Join Us For Small Business Week

 RSVP TODAY

Join us for Newark Small Business Week! =SPACE and Invest Newark have partnered to present Small Business Week; a series dedicated to bringing equitable resources to our booming city of Newark, leading them to success and continued growth. This is a 5 day experience for new and seasoned entrepreneurs, full of workshops, courses, and other events to help you build your business. With =SPACE’s focus on providing equitable access to resources for multicultural founders, LGBTQ+ businesses, and women ventures. Invest Newark’s primary focus is on advancing Newark’s strong and diverse economy; we are simultaneously building vibrant communities and opportunities for all Newarkers. Small Business Week is the ultimate experience for entrepreneurs of all types and stages.

The week kicks off on Day 1 (Nov 8th) with an Opening Night event (6:00 PM). This evening event will feature =SPACE and Invest Newark highlighting a prestigious small business owner in the community, following up with kind words from our Mayor about the importance of innovation and development within the City of Newark. Day 2 (Nov 9th) starts off with a Newark Diversity Certification Expo (9:30 AM) — and expo aimed to ensure Newark-based small businesses are competing for opportunities to grow their businesses. The event will take place at The Waterfront: 2 Grafton Ave, Newark, NJ. In the afternoon of Day 2 (5:00 PM) there will be a Sustainable Financial Planning meeting with Francis Picarillo, Allied Wealth. Focus: How can you build an iron-clad financial sustainability plan for your business? This event will take place at =SPACE: 89 Market Street, Floor 2, Newark, NJ

Day 2’s (Nov 10th) events include a ‘Lunch & Learn: Meet the Experts’ (12 PM) at the Robert Treat Hotel (50 Park Place, Newark, NJ) and ‘Building Customer Acquisition and Retention’ (5 PM) — a workshop focused on how can business owners can build their customer base and understand their target audience. The workshop will take place at =SPACE: 89 Market Street, Floor 2, Newark, NJ. (Attendees must be masked and/or vaccinated — with proof)

Day Four’s (Nov 11th) events will be ‘Life’s A Pitch – How to Properly and Effectively Pitch The Media’ at 5 PM with Tequilla White, Tequilla White PR. The focus of this discussion will be: How can you secure press for your business and build relationships with the media? Taking place at =SPACE: 89 Market Street, Floor 2, Newark, NJ. (Attendees must be masked and/or vaccinated — with proof)

The final day of Newark Small Business Week is Nov 12th: Day 5. Join us for our Closing Night Concert (6PM) where we will conclude SBW by celebrating all the small business owners (SBOs) that attended with musical performances and one of a kind artwork by The Rorshach Collective. SBW will be honored with kind words from our Mayor about the importance of innovation and development within the City of Newark. This event will take place at The InQbator at Teacher’s Village: 26 Treat Place, Newark, NJ. 

 CLICK HERE TO RSVP TODAY

How Leaders Can Avoid Getting Burned Out

The World Health Organization (2020) defines burnout as a syndrome that transpired from chronic workplace stress which has not been successfully managed. It is usually manifested by experiencing feelings of energy exhaustion or depletion, increased mental distance from the job or negative outlook towards one’s career, and reduced professional productivity. 

Burnout is not a new terminology for employees since many of them, in different demographic backgrounds, experience stress, fatigue, and mental health challenges from time to time. However, it has gotten worse in these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout not only affected employees but also organizations in terms of employee retention. Worth noting, eighty-four percent of millennials mentioned that they have experienced some type of burnout at their current job and nearly half of them had to leave their jobs for good, (Deloitte, 2021). 

Moreover, based on pre-pandemic data as cited by Threlkeld (2021), 52% of all workers feel burned out from work — a percentage that increased by 9% from a previous study with more than two-thirds (or 67%) believing that the pandemic aggravated or worsened their burnout. While one may think that burnout is only common to regular team members, managers or leaders are just as likely to suffer frequent or constant burnout, (Gallup, 2019). And just like any other employee, employee burnout may lead to lower levels of self-confidence, motivation, and productivity which can threaten their job satisfaction, retention, relationships, and overall contribution to business success. Many leaders have resolved such issues by acknowledging the situation first and then accept that they need to leverage their efforts for self-care and mental health. Never ever let the time pass and think it would go away like a bad flu, it is not a strategy that works and this may only lead to stress accumulation. The best way to do it start today with these tips:

  • Improve your communication channels.

