great to know that you are a positive influence in someone else’s life.

Q: How can an entrepreneur make the best out of their relationship with their mentor?
A: Be prepared. Yes, the mentor’s time is valuable, but take advantage by being well prepared. Have an agenda. You want to use the time with mentor on your most pressing business issues. Be humble. Ask for criticism and feedback. Sometimes questions the mentee has are needed to be answered sooner than the planned meeting. Keep a swinging door policy so that ‘smaller but important decisions’ that need answering quickly are just an email away. These fast answers can save the entrepreneur time, but more importantly, can save the young firm money.

Q: What advice would you give an entrepreneur thinking of working with a mentor?
A: The relationship has to be authentic and there should be a baseline chemistry between the mentor and mentee, so pick your mentor accordingly. Be prepared to act on the advice given, rather than think the mentor is there to validate your shenanigans. Always remember the benefits a mentor can bring to the table, and never forget the statistics of small business failure- 80% of business start-ups do not make it past their 5th year. So don’t be shy to ask questions, listen and absorb as much as you can, and you can hopefully avoid getting as many scars as us mentors have had to endure.

Our mentors are passionate people dedicated to helping others. With their help, entrepreneurs have been able to reach great heights. Thanks to the efforts of people like David, we look forward to what the next 18 years has in store for PME.

Businesses You Didn’t Know PME Helped Propel

Over the past 18 years PME has helped guide many diverse businesses to success. Often, entrepreneurs come to us with just an outline of what they aim to achieve. With added assistance from our program leaders, mentors, and committee members, we are able to turn this vision into reality. Here are just a few notable mentions of companies that have been able to turn ideas into lucrative business opportunities with help from PME.

Budge Studios
Not only do they have millions of downloads for their games, they have become members of the PME committee. The mission of Budge Studios is to thrill, educate, and entertain children around the world through creative and innovative apps. They have won numerous notable awards for their accomplishments. This includes the Google Play ‘Best of 2016’ App Selection Award for their app, My Little Pony: Harmony Quest. Additionally, they won the Apple Store Best of 2016 for Miss Hollywood Vacation Canada. Budge Studios may be in the business of creating games but their business strategy and objective is rigid and direct. It’s all about being family friendly and universally playable.

Naked and Famous Denim
Naked and Famous Jeans has come a long way since we first met Brandon Svarc. Simply put, the company focuses on one thing only. As they so eloquently state: “No marketing, no washes, no pre-distressing, no nonsense. Just excellent denim at a reasonable price.” Naked and Famous Jeans uses Japanese selvedge denim which is woven slowly and painstakingly on old shuttle looms. Svarc travels to Japan numerous times a year to find new fabrics, and denim mills. Nicknamed the Willy Wonka of denim, he has been interviewed by popular publications such as GQ to share knowledge about his expertise. With all their products made and sewn in Canada,their sole purpose is to sell the highest level of quality to their end-user.

Copower
CoPower is where impact investment meets Wall Street. We met founders David Berliner, Larry Markowitz and Raphael Bouskila in 2013. Since then, CoPower has continued to strive and make the world a greener and more sustainable place. CoPower’s team works with clean energy firms to identify clean energy and energy efficient projects that generate steady and predictable revenue streams. CoPower is all about impact investing. For those of you who are unsure of what this is, impact investing is a strategy that involves the investing in companies and projects with the intention of generating measurable, positive, and environmental benefits alongside financial returns.

Revols
Not only are Navi and Daniel kick-ass entrepreneurs, but did you know they had the biggest kickstarter campaign in Canadian history? Revols has come a long way since its founding in 2014. Navi and Daniel were endlessly frustrated with finding the perfect pair of earphones. While they understood that ears are as unique as fingerprints, all custom-fit earphones came with a high price-point and long wait times. The dynamic duo decided to take matters into their own hands and create Revols: a pair of wireless customized earphones that provide the same comfort and sound benefits as traditional custom-fits, at a fraction of the cost and time.

All in all, PME has had some pretty driven, and ambitious entrepreneurs come through its doors. This is just a glimpse of many of our success stories. We provide them with the most essential tools entrepreneurs need in order to succeed.

PME Co-Founder, Jimmy Alexander

We got the opportunity to have a quick chat with PME co-founder, Jimmy Alexander. Since 1999 he has been an essential part of PME’s success. He had some insight to share about the program, entrepreneurship, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what he anticipates for the future.

Q: PME has been around for quite some time now. Why did you believe it was necessary to start PME?

A: Back in the days of the potential referendum, or the potential loss of the referendum, PME was founded in order to help young Jewish people stay in Montreal. We went out and we asked a set of Jewish people what it would take for them to stay in the city. They all said job prospects and career opportunities. We figured, what better way to do that than to take on the Jewish adage “give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.” We wanted to give young people an opportunity to learn business. We wanted entrepreneurs and community leaders to have exponential growth within the community, and provide them with great potential.

