Latest news with #JamilKhan
Gulf Today
08-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Three-day World Police Summit to start on May 13
Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter Over 300 global experts from 100 countries will convene in Dubai for the three-day World Police Summit 2025 to begin at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 13. The fourth edition of the summit is themed 'Beyond the Badge: Envision the Next Era of Policing'. Speakers and global experts, alongside top decision-makers in the security field, will address emerging security challenges and explore innovative solutions, contributing to the foundations of global safety and stability. The details were unveiled in a press conference organised by Dubai Police at the Dubai Police Officers' Club on Wednesday. The event was attended by Brigadier Dr. Saleh Rashed AlHamrani, Deputy Director of the General Department of Excellence and Leadership at Dubai Police; Lt. Col. Dr. Rashid Hamdan AlGhafri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Forensic Evidence and Criminology for Administrative Affairs at Dubai Police and Secretary-General of the World Police Summit; Sami Aqeel Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Outstation Airport Services and Business Support at Emirates Airline; Major Dr. Mohammed Jamal Al Tamimi, Member of the World Police Summit Secretariat Board; Captain Marwan Abdullah Al Mulla, Head of the Awards Team at the Summit; Lieutenant Khalifa Al Fuqaei, Director of the Summit Executive Office; and Afroz Abro, Project Director, along with a number of officers, partners, sponsors, and media representatives. The summit will commence under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Brigadier Dr. Saleh Rashed AlHamrani welcomed attendees, emphasising that the World Police Summit has become one of the leading international platforms for discussing the future of policing. He noted that Dubai Police adopt a proactive approach to enhancing security and safety, and aim to open new avenues for cooperation among global law enforcement entities through the Summit. He added: 'This year's summit, themed 'Beyond the Badge: Envision the Next Era of Policing', will feature over 300 speakers and global experts, alongside top decision-makers in the security field. Together, they will address emerging security challenges and explore innovative solutions, contributing to the foundations of global safety and stability.' He added: 'This summit is not merely an international event for law enforcement professionals; it is a strategic platform that reinforces our ongoing commitment to enhancing community safety and developing our policing capabilities in line with technological and digital advancements, while upholding the principles of justice and transparency set by our wise leadership.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The top challenges facing women-owned small businesses in 2025
Women-owned small businesses are growing fast, but many still face steep funding challenges and economic uncertainty. Jamil Khan, H&R Block chief strategy and small business officer, discusses why nearly 90% of women are relying on their own personal finances and credit cards to fund their business ventures. Catch up on Yahoo Finance's newest podcast The Big Idea with Elizabeth Gore for more small business coverage and the challenges in getting your company off the ground. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth here. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Block Advisors by H&R Block Now Accepting Entries for Second Annual ‘Fund Her Future' Grant Program Created to Help Female Founders Thrive, Fuel Small Business Growth
The Block Advisors program will grant $100,000 total and a year of small business services to six women-owned businesses dedicated to improving their communities KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block Advisors by H&R Block today announced the return of its Fund Her Future grant program. Starting today, applications are being accepted through May 30, 2025. In its second year, the 2025 program is recognizing six women-owned small businesses with high growth and community impact potential. Grant recipients will receive a combined award of $100,000 in funding plus a year of small business services from Block Advisors valued at nearly $30,000. Despite women being one of the fastest-growing segments of new small business owners, female entrepreneurs face more hurdles compared to male entrepreneurs when it comes to accessing capital and resources. The 2024 State of Women's Small Business Report by Block Advisors found that 42% of women business owners who applied for a bank loan were never approved, and nearly 90% of women reported relying on personal finances and credit cards to fund their ventures due to the lack of accessible funding. "We understand the challenges entrepreneurs face as they grow their businesses. They need more than just capital; they need trusted expertise that saves them time and puts their mind at ease," said Jamil Khan, Chief Small Business Officer at H&R Block. "That's why Fund Her Future provides not only financial support but also access to Block Advisors year-round small business services, including such business-critical services as tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping and business structure analysis.' Fund Her Future Entries Now Open The 2025 program will award up to one small business owner a grant package of $50,000. Up to five additional recipients will receive a $10,000 grant. All winners will receive a year of access to Block Advisors small business services. To apply, applicants must be over 18 years old and an owner of a United States-based business. Other eligibility requirements can be found on the Fund Her Future website. Businesses that demonstrate community impact are especially encouraged to apply. Submissions to the 2025 Fund Her Future small business grant program are being accepted from April 28 through May 30. Recipients will be notified by the end of July. Driving Impact, Fueling Growth: The Success Stories of Fund Her Future 2024 Last year's Fund Her Future grant program received more than 6,000 applicants and awarded grants to five entrepreneurs whose businesses were poised to achieve growth with the right resources. Grant recipient Heather Jiang, who owns Allégorie, a NYC-based small-batch accessory line that turns food waste into fashion, leveraged her grant winnings to expand her product lines and hire additional staff. The Block Advisors services Jiang received as part of the grant package helped her position her company for long-term success. 'There is a sense of relief in handing off my bookkeeping to a Block Advisors expert,' Jiang explained. 'It frees up my time to focus on other aspects of the business. They ensure everything is handled properly. The recognition from the grant has been amazing, as well. We've seen a 50 percent increase in online traffic to our website since the 2024 grant was announced.' Erica Cole is the owner of Richmond-based No Limbits, an accessible apparel brand for people with lower limb differences, those with limited dexterity in their hands and arms, individuals with sensory processing challenges and wheelchair users. When asked about the impact of winning a Fund Her Future grant, Cole shared 'the funding and small business support from Block Advisors has allowed me to scale my business. It enabled me to launch my sensory-friendly collection in Walmart and acquire Buck & Buck, a leader in adaptive apparel.' Ameka Coleman, owner of Strands of Faith based in Pearl, MS, is a former healthcare professional who started her company after noticing many healthcare patients lacked access to non-toxic haircare products that celebrated their textured hair. 'This grant allowed us to onboard two more hospital networks, which significantly increases demand for our products. We're looking at a 400% increase in revenue from this workstream,' said Coleman. To learn more, including how to apply to the 2025 Fund Her Future Grant program, visit For more information about Block Advisors and its year-round services for small businesses, visit About H&R BlockH&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News. Media Contacts Media Relations: Erika O'Shea, (816) 585-6058, Media Desk: Mediadesk@ Investor Relations: Jordyn Eskijian, (816) 854-5674,
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
EPA opens new horizons for UAE publishers at 2 book fairs
Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter Young visitors at the ongoing Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) are enthralled by a number of educational activities besides discovering more than colourful bookshelves and vivid storytelling corners. Besides these, the students and visitors are also delighted to meet the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), the driving force behind a vibrant home-grown publishing scene that promotes Emirati voices. The EPA continues its drive to propel the UAE's publishing industry to ever-wider horizons, intensifying its ongoing efforts to support its members by maintaining a strategic presence at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 – two of the region's, and indeed the world's, premier cultural events. This participation forms part of the Association's strategy to empower Emirati publishers and open new pathways for literary and knowledge-based creativity. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: 'Our participation in these major events underscores our commitment to keeping pace with the transformations sweeping the publishing sector and to enabling Emirati publishers to build a sustainable, competitive presence regionally and internationally. 'We believe that knowledge exchange and cross-cultural partnerships are the keys to a resilient, ever-evolving publishing industry. 