You need a reliable tool or system for communicating with your colleagues as this is the simplest way to boost employee engagement which can both be beneficial to you and them. Allot 30 minutes of your daily work time for check-ins or vibe checking. This presents an ideal way to practice positive speech and make everyone, including yourself, heard and listened to. Find out what everyone else is feeling at the time they clock in for work and you can share your own thoughts too. It does not have to be all negative, perhaps everyone can share what also keeps them busy these days and learn from one another. In the context of work, you can try implementing asynchronous communication. This can help leaders strategize at their own pace and relieve the pressure of responding immediately.

  • Add flair to your normal work routine.

Doing regular engaging virtual events can aid the whole team to connect and lessen the daily work pressure. To boost employee engagement including your own, you can arrange and host events via a teleconferencing app. These events include:

  • A virtual hangout – online coffee, tea, or wine party where everyone can talk, gossip, and share experiences as they would in the physical office
  • A virtual awards night – recognizing small wins is one way to uplift everyone’s spirit especially during these times. This can be done by dishing out certificates or electronic badges.
  • A wellness program – directed at prevailing issues and their solutions in the workplace like healthy habits, risks to productivity, or maintaining work-and-life balance.
  • Try a different workspace.

Coworking spaces are effective. They are essentially shared spaces offered at affordable rates for those looking to escape the isolation of a home or physical office. Independent contractors and freelancers can use a coworking space to develop flexibility and diversity. To get a breath of fresh air and renew your energy and motivation levels, go somewhere different.

  • Create a flexible schedule for everyone.

Be the change you want to see in the world, they say. If you long for something that might work for you, it can also be the thing that might work for everyone. Knowing when you and other people work best can pay off in their productivity and efficiency. This can increase your chance of having satisfied employees. Schedule flexibility can provide for the work-life balance your company encourages. 

  • Revisit your mental health and wellness benefits.

Take advantage of your PTOs and use them based on your needs. When you feel like you need to take your hands off from your laptop and disconnect for a while, you may feel free to do so on account that you make pre-leave arrangements to ensure everyone still works despite your being away. With this, you are modeling a behavior that responds to what your mental health needs so that you can encourage others to do the same and this can free everyone from the risks of burnout. 

Sure that as a leader you are morally obligated to ensure that all your team members are happy, motivated, and satisfied with their jobs but do not forget yourself in this process. You are also an employee. You also get tired, exhausted, and demotivated, just like everyone else. Luckily, you have this list with you to make sure you will never have to deal with burnout in the same old way again.

Movie Night at the Riverfront Park: Moonlight – Hosted By Citi Medina

JOIN US FOR A MOVIE IN THE PARK – Thursday, July 29, 8pm

We are excited to present Moonlight, a powerful, coming-of-age story during Newark Pride Month, in collaboration with the Newark Museum of Art. Our founder, Citi Medina, will be opening the night with an introduction to the movie and welcoming attendees to this experience.

This event is FREE and no registration is required.

Event starts at 8pm, movie starts at 8:30pm.

RIVERSIDE FRONT PARK: 730 Raymond Boulevard, Newark, NJ (Riverside)

Moonlight (2016)

Directed by Barry Jenkins. (111 min). Rated R.

A young African American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.

The film will be screened in English with Spanish subtitles.

For Directions:

Juneteenth Celebration Guide

RECOGNITION • RESTORATION • JUSTICE

Juneteenth, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.

The future of this holiday looks bright as President Biden signed a bill officially recognizing it as a federal holiday. Respect and appreciation for all of our differences grow out of exposure and working together.

Click the links below and learn how you can get involved and support Juneteenth celebrations.

Creates new bonds of friendship and understanding amongst your community.

This indeed brightens our future – and that is the Spirit of Juneteenth.

JUNETEETH EVENTS

COMMUNITY DAY WITH THE NEWARK MUSEUM
A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION WITH THE CITY OF NEWARK

JUNETEETH RECIPES

STRAWBERRY SODA 
SOUTHERN FRIED CABBAGE & BACON
RED VELVET POUND CAKE

SUPPORT AND DONATE

THE INNOCENCE PROJECT
THE MARSHA P. INSTITUTE
THE BLACK AIDS INSTITUTE
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER ALLIANCE
FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES
THE SENTENCING PROJECT
THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND

Happy Juneteenth!

