Core Insights - Block Advisors by H&R Block has relaunched its Fund Her Future grant program, accepting applications from April 28 to May 30, 2025, to support women-owned small businesses with high growth potential [1][5] - The program will award a total of $100,000 in grants, with one recipient receiving $50,000 and up to five others receiving $10,000 each, along with a year of small business services valued at nearly $30,000 [1][4] Group 1: Program Details - The 2025 Fund Her Future program aims to recognize six women-owned small businesses that demonstrate community impact [1][5] - Eligibility requires applicants to be over 18 and owners of a U.S.-based business, with a focus on those showing community impact [5] - The program received over 6,000 applications in 2024, highlighting the significant interest and need for support among female entrepreneurs [6] Group 2: Challenges for Female Entrepreneurs - Female entrepreneurs face significant barriers in accessing capital, with 42% of women business owners denied bank loans and nearly 90% relying on personal finances and credit cards for funding [2] - The 2024 State of Women's Small Business Report indicates that women entrepreneurs encounter more hurdles compared to their male counterparts [2] Group 3: Impact of Previous Grant Recipients - Grant recipient Heather Jiang reported a 50% increase in online traffic to her business after receiving the grant, which allowed her to expand product lines and hire staff [7] - Erica Cole leveraged the funding to launch a sensory-friendly collection in Walmart and acquire another brand, demonstrating the scaling potential enabled by the grant [7] - Ameka Coleman anticipates a 400% revenue increase from onboarding additional hospital networks due to the support received from the grant [7] Group 4: Company Overview - H&R Block, through its Block Advisors division, provides year-round services for small businesses, including bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory services [10] - The company combines digital innovation with human expertise to assist clients in achieving better financial outcomes [10]

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing gig economy and the launch of H&R Block's "Make It Legit" contest aimed at supporting gig workers in establishing themselves as legitimate small business owners [1][3][5] Group 1: Contest Overview - The "Make It Legit" contest will accept entries until May 4, providing three winners with professional business services and marketing support [2] - Winners will receive free business formation services, year-round tax expertise, and custom marketing materials, including a commercial [5] Group 2: Gig Economy Context - There are over 70 million individuals classified as gig workers in the U.S., many of whom do not view themselves as legitimate business owners despite being taxed as such [3][4] - A recent change in the 1099-K reporting threshold now requires independent workers to report earnings of $5,000 or more, significantly lowering the previous threshold of $20,000 [3] Group 3: Awareness and Education - A study by H&R Block found that nearly half of gig workers were unaware of the 1099-K change, and 50% remained unclear on the details as tax season began [4] - Many gig workers may be missing out on tax credits and deductions available to small businesses, potentially limiting their income [4] Group 4: Brand Promotion - H&R Block is promoting the contest through creative content creators who have successfully turned their passions into legitimate businesses, showcasing their stories through commercials [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of the new 1099-K earning threshold, which has lowered the reporting requirement for gig workers and side hustlers from $20,000 to $5,000, effectively classifying many as small business owners [3][4] - H&R Block has launched the "Make It Legit" contest to encourage gig workers to recognize their status as small business owners and to provide them with essential business services and marketing support [2][5] Group 1: Contest Details - The "Make It Legit" contest will accept entries until May 4, aiming to help three gig workers by providing professional business services and marketing support [2] - Winners will receive free business formation services, year-round tax expertise from H&R Block professionals, and custom marketing materials, including a commercial [5][6] Group 2: Gig Economy Insights - A study by H&R Block found that nearly 50% of gig workers were unaware of the 1099-K threshold change, and even after learning about it, 50% remained unclear on the details [4] - Many gig workers may be missing out on tax credits and deductions available to small businesses, potentially limiting their income [4] Group 3: H&R Block's Role - H&R Block has been providing tax assistance for 70 years and aims to inspire gig workers to operate confidently as small business owners [3][6] - The company blends digital innovation with human expertise to support clients in tax preparation and financial management [9]