'Through these forums we aim to expand our members' professional networks and elevate the standing of Emirati publishing on the global knowledge stage.' The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, which began on April 23 and runs until May 4, 2025, features a distinctive EPA pavilion that showcases the Association's services, programmes and initiatives dedicated to supporting children's and young-adult publishing. By means of this presence, the Association seeks to strengthen its direct engagement with members, interact with readers and publishing enthusiasts, and introduce prospective publishers to the benefits of joining the UAE's publishing community. The EPA's programme at the Festival also comprises a range of creative activities designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading and to deepen children's relationship with books from an early age. Meanwhile, at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair- held from April 26 April to May 5, 2025 - the Association is organising a series of panel discussions and specialised events, several of which Rashid Al Kous will partake in. This rich agenda will spotlight the future of Emirati publishing, encourage cultural dialogue and facilitate partnerships. Among these activities is a cultural session on April 27, organised by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, during which Ali Bin Hatem and Bassam Chebaro, two prominent figures in Arab publishing, will be honoured. The Emirates Publishers Association will participate in the session and engage in the dialogue. This event highlights the Fair's commitment to celebrating those who have shaped the Arab publishing landscape and fostering a culture of appreciation for outstanding contributions. The Association is also convening a Rights-and-Translation networking meeting that brings together Emirati publishers and their counterparts from Central Asia in cooperation with the Nomad Cultural Foundation, furthering the EPA's goal of forging cross-border partnerships that broaden markets and facilitate knowledge exchange. The programme additionally features a session entitled 'Digitising Creativity - The Dawn of a New Era,' led by EPA member and publisher Amira Boukadra, as well as participation in a panel organised by the Ministry of Culture and Youth to discuss the opportunities available through funding programmes and cultural funds to support and empower writers, authors, researchers and publishers across the UAE, reflecting the Association's focus on providing practical and financial support to industry professionals and its vision of strengthening every component of the publishing ecosystem. Speakers will outline the programmes and initiatives offered by their respective organisations, together with the eligibility conditions, evaluation criteria and target beneficiary groups. The session will also consider proposed mechanisms and recommendations designed to enhance coordination and integration among the various funding schemes and grants made available to creatives and publishers nationwide.
Associated Press
27-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Block Advisors by H&R Block to Provide Timely Support for The Home Depot's Pro Xtra Loyalty Members
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block Advisors by H&R Block and The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, have collaborated for the 2025 tax season to help hardworking Pro customers offload stressful administrative business tasks. This robust collaboration offers significant benefits to Pro Xtra members, such as discounted services, including tax preparation, empowering them to focus on growing their business. 'Our initiative with The Home Depot helps Pro Xtra members navigate the complexities of running a business, such as taxes and bookkeeping,' says Jamil Khan, Chief Small Business Officer at H&R Block. 'Having experts that understand the tax codes relevant to the industry helps Pro Xtra members keep more of their hard-earned money.' The service launched earlier this month ahead of the fast-approaching April 15 tax filing deadline. Block Advisors is backed by 70 years of H&R Block expertise and has category-specific knowledge to help Pro Xtra members lower their tax liability. A Block Advisors tax pro can help business owners understand and leverage such deductions and credits as: 45L Tax Credit: This tax credit is available to eligible businesses who build or substantially renovate energy-efficient homes and offers significant tax-time upside. Deductions for equipment and property: With a Section 179 deduction, companies can capture tax savings on some big-ticket expenses like property purchases, office renovations, and necessary equipment. Professional materials deduction: The cost of materials and supplies can be deducted, depending on the timing of the usage. This often applies to things like cleaning supplies, production expenses, and shipping costs. Vehicle and mileage deductions: The costs of driving and maintaining a vehicle for business use can add up fast. Owners can write off many expenses related to the business use of a vehicle. As part of the collaboration, Pro Xtra members benefit from a special offer* on Block Advisors tax preparation and year-round services, including: $50 off tax preparation with a Small Business Certified Tax Pro $25 off DIY online tax preparation $25 off business formation services First month free, plus 10% off bookkeeping and payroll services The Home Depot Pro Xtra members can learn about Block Advisors' offer at The Home Depot Pro Desks and can also visit for more information on Block Advisors' tax preparation and year-round business services. *Discounts valid online or at participating Block Advisors or H&R Block U.S. offices. Additional restrictions apply. See The Home Depot Pro Desks for details. Void if transferred and where prohibited. No cash value. OBTP#B13696-BR ©2024 HRB Tax Group, Inc. About H&R Block H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.