The =SPACE TEAM
To learn more about =SPACE, visit our home page

2020 End Of Year Report

=SPACE Sharespace & Incubator presents our 2020 EOY Report. This report showcases the hard work our team put into making this a successful year. We care about the well-being of our community members; and about the future of entrepreneurship, generational wealth, and true excellence. We are the future and will continue to fight for our mission to provide equal space, opportunity, and resources.

Download Full Report Here

Read Full Report Here

CHECK OUT OUR 2020 END OF YEAR SIZZLE REEL TOO!

The Market SPACE

RSVP LINK: https://bit.ly/mark3tspac3

Join =SPACE & Makerhoods as we support local makers, artists, and creatives on September 26th! =SPACE is presenting a new virtual venture, The Market SPACE, in collaboration with Makerhoods. This event was created in recognition of the innovation and creativity of our local artisans. A lot of these entrepreneurs have been hit hard by recent events and we want to give back.

Our Updated COVID-19 Operating Standards

=SPACE has always been a sharedspace dedicated to opportunity and resources, and to our community’s prosperity. This is especially the case when it comes to the well-being, health, and safety of the people who work in and use our space.

We have taken the last couple of months to prepare new guidelines. These guidelines were put together with the help of medical experts, government officials, our partners, and of course, the =SPACE Team. As a sharespace dedicated to being a resource, we are committed to doing all we can to keep every person that walks through our doors healthy.

General Building Updates:

The entire building air filtration system will be upgraded, to increase ventilation.

There will be a maximum of 2 people on our elevators, we will provide a stairwell option during normal business hours.

Coworking Area Updates:

24 inch plexiglass partisans will be added to the 24/7 dedicated desks

Conference room: Limit of 6 persons at any given time

Podcast studio: Limit of 2-3 persons at any given time

Multimedia studio: Limit of 6 persons at any given time

Huddle room: limit of 1 person at any given time

Kitchen: All seating has been removed, and enforcing an “as needed” protocol for time spent in the kitchen

  • Spacers will have access to biodegradable plates and utensils

Mandatory use of face masks while in general space with other spacers. While in private office, masks are not required

Visitor Updates:

Maximum of 30 people allowed per floor

All visitors will need to wear a mask in any and all common areas to enter space

No walk-ins are allowed, people will need to schedule their meetings to enter the space

No third party visitors, it is preferred that meetings are held virtually instead of in person

Visitors will be screened upon entry, they will be asked to sign a confirmation of health

  • ES team has digression to turn away visitors if ES team has reason to believe the visitor in question displays COVID-like symptoms
  • ES will be recording each individual that enters ES, who they came in contact with and touch points recorded to help track should someone that has been in ES contract COVID-19

Event Protocol Updates:

No in person events larger than <30 people standing; sitting: 20 people max in event space and 10 people max on secondary floor, to attend virtually through a livestream

  • No same-day, in-person registration for events [unless attend we max has not been reached]

All attendees and staff are required to wear masks at all times (excluding moments when eating or drinking) – all masks must cover the nose and mouth

  • High-risk individuals are encouraged to attend virtually, otherwise they will be seated in back areas [with less contact] and heavily ventilated areas

Routine sanitizing of all surfaces both in the front and back of the house will take place every hour throughout an event

Pre and post event, all touch points will be sanitized 

  • These areas will be cleaned and disinfected regularly [per usual], particularly high-touch surfaces such as faucets, toilets, stall doors, doorknobs, countertops, diaper changing tables, and light switches
  • We already clean and disinfect restrooms daily , but we will be doing it more often, with EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19
  • We will be spraying air disinfectant pre and post event to handle droplets in air

An =SPACE Rep will be at the elevator to ensure it is not overcrowded

Attendees leaving will be encouraged to exit via stairs to reduce elevator congestion

No open buffet, catering is permitted as long as they follow correct guidelines:

  • The employees from the catering company have to be checked by their employer
    • Their employer needs to sign a health confirmation document stating that they ensure their employees are not suffering from any symptoms, covered their hands and faces while prepping the food, will continue to do so when delivering, and were temperature checked before arriving at our venue
  • Only offer sealed box/container meals and sealed personal drinks with utensils (preferably biodegradable)
  • Offer no touch delivery

NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant [Phase 2]

NJEDA will award a total of $45 million in federal CARES Act funding to small businesses. To support the Governor’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, $15 million will be reserved for businesses in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts, $15 million of Phase 2 funding will be set aside to support qualified businesses located in one of the 715 census tracts that were eligible to be selected as a New Jersey Opportunity Zone.

