Weekly Wrap Up: February 27th-March 5th

Here is what you may have missed at Entwined Community this week.

New Members:

1. Added High Desert Mothers of Multiples to our list of parents of multiples clubs!
2. Added (MOST) Mothers of Supertwins to our list of twin/multiples owned nonprofits!

Question of the Week:

1. Business Question of the Week: BBC News reports that Microsoft spends $9 billion per year on research and development, especially in the areas of gaming such as XBox Kinect. Do you think Microsoft should be spending more on R&D as relates to software needs for businesses? What software programs would be helpful to you in your business?
2. General Question of the Week: Do you think Microsoft is falling behind Apple and other software companies? Should they spend more time developing software for businesses or gaming? What software programs would you like to see?

In the News:

1. From the Midtown Raleigh News: Teen twin brother/sister entrepreneurs balance school, work and a successful company. Founder Ryan got the idea when he wanted to give his mother a rain barrel, and was not impressed with what he saw in stores. Now the family biz sells barrels in 119 locations in 5 states.
2. From Bloomberg Business: The SBA's new loan programs are aimed at reducing red tape for small business access to funding. Have you tried to access small biz funding and denied or frustrated by long waits and requirements?
3. From Entrepreneur: Triplet mom and co-founder of Repax reusable shopping bags Margaret Moss shares three (naturally!) tips for budding entrepreneurs. What are your top tips for twin/multiples entrepreneurs?
4. From WOWK Channel 13: Twin mom of TLC's Little People, Big World fame Amy Roloff spoke at Shepherd University this week about overcoming adversity. In addition to the family farm, Amy is the founder of the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation, a nonprofit that supports and advocates for kids.

Blog Posts:

1. March 8th is Mardi Gras - Share your favorite traditions or recipes, and don't forget to support our twin/multiples owned businesses in the Bayou State - twin mom owned Gemini Greetings and triplet mom owned The Triple Dip Shop!

Photo credit: (Trends in Twos)

Take "The Pledge"!

I have been working on the pledge and will shortly have it posted to the website. Here is a preview:

As a member of entwined community, I pledge:

• To make a conscious effort to purchase goods or services from twin/multiples owned businesses whenever possible;
• To spread the word about entwined community by following the “each one, teach one” principle – where I will teach one twin/multiples family the benefits of supporting twin/multiples businesses;
• To support twin/multiples nonprofit efforts via financial, time or goods donations whenever possible.

Just one week away from the launch - stay tuned for giveaway locations!

Nonprofit Listings are Free!

Did you know that nonprofits that are twin/multiples operated, such as parents of multiples clubs, can be listed on entwined community for free? Here's how it works.

Contact us at businessmembership@enwtinedcommunity.com and let us know some basic information such as the name of your nonprofit, your contact information and web address. entwined community will get back with you and once you are approved, you will be sent your introductory business package which includes a window cling for bricks and mortar nonprofits, an invitation to BigTent, our online group management site, your individual membership card, and more.

So what are the benefits of joining entwined community for nonprofits? entwined community is a community of multiples and parents of multiples who actively seek out twin/multiples owned businesses both in their local communities and online. They have made a pledge to "buy multiples" when possible, and this means they may be willing to get involved in your nonprofit as well! You may be able to connect with individuals who are interested in donating funds, volunteering for your organization or attending your special events. Use the BigTent group management site to share with members your special news and announcements and help get the word out about your cause. Have an upcoming special event, such as a Yard Sale? Have it posted on the BigTent calendar to drive additional traffic to your event.

Once you have joined entwined community as a nonprofit member, consider becoming the moderator of the Nonprofit subgroup on BigTent - send an email to bigtent@entwinedcommunity.com for additional information. Coming soon entwined community will be launching a fundraising campaign - learn more about how you can raise funds for your twin/multiples related nonprofit by staying tuned.