Lunch on the BLOC | Topic :Small Business Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most complicated and expensive decisions small business owners face—and most guidance doesn’t reflect how it actually plays out for small teams.
This session is a casual, lunchtime conversation focused on small business healthcare in practice: costs, tradeoffs, gaps in traditional insurance, and the alternatives business owners are using instead
You can bring the questions you’re already dealing with:
What can you realistically offer a small team?
What happens when someone gets sick or injured?
How do you avoid paying for benefits no one actually uses?
What options exist beyond standard insurance plans?.
You’ll hear directly from Matthew Simone of Homesteady Health Direct Primary Care, who works with small businesses every day on these exact decisions.
About Lunch on the BLOC
Lunch on the BLOC is a free, recurring online meet-up for local small business owners who want a straightforward place to stay engaged, learn from each other, and talk through operational topics without committing to long or formal events.
Join to listen, ask a question, or simply be part of the room.
BP100 - Startup to Growth Bootcamp
Join us for a 10-week business course that will help you turn a business idea into a clear, usable plan with guidance, structure, and accountability.
Dates: Feb 2 - Apr 8, 2026
Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 PM
Cost: $149 Veterans: $25 with DD214
Location: Koffman Southern Tier Incubator/Hybrid.
Enrollment deadline: Jan 26, 2026
What you’ll leave with: A completed Business Model Canvas ✦ Customer discovery insights ✦ An executive summary ✦ A pitch deck & script ✦ Mentoring opportunities
Who it’s for: Open to anyone starting or growing a business. The program is designed to support women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and dislocated workers in the Southern Tier.
Why the microcredential matters: Complete the course and you’re eligible for a state-recognized business microcredential, useful for funding programs, applications, and professional credibility.
Need flexibility? The full course is also available on Saturdays 10am to 1pm, in-person, in Ithaca. Includes a completion certificate, but not the state microcredential provided with the Monday & Wednesday attendance. Inquire for more details: gladys@businessleadersofcolors.com
Led by Gladys Brangman
SINGTRECE W/S/G HONEY FOR THE BEES
A live music night featuring SingTrece and Honey for the Bees. The evening centers on original songs, strong vocals, and harmony, with SingTrece bringing soulful, emotional storytelling and Honey for the Bees offering harmony driven indie folk rock. Expect a focused live music experience with space to listen, connect, and enjoy the sound.
Feb 07, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Funk ’n Waffles, 307 N Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13204, USA
One Night Only: SingTrece at Onajava Soul Café
A one-night-only soul experience with award-winning vocalist SingTrece.
Experience an unforgettable night of soul, power, and inspiration as international recording artist SingTrece brings her extraordinary voice to Onajava Soul Café on Friday, January 24th, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This one-time-only special event performance showcases the award-winning vocalist whose sound has been described as “milk and honey to the ears.”
Winner of Amateur Night at the Apollo, SingTrece has toured throughout Europe and performed on stages across the United States, captivating audiences with her blend of soul, jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B. Her performances are known for their emotional depth, vocal power, and the uplifting presence she brings to every room.
This intimate concert at Onajava Soul Café is a rare chance to experience SingTrece live in Syracuse, NY. Whether you love soulful vocals, inspirational storytelling, or world-class live music, this special performance promises an evening you will not forget.
Event Details
• Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Tickets: $15
• Venue: Onajava Soul Café
• Address: 1555 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY
Secure your seat for an unforgettable night of music with one of Upstate New York’s most celebrated voices.
BLOC Connections
You're invited to BLOC Connections. This gathering is about being in the same room with local entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members who are actively building, supporting, and strengthening local business and community. It’s a chance to connect, reconnect, and spend time with people who care about equity, collaboration, and showing up for one another.
Whether you are new to BLOC or have been part of the community for a while, this is a low pressure space to meet people, have real conversations, and build relationships that extend beyond the room.
Bring your business cards. Bring a friend. Come ready to meet people who could become collaborators, clients, partners, or champions for your work.
If you’re planning to attend, please register in advance so we have a clear sense of who’s coming and can plan accordingly.
EmpowerHer Montly Meet-Up
EmpowerHer is a recurring women’s networking gathering hosted by SingTrece, creating space for connection, reflection, and community.
This month’s gathering features Gladys Brangman of Business Leaders of Colors, speaking about vision boards focused on clarity, intention, and what comes next.
Whether you are building a business, exploring a new direction, or simply looking to connect with other women, this is an open and welcoming space.
NRE Space ● 402 W State St
● Wednesday, January 21
● 6:30 to 8:30 PM
EmpowerHer takes place every 3rd Wednesday.
Learn how MWBE certification works
Our first group sold out (if you’ve seen the January 15th promo) so we will be offering a second presentation on Saturday 17th, at 12pm ET. Please email gladys@businessleadersofcolors.com to register and get the link.
Jump into this online event to get the lowdown on MWBE certification — what it is, how it helps your business, and the steps to get certified. Perfect for anyone curious about boosting their business opportunities and connecting with a supportive network. Grab your laptop, and let’s make MWBE certification simple and clear!
This workshop is designed to guide you through the eligibility requirements, application steps, and benefits of becoming a certified Minority- or Women-Owned Business Enterprise. Hosted and presented by Gladys Brangman from BLOC (Business Leaders of Colors).
For entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to grow and access new markets
BLOC Holiday Gathering 2025
BLOC Holiday Gathering
Thursday, December 18 · 5–7 PM
Northstar Public House
E-commerce 101: Setting-up, Managing & Marketing Online Shopping
By 2021, virtually everyone has become comfortable buying products and services online. Whether that is purchasing everyday products, booking reservations, paying bills or buying various services, the online world is here to stay.
