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Black influencers, including the owner of a plus-size boutique, are among those lobbying Congress not to ban TikTok

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WASHINGTON (AP) – Lawmakers, meet your newest lobbyists: online influencers from TikTok.

The platform is once more inviting influencers to Washington, this time to lobby members of Congress to reject a quickly passed bill that will force TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company to be sold or banned in the United States. On Tuesday, some influencers kicked off a two-day event in support of TikTok, which organized their trip ahead of the House vote on the bill on Wednesday.

But unlike a similar lobbying event the company held last March, when talk of banning TikTok got here to a head, this yr’s motion seemed more rushed as the company tried hard to counter laws that was moving quickly on Capitol Hill.

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“If they ban it, I don’t know what that will do” to the company, Summer Lucille, a TikTok content creator with 1.4 million followers who’s visiting Washington this week, said in an interview organized by the platform. “It will be devastating.” The laws enjoys extraordinary support in Congress.

Content creator Summer Lucille poses for a photo in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. She is among the influential people lobbying lawmakers against a bill that will force TikTok to sell its platform or face a ban in the United States. (AP Photo/Haleluya Hadero)

Last week, a House panel unanimously approved the measure in an unusual display of bipartisanship. President Joe Biden has said he’ll sign the bill whether it is passed by lawmakers. However, it’s unclear what is going to occur in the Senate, where several bills geared toward banning TikTok are stalled.

The laws faces other obstacles. Former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who holds sway over Republicans in each the House of Representatives and the Senate, has expressed opposition to the bill, saying it will strengthen the position of Meta-owned Facebook, which he continues to sharply criticize for its defeat in elections in 2020. The bill also faces opposition from some progressive lawmakers in the House, in addition to civil liberties groups who say it violates the First Amendment.

TikTok may very well be banned if parent company ByteDance fails to sell its stake in the platform and other apps it owns inside six months of the law’s entry into force.

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The fight over the platform comes at a time when U.S.-China relations have turned strategic competition, especially in areas resembling advanced technologies and data security, seen as necessary to each country’s economic prowess and national security. The change, which began under Trump and continued under Biden, imposed restrictions on high-tech exports and the outflow of US money to China, in addition to access of some Chinese firms to the US market.

The Biden administration also cited human rights concerns in blacklisting a number of Chinese firms accused of helping the state’s surveillance campaign against ethnic minorities.

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There is not any shortage of lobbyists on TikTok. Its Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, has a powerful lobbying apparatus in Washington that features dozens of lobbyists from well-known consulting and law firms, in addition to influential figures resembling former members of Congress and former advisers to influential lawmakers, according to the Defense Foundation Democracy.

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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew may even be in Washington this week and plans to meet with lawmakers, according to a company spokesman who said Chew’s visit was previously planned.

But influencers who’ve a strong following on social media and may share personal stories about how the platform has empowered their businesses – or just given them a voice – are still arguably one of the strongest tools a company has in its arsenal.

A TikTok spokesperson said the two-day event can be attended by dozens of influencers, including some who got here last yr. A spokesman did not immediately respond to questions on what number of recent people will take part in this yr’s lobbying foray. The company informs them about this before meetings with representatives and media interviews.

Lucille runs a plus-size boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina, and according to her, she has seen a significant increase in revenue thanks to her TikTok page. The 34-year-old began creating content on TikTok, specializing in plus-size fashion, in March 2022, greater than a decade after founding the company. She quickly gained hundreds of followers after posting a nine-second video about her boutique.

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Due to her popularity on the platform, her company has more online visibility and more customers, some of whom have even visited from throughout Europe. She says she also frequently hears from followers who find support in her content about fashion and self-confidence.

JT Laybourne, an influencer who also got here to Washington, said he joined TikTok in early 2019 after receiving negative comments on videos he posted on Instagram singing in the automotive together with his children.