Q: What has kept you motivated to continue after 18 years?

A: Our success! It’s so gratifying. I’ve participated in many community projects and, by far, the PME has been the most rewarding. Creating something from nothing, and enjoying the success we have, is for sure the motivation behind PME. It’s not just about the company’s we’ve funded. Just the mere fact that PME exists sparks people’s interest in starting businesses.

Q: What have been some of the highlights as part of the PME Committee? Do any moments stand out to you?

A: How we define success would be that more people who have been recipients of funding will eventually join our board, donate to PME and community and help us perpetuate the fund.  Over the years, that is exactly what has happened. Right now, we thankfully have about four previous PME recipients sit on the board. That is by far, the most outstanding highlight to me! In a way it’s like meeting your grandchildren or great grandchildren!

Q: What is it about a particular business that makes it deserving of PME funding?

A: I think it’s two things. One, is the credibility of the plan. At its base, the idea, and where it fits in the shelf is crucial. In other words, how it is positioned within the industry it wants to be in is very important. The second aspect is the entrepreneur. The tenacity of the individual, their charm, charisma, and how they can explain the profitability of their business is equally as important. If they can’t convince a group like ours, who is really pushing for them to be successful, how are they going to convince others?

Q: Where do you see PME 18 years from now?

A: First of all, from a self-serving point of view I’d like to see my children or Stephen’s participate in the PME program. That would be great. We also actually started the plan for PME 2.0. I’d really like to see that grow into the next stage of PME. It’s a whole different ballgame, but we have a good plan set in place, and so continuing to build it and figuring out different ways of helping entrepreneurs is the goal.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest lesson you’ve learned over the years?

A: One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned, and taught many of our recipients, is that you show up day one with your plan and idea. However, you may have to adapt and change and deviate from what you originally set out to do. Making changes, while progressing is what keeps us successful. We’ve learned a lot, and more importantly, we’ve been very fortunate to have a very engaged board that has helped us along the way.

It is because of the dedication of community leaders like Jimmy Alexander that PME has seen great success. Starting and leading such a program comes with its set of challenges. However, with passionate people leading PME, the obstacles and challenges make for great lessons and brighter futures.

Les avantages du réseautage avec des pairs de votre âge

les-avantages-du-reeseautage-avec-des-pairs-de-votre-age-23Si vous êtes étudiant ou étudiant-entrepreneur, on vous a probablement souvent dit que le réseautage avec les supérieurs peut produire d’excellents résultats. La création de réseau est souvent interprétée comme un moyen de former des liens avec des gens qui ont plus d’influence que vous ou qui occupent des postes plus élevés que vous sur le plan professionnel. Alors que de créer des liens avec des personnes plus haut placées est très important, la valeur du réseautage entre pairs qui sont aussi étudiants n’est pas à sous-estimer. L’objectif du réseautage n’est pas seulement de vous assurer de côtoyer des individus estimés de votre communauté, il s’agit aussi de veiller à établir de précieuses relations avec les cadres supérieurs de demain. Le philosophe grec, Héraclite, a déclaré que le changement est la seule constante dans la vie. Voilà pourquoi s’adonner au réseautage avec vos pairs est essentiel.

Les liens que vous créez pendant que vous êtes dans la vingtaine seront parmi les plus précieux que vous créerez de toute votre vie. Beaucoup d’étudiants universitaires sont encouragés à participer à des activités parascolaires simplement pour glorifier leur CV. Si vous êtes un étudiant-entrepreneur, on vous a probablement aussi dit de prendre part à des cocktails de réseautage afin de rencontrer des investisseurs potentiels. L’avantage de participer à des événements de réseautage au sein d’un établissement d’enseignement parmi des étudiants, qui, comme vous, n’obtiennent aucun gain financier actuel dans ces relations est de rencontrer des gens de différents milieux avec lesquels partager vos expériences. Il n’est pas nécessaire que ces liens soient associés au domaine de l’entrepreneuriat. Le but du réseautage pendant que vous êtes à l’école vise plutôt à établir des relations précieuses, qui plus tard pourront conduire à des avantages dans votre carrière ou à des perspectives d’investissement. Il ne s’agit pas de rencontrer des gens qui ont de l’influence; mais simplement de devenir amis, et de créer des relations de travail avec des gens qui un jour deviendront influents.