NJEDA has collaborated with a multitude of NJ organizations and businesses to provide info-webinars on eligibility, application processing, and will answer any other questions you may have. The upcoming webinars are below:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3RD

LGBTQIA x EDA Webinar 

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/

Carlos Medina Statewide Hispanic Chamber x EDA Webinar

5:00 – 6:00 PM EST

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82971141932?pwd=eFVTcEM5RnhWclQvV1c5Q2FuY1VZZz09

Prospect Park x EDA Webinar

6:00 – 7:00 PM EST

Join: https://zoom.us/j/83720103657 

THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH

Port Authority x EDA Webinar

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Join: https://meet.google.com/sxi-aoar-xzv

NJ/NY MSDC x EDA Webinar

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Registration: TBA

Newark Alliance x EDA Webinar 

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Registration:

https://us02web.zoom.us/w/89930442868

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH

Montclair Center BID x EDA Webinar

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83975730814

Meeting ID: 839 7573 0814

Senator Ruiz x EDA Webinar

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

ZOOM Meeting ID: 968 6997 6077

Password: 4ayWgp

NJ State Chamber, Booker, NJBIA x EDA Webinar

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST

Latino Legislative x EDA Webinar

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Registration: TBA

A Message Of Solidarity & Call To Action From Our Founder

To Our Community:

The current uprisings and rebellions (I refuse to call them riots) reflect the long-overdue need to address the murders of our black brothers and sisters at the hands of law enforcement which have resulted in many lives lost over decades to violence and systemic oppression. 

Our community has been traumatized day by day with the loss of so many to the brutality and corruption of those in law enforcement who fail to see us as people. The collective loss has been so uncomprehending as to not only insight an outpouring of pain, but to cause us to choke on it. 

Our people are enraged and overwhelmed by it all. Some protests have shifted into violence, and “A riot is the language of the unheard.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his speech “The Other America.” An observed moment in that speech is his question posed after it: “What is it that America has failed to hear?”

Day after day, body after body, video after horrible video, and ultimately name after name, it has become evident that law enforcement does not consider some of us to even be human. We are beyond tired of the names we have repeated over and over again, the names of our people who have closed their eyes while being brutalized and never reopened them. It has become our living legacy to carry on for them, to honor their memories, and to right the wrongs done to them. We have to speak and rally and take to the streets to cause change. Today and tomorrow we have to overturn this system. 

This is all I can offer to you as you process the pain. I ask that you focus the intention to creating change. Build organizations, create safe spaces, become our politicians and advocates. Write and tell our stories. Unite and gather into a collective might that will take on the White House. We must carry on in the name of so many lost because we are all that can one day prevent the next atrocity from happening. 

Today I walked with my people. I chanted, and I raged inside. That is what we have to do across the nation. It is a mourning of all we have endured and an outpouring of pain after there will come a great collective clarity.

We have to clearly remember how we have risen above time and time again. My fam, I want you to pour this into a movement. Look to Black Lives Matter. Join your local NAACP and Colors For Change.  Let us back our leading voices like Tamika D. Mallory and Colin Kaepernick or donate to Reclaim the Block, Black Visions Collective or the Louisville Bail Fund. I want to walk away from today with the feeling that tomorrow we will turn to each other and help our brothers and sisters. 

You are powerful. You can turn your rage and pain into change. 

I am with you, the entire =SPACE family is with you. Take care and take action. 

Citi Medina, Co-founder of =SPACE

TAKE ACTION WITH US AND ACTIVELY MAKE CHANGE IN NEWARK

HELP US ESTABLISH A CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD:

Step 1: Call 609-815-2955

Step 2: Press 1 for English/Press 2 for Spanish

Step 3: Press 3

Step 4: Let it ring

Step 5: If someone picks up or if you get a voicemail

“Hello my name is ________ & I demand that the Supreme Court uphold the appeals court decision for NEWARK to establish the police review board. Thank you”

If you wanna practice your Spanish ?

“Hola. Mi nombre es _______ y hoy exijo que la corte Suprema confirme la decisión de la Corte de Apelaciones de que NEWARK pueda establecer la Junta de Revisión Policíal. Gracias”