TikTok, TikTok ban, theGrio.com
Republicans in the House of Representatives are backing a bill that will require Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Laybourne, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, said he was drawn to the short video platform since it was easy to create videos that included music. Like Lucille, he quickly gained popularity on the app. He says he has also received more support from TikTok users who’ve responded positively to the content he has created about love and positivity.

Laybourne says the community he built on the platform rallied around his family when he had to undergo heart surgery in 2020. He said that after surgery, he used the platform to raise $1 million for the American Heart Association in lower than two years. His family now runs a clothing company that gets most of its traffic from TikTok.

“I will fight tooth and nail for this application,” he said.

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But it’s unclear whether the opposition the company gathers through lobbyists or influencers will likely be enough to derail the bill. On Tuesday, House lawmakers received a briefing from the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence officials about national security concerns about TikTok.


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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Business and Finance

The company supported by Aliko Dangot acquires POLLMAN Kenya trips

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Africa Travel Investments, concentrated company acquired Pollman’s trips and safari, the oldest organizer of Kenya trips. The agreement emphasizes the numerous trust of Private Equity in the long run of the Kenya tourist sector, a key factor contributing to the national economy.

The Competition Office in Kenya (CAK) previously approved the takeover of Africa Travel Investments in the quantity of 100% of the Pollman’s issued share capital.

Pursuant to the CAK statement: “In relation to the proposed transaction, after merger, the share in the integrated entity’s market will not change, because the goal and the buyer is not in a similar company, and therefore this will not affect the structure and concentration of markets for tour operators in Kenya.”

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This takeover occurs after the February investment of Alterra Capital, the Private Equity fund supported each by Danglot, the richest person in Africa, together with chairman Dangot Cement, together with the American billionaire Dave Rubenstein, on the ARP Africa Travel Group, Pollman’s mother company. According to CAK, connection won’t be going to affect A competitive landscape of the concert market in Kenya, including the obligatory focus of adventure and abundant safari.

The regulatory authority also determined that the acquisition won’t be going to adversely affect the employment or competitiveness of smaller firms contained throughout the industry.

CAK said: “The office also stated that the contract does not pose a threat to jobs or competitiveness to small companies, two of the key fears related to the law to Kenya. The parties indicated that they would not cause any losses of employment from the takeover.”

According to the Nigerian tycoon, it’s value $ 23.2 billion. Vast business empire dangot Include Dangote Cement, a serious cement producer on the continent with operations covering 10 African nations. His investments also include the production of fertilizers in Nigeria and the recently operational refinery of Dangot.

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The acquisition of Pollman by the entity supported by Danggot signals diversification to the promising tourism market in Kenya.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Fenty joins forces with New York Liberty

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Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin Rihanny transferred their WNBA partnership to the subsequent level, concluding a brand recent contract with the prevailing masters, New York Liberty, to point into an official sponsor of the band’s makeup and sweetness sponsor – announcement on May 7.

According to whom Rihanna gave an exclusive interview After the partnership is announced, the offer means the first Fenta trip in business with WNBA. It will likely be They entail the Fenty logo on the good and comfortable -up jackets before playing the team and shooting the sleeves, along with some activations contained throughout the sphereD Moments of discovering the product.

“I have always said that makeup is to have fun, express myself. This should reflect the atmosphere, a moment, personality – whatever you want. I am excited, seeing how amazing women from New York Liberty put the faces of the game and I am proud that they have fenta beauty and fasting skin this season,” said Rihanna.

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https://twitter.com/fentyheadlines/status/192012387318405353?s=19

Freedom also probably comprises the suitable mascot in all sports and The most recognizable and dense WNBAEllie The Elephant and Pachyderm coded in a black woman will likely be an infinite a component of activation contained throughout the sphere and other promotions which is able to emphasize cooperation between the team and the Fenty Beauty and Skin Rihanna line.

As Shana Stevenson, director of the Liberty brand, said with reference to the mascot of the Liberty brand, Ellie represents the position of Liberty in Brooklyn and the energy of the district on the extent that does several other mascots.

