This is still in the beginning phases, but I thought I'd let you be the first to know about it.  It's one of my big goals for 2010, and I hope to continue working with you to see it into existence.

The Back Story:

I went into business for myself for two reasons, to become self-reliant and independent financially and to help my mom.  She struggled most of her life, and I wanted her to be self-reliant one day, too.  I knew business could be a means to that end.  I've always believed that owning a business was a path to creating a self-sustained life, so I've made it my path, and in recent years, I've set out to help others do the same.  Right now, that puzzle has two pieces.  The first is the Give Back Project, which I'll tell you about next, and the second is Upstart Smart (more on that in the last article).  For now, though, here's what the Give Back Project is all about.

The Give Back Project:

Up until now, I've had the Brown Bug Project site, which you already know.  It provides web design and marketing services for small business owners and solo entrepreneurs.  Over the course of 2010, I intend for it to become the Give Back Project.  It will offer the same (and eventually more) services, and I'll still be at the helm, but my hope is that it will put low-income and harder-to-employ people to work, sort of like the Greyston Bakery ("We don't hire people to make brownies.  We make brownies to hire people."  Of course, we won't be making brownies, just websites!).  Essentially, with every website we build, we'll accomplish two things.  First, we'll help the client create a great website that will help reach his or her own goals in life and business, and second, we'll provide opportunity to someone who longs for self-reliance and independence.

Where It Begins:

Starting in January, I'll be increasing my rates a bit so that I can launch an apprentice program and begin training the newest member of the team.  I still intend to operate from the same guiding principles - to offer websites that look good, are a true representation of the people they represent, are easy to maintain, don't cost what a car costs, and are simple, clean, and easy to navigate.  I'll also begin modifying the Brown Bug Project website and transitioning into the Give Back Project name.  There will be other changes, I'm sure, but those are the probably the most obvious.

How You Can Help:

Just keep believing in Brown Bug Project!  I hope you'll continue working with my company so that we can help you grow yours!  It keeps giving back.  See what I mean?