So, is e-commerce something your business should pursue? What goes into setting up and operating an online store? And how do you market your products to reach your customers?
In this 60-minute class, we will discuss Shopify, one of the most popular e-commerce platforms. This will include a review of the Product Database and the product information you will need to build and manage your online store. We will also discuss product fulfillment which includes shipping your products and handling inventory. Lastly, we will discuss several important tips to help you market your online store.
Presented by: Erik Bunaes, Endorphin® Digital Marketing,
Constant Contact Local Expert and Adjunct Professor of Marketing.
A Simple Recipe for Social Media Success
Social media is a powerful tool that influences how people connect, support causes, and make purchasing decisions. In this one-hour session, you’ll learn how to create a simple yet effective social media strategy that drives awareness, grows your following, and turns engagement into action.
Key Takeaways:
● Influence Your Audience: Discover how to hook your audience’s attention—just like 45% of shoppers who turn to social media for inspiration.
● Build Connections: Learn why 20% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands they can communicate with on social media.
● Simplify Your Strategy: Master the essentials of social media success, including the 15-minute social media plan and tips for getting started with paid ads.
● Maximize Your Reach: Claim your name across all channels, pick a primary platform to focus on, and tailor your posts for each channel to expand your impact.
● Engage for Growth: Use social media to increase awareness, provide top-notch customer service, and inspire your audience to take action.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your approach, this session provides the insights and tools you need to create a social media strategy that works for your business.
Presented by: Erik Bunaes, Endorphin® Digital Marketing,
Constant Contact Local Expert and Adjunct Professor of Marketing.
Engage and Convert - The Email & Social Media Power Play
Discover how to harness the combined power of email and social media to captivate your audience, grow your subscriber base, and drive meaningful conversions. In this dynamic session, you’ll learn actionable strategies to:
● Optimize Your Social Profiles: Fine-tune your profiles to make a lasting impression and draw followers in.
● Craft Compelling Content: Leverage storytelling techniques to create engaging narratives that resonate with your audience.
● Convert Followers into Subscribers: Turn social media engagement into email subscriptions with proven tactics.
We'll also dive into fresh content ideas that attract and engage your audience, including customer success stories, behind-the-scenes peeks, founder journeys, user-generated content, live Q&As, and seasonal or thematic narratives. You’ll explore how to create, repurpose, and adapt content across formats like short-form videos, infographics, carousel posts, polls, quizzes, and live streams to maximize reach and variety.
Learn best practices for posting frequency, timing, and creating social hooks that stop the scroll. Plus, we’ll uncover the top reasons people subscribe—discounts, exclusive content, or supporting your cause—and how to position your offers for maximum impact. Whether you’re looking to boost engagement or grow your list, this session provides the tools and insights to power up your email and social media marketing strategy.
Presented by: Erik Bunaes, Endorphin® Digital Marketing,
Constant Contact Local Expert and Adjunct Professor of Marketing.
BLOC Connections Gathering
A seasonal networking mixer for local entrepreneurs and professionals, open to members and non-members. Connect, collaborate, and support each other’s work this fall. Read More
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Marketing
Join us for an informative webinar where we'll explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Marketing, a game-changer designed to empower small businesses. These features offer the flexibility and control you need to streamline your marketing efforts, optimize engagement, and drive significant growth.
● Enhance Branding: Seamlessly manage and customize your brand identity with AI tools that make it easier than ever to maintain consistency across all your marketing efforts.
● Simplify Content Creation: Utilize intuitive drag-and-drop tools and AI-driven features that simplify the process of crafting compelling communications.
● Optimize Campaigns: Deliver personalized, localized communications at scale, ensuring every message resonates with your target audience.
● Streamline Management: Efficiently organize and manage your marketing efforts with centralized oversight, boosting productivity and allowing you to focus on growth.
● Gain Actionable Insights: Access comprehensive, easy-to-understand reports that empower you to make informed decisions and optimize your marketing strategies.
Why Attend?
Constant Contact’s AI-powered marketing tools are designed specifically for small businesses, providing you with the resources to enhance your marketing efforts, maintain consistent branding, and drive growth. Whether you’re looking to optimize your current strategies or explore new ways to engage your customers, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.
FREE WEBINAR: A Simple Recipe for Social Media Success
Social media is a powerful tool that influences how people connect, support causes, and make purchasing decisions. In this one-hour session, you’ll learn how to create a simple yet effective social media strategy that drives awareness, grows your following, and turns engagement into action.
Hosted by: Business Leaders of Colors (BLOC)
With: Erik Bunaes, Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert & Speaker and President, Endorphin® Digital Marketing
REGISTER
FREE WEBINAR: Engage & Convert: The Email & Social Media Power Play
Discover how to harness the combined power of email and social media to captivate your audience, grow your subscriber base, and drive meaningful conversions.
Hosted by: Business Leaders of Colors (BLOC)
With: Erik Bunaes, Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert & Speaker and President, Endorphin® Digital Marketing
REGISTER
FREE WEBINAR: How to Grow Your Subscriber Base
Growing your subscriber base is critical for increasing your audience and encouraging people to buy from you. However, many businesses find it difficult to expand their email list. The main reason? They don't put enough emphasis on asking for sign-ups and often overlook the powerful tools available to them.
Hosted by: Business Leaders of Colors (BLOC)
With: Erik Bunaes, Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert & Speaker and President, Endorphin® Digital Marketing
BLOC Connections
This is our monthly Meetup to connect with members and share needs, updates and good news. Join us at Northstar House for food, fellowship and a few laughs! We meet at 202 E Falls St, Ithaca, NY 14850 from 4:30 - 6:30pm.
Event Five
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Test Event
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