“The person we know today as Ellie interrogated during this open interrogation, and simply surprised us with his talent and interpretation of Ellie,” Stephenson reminded the shop. “It was so different, so fresh, so harsh. And we said:” This is our person. ” And I also felt a very New York, very Brooklyn in a way we didn’t see before. “

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Keia Clarke, General Director of New York Liberty, expressed the band’s emotions from sponsorship with Rihanna’s cosmetic brands. Clarke believes that Fenty and the team divide values ​​paying homage to supporting women and celebrating individuality.

“New York freedom is excited about working with Fenty Beauty-Pioneer, which shares our values ​​of supporting women and celebrating individuality, authenticity and confidence. Adaptation with similarly thinking brands allows us to provide significant connections and experiences that really resonate with our fans. Together we will include strengthening, courage and involvement in creativity,” said Clarke contained contained contained throughout the statement.

On the heels of the MET gala, which some Liberty players, paying homage to Jonquel Jones, Brenna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, along with Rihanna herself, Rihanna mentioned her faith that New York is perfectly embodded by the Liberty team In a press release.

“There is no energy and spirit like New York,” Rihanna said in an announcement. “Women from New York Liberty are an example of such beauty, power and strength, so Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin have become part of their journey this season, he is amazing. We are excited to cooperate with them to get the faces of the game.”

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New York Liberty (T) Ellie The Elephan (T) Rihanna (T) Fenty Beauty

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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According to entrepreneurs who did this

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Every 12 months, around 100,000 small corporations They are created in Canada. But what do you actually need to arrange a corporation in Canada – not only on paper, but in practice?

To higher understand what really involves starting a startup in Canada, we interviewed entrepreneurs in various sectors. As experts throughout the sector of strategy and entrepreneurship, we combined their first -hand experiences from research results to determine the crucial thing facets that contribute to business success.

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What appeared is a more pronounced picture of the actual fact of Canadian entrepreneurship, which shows that constructing a corporation consists in each management, risk and immunity management, as well as to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to an revolutionary idea.

Solving real consumer problems

Before starting the company, it’s essential to discover goal customers. Successful ventures begin with solving an actual problem for a clearly defined group. Conducting market research to ensure strong Matching the product market It is a key first step in this process.

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Here comes the invention of shoppers. This applies Understanding the situation, clients’ needs and pain points. Techniques resembling user interviews and creating detailed Customer personas It will help founders higher understand who their product is to.

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This approach is crucial for every startups and recognized organizations that want to enter recent markets.

Building is one other vital a component of the tactic at an early stage Minimum Product Product (MVP): The basic version of the product, which accommodates only the essential functions needed to test the concept with users.

MVP enables entrepreneurs to collect feedback and improve the product before investing significant time or money in full development.

Manage your money accurately

After identifying market need, financing securing will likely be one other vital challenge. This process often It starts with making an interesting jump – a presentation that presents forecasts regarding product or services and funds to attract potential investors.

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This pitch is crucial for the success of the startup, Mohammad FaiyazFounder and CEO WavermarkHe told us.

Tools and resources resembling Pitch deck developed by co -founder PayPal Peter Thiel and AI feedback tool Ai Fornax.

Preparing a solid jump is a essential step to attract potential investors to your organization.
(Shutterstock)

But although financing may thoroughly be very crucial, managing these funds accurately is equally vital. Chris ColasantiVice President in Rocket Mortgage CanadaIt was explained by e -mail that amongst the assorted common mistakes made by recent entrepreneurs just is just not to control costs.

For the first time, many founders address the rise in revenues when leaving expenses. Colasanti argued that when it is best to not have limitless investors’ support, your survival relies on slim surgery. “Obsession with your costs,” he advised.

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Bhimani repeated this caution. “The budget for two to three times more time and money to complete the task, especially at the stage of ideas,” he wrote to us. Entrepreneurs ought to be prepared for unexpected costs.