Il est aussi important d’échanger avec vos pairs pendant que vous êtes à l’école, car il n’y aura aucun autre moment dans votre vie où vous aurez le temps d’investir dans des relations aussi riches que celles que vous créez à ce stade de votre vie. Ces liens encourageront vos contacts à partager des circonstances opportunes avec vous et à vous aider lorsque vous en aurez besoin dans le futur. Des études ont démontré qu’à mesure que les gens vieillissent, ils travaillent de longues heures, se marient, ont des enfants et accumulent les responsabilités — il n’y a pas beaucoup de temps pour faire quoi que ce soit d’autre. Par exemple, il a été remarqué que la majorité des femmes entre 25 et 54 disposent de moins de 90 minutes de temps libre par jour.

Les activités de réseautage d’aujourd’hui représentent des investissements pour votre avenir.Être proactif et participer à des activités de réseautage avec vos pairs à l’université est un investissement dans votre avenir. Que vous participiez à des activités extrascolaires, que vous tissiez des liens avec vos pairs lors de projets en groupe et dans vos classes, que vous parliez aux gens qui sont assis à côté de vous pendant des conférences ou lorsque vous participez à des réunions entre élèves, votre réseau peut croître de façon exponentielle. Vous pourrez être présenté à des gens dans le réseau d’un ami, être présenté à ses parents qui ont une expertise dans le domaine qui vous passionne, ou simplement instaurer un climat de bonnes relations et introduire des gens à votre propre réseau d’amis.

Finalement, le temps que vous investissez pour rencontrer d’autres personnes maintenant se montrera rentable à l’avenir. Comme l’a dit Matt Stewart, chef de la direction de College Works Painting «La confiance commence avec ce premier pas, alors sortez et commencez à créer des relations. Vos copains de collège seront des avocats, des fournisseurs et des partenaires commerciaux. Ils vous apporteront des affaires», dit Stewart. «Il est important d’avoir du plaisir, mais aussi de produire l’image de quelqu’un qui maîtrise bien sa situation, que vous êtes bon, et que vous avez de bonnes valeurs morales.»

C2 Montreal: A Destination for all Entrepreneurs

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blog-picWhat better way to kick off the summertime than with C2 Montreal? C2 Montreal is a 3 day event that will transform the way you view the business and entrepreneurship world. Finding one word or way to describe what C2 is would probably be impossible. Any label you would choose to use would not do the event justice. It is not simply a networking event, a speaker series or a showcase. C2 Montreal is said to be a cross between commerce and creativity. Every year, thousands of decision makers, entrepreneurs, and creative minds get together to shape, experience and challenge the future of business. This event is the perfect example to showcase Montreal’s entrepreneurial spirit. This year is the 5th annual C2 event.  C2, summed up, can best be described as easy access to exclusive knowledge.

Braindates: In what other setting would you be able to schedule a braindate with the senior director of a multinational corporation? C2’s goal is to reinvent the way people network. Traditional networking often entails nervousness about forced conversation. C2 Montreal has come up with a unique way for businesspeople to converse and share their thoughts. Braindates are meetings that event-goers can schedule with other participants thought the customized event application. A few weeks prior to the event participants get an email introducing them to the app and encouraging them to schedule braindates based on their experiences and expertise. At the event participants are introduced to their braindates by event matchmakers.

Words of wisdom: Every year C2 invites panels of experienced speakers of different industries at their annual event. This year speakers include highly acclaimed individuals, such as Steve Wozniak, Ian Bernstein, Muhammad Yunnus and Amanda Hill. Every edition of C2 has its own theme. Based on the theme at hand, event organizers invite a handful of motivational speakers to share their stories and teachings.

Workshops and Masterclasses: C2 offers hands on experience in given fields by offering workshops and masterclasses. These sessions will help participants put their knowledge into play. These 70-90 minute sessions not only offer an additional opportunity to network with different people, participants are able to find new ways to apply their knowledge through sets of various exercises. Thought-provoking challenges are presented by experts, speakers and executives from top brands such as Ernst & Young, Twitter, The Globe & Mail, etc. Examining real-life cases, playing challenging games, and analyzing existing corporate projects will be sure to teach you more than you bargained for.

Whether you to dedicate your days to braindates, key-note speakers, or masterclasses, one thing is for sure, you will leave C2 Montreal with more knowledge than you had coming in. PME strongly believes that such events are what makes Montreal such a great city to start your business. As a matter of fact, every year, the Bronfman Foundation sends a number of entrepreneurs to this event through the Emerging Entrepreneurs Contest. All business owners should make it a point to attend C2 Montreal. Such diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit can be hard to replicate elsewhere.

ProMontreal Entrepreneurs (PME) is a social business model created to help young entrepreneurs build and strengthen their business roots in Montreal. PME offers business plan feedback, a network of mentors, and access to sources of funding. Entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-40 can also get access to capital of up to $50,000. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions that you may have.