Building a marketing strategy

Many startup founders are eager to scale their corporations quickly, but Doing it prematurely Power increase the danger of a breakdown by 20 to 40 percent.

“Growth is one of the most tax activities that the company can experience,” Colasanti told us. “Fight the desire for development. Hirp when it hurts and let sales increase your growth.”

To scale effectively, corporations need a sturdy foundation. This means having a comprehensive marketing strategy. A well -structured plan presents the company’s mission, market strategy, operations, funds and key milestones.

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In addition to service, as a road map to internal decision making, business plans also help to convey the vision and strategy of corporations to investors and other stakeholders.

. Bank Business Bank of Canada offers guides which is ready to help entrepreneurs in effective constructing business plans.

Hire the precise people to work

Employing appropriate employees for work is crucial for the startup’s success. “You can’t overpay talent,” Colasanti told us. “The first 10 people you employ, do or break your business.”

Decisions on employment should go hand in hand with the deliberate constructing of culture contained contained throughout the workplace. Studies show that a positive work of workplace leads to higher employee satisfaction, retention and general performance.

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“Your company will develop a culture, regardless of whether you create it or not,” he said. Many founders for the first time Let poor behavior slide To avoid conflict, nonetheless it surely is dangerous.

The woman speaks to a man sitting opposite her at the desk in the office
Employing appropriate employees for work is crucial for the success of the startup.
(Shutterstock)

Bhimani also emphasized the importance of employing those who really understand your organization’s mission. “Then I know that they are invested and put their best effort,” he told us.

Remember about vital legal considerations. Employers must comply with federal and provincial work regulations, and entrepreneurs should search for legal advice or Familiarize yourself with government resources While constructing teams.

Look for a reliable mentor

While entrepreneurship will likely be seen as solo, research and experience suggest otherwise. In fact, the founders who are mentord by successful entrepreneurs have come to an end 3 times more likely that they may succeed themselves.

Both Bhimani and Dhwani ShahFounder and CEO Aadhya Navik Inc.He emphasized the importance of mentors.

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“Even if you just have an idea,” Bhimani told us via e -mail, “You should try as much as possible with people from the industry who have relevant experience.”

Shah similarly attributed her increase in continuous learning and expert suggestions: “I have a long -term vision and I am actively looking for advice while working on the product.”

Resources resembling Finder Benefits Business and programs resembling Futurpreneur Canada AND Startup canada It can mix the founders of the early stage with financing and mentoring.

Passion and perseverance are crucial

The set of pondering may thoroughly be a differentiating factor that distinguishes successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship pondering is a way of pondering, which is expounded to opportunities during which others see obstacles and maintaining a sturdy sense of initiative and immunity.

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All entrepreneurs with whom we interviewed said that internal motivation was the crucial thing to longevity. “The start of the company makes you wear many hats, which can be intimidating, but also gives great satisfaction,” Shah told us. Research also confirmed that it was true.



Colasanti told us that fear often leads the founders to too early a transition from experiments into protection mode. “They stop taking large swings and start shooting bullets instead of bullets,” he said. This change of pondering can lead to complacency and stagnation.

Entrepreneurs who are successful are sometimes those who can Keep agile, tackle discomfort and demand Even when the rates are high.

Use resources

There is an awesome deal of support in Canada for entrepreneurs. National initiatives resembling Futurpreneur Canada AND Startup canadaand financial support with Bank Business Bank of CanadaThey are also available.

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Most provinces and territories have web pages dedicated to resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, including British columbiaIN AlbertIN Manitob AND Ontario.

In southern Ontario, Wettech alliance It offers a model how regional revolutionary centers can support the founders. Their programs help mix entrepreneurs with specialist knowledge, capital and community.

Starting business in Canada has never been more possible or more competitive. As we mentioned experts, we reminded about this, success is to make. The journey is difficult, but for those who are ready, it could even be deeply satisfying.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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