At TUDAK, we are passionate about building a stronger community by supporting small businesses, fostering local partnerships, and addressing real-world challenges. Our community-driven projects and initiatives aim to empower individuals, businesses, and organizations to reach their full potential. Below is an overview of our ongoing projects, organized into key sections to offer a comprehensive view of what we do.

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Business Development and Entrepreneur Support

 

TUDAK offers a range of services to help low-income and minority entrepreneurs thrive. We assist in creating sustainable business plans, securing resources, and ensuring legal compliance.
Key activities include:

• Shared Office Space & Resource Center

  • Affordable, professional workspaces at 1611 Peach St, Suite 350, Erie, PA.

  • Access to office equipment, internet, and meeting rooms.

• Workshops and Seminars

  • Financial literacy, marketing strategies, and business plan creation.

  • Collaborations with Gannon University’s Small Business Association and Penn State Beehive for specialized training.

• One-on-One Business Consulting

  • Tailored advice on financial management and business growth.

  • Guidance through legal requirements and registration processes for LLCs and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

• Internship Opportunities

  • Partnerships with Penn State Behrend, Gannon, Edinboro, and Mercyhurst Universities.

  • Internships in business development, accounting, law, criminal justice, and marketing.

 

Community Watch Transformation Initiative

 

TUDAK is working with local community watch groups to help them become properly structured nonprofits, ensuring their efforts are aligned with the law and support the criminal justice system.
Our approach includes:

• Nonprofit Formation and Structure

  • Assistance with business plans, bylaws, and 501(c)(3) applications.

  • Guidance on forming NGOs to work alongside law enforcement.

• Training and Legal Coordination

  • Organizing law enforcement workshops with district attorneys to align practices with legal standards.

  • Developing strategies to focus on real offenders while avoiding entrapment of vulnerable individuals.

• Rehabilitation-Focused Efforts

  • Educating groups on how to identify individuals in mental health crises.

  • Promoting responsible tactics to avoid manipulation of the mentally ill or distressed individuals.

 

Online Safety and Fake Account Awareness Campaign

 

With the rise of fake accounts and AI manipulation, TUDAK is leading the charge in promoting public awareness of online scams. Our six-year study on fake accounts has provided invaluable insights into combating this issue.

• Educational Outreach and Op-Ed Campaign

  • Publishing op-eds and public announcements on the dangers of AI-generated accounts.

  • Advocating for a national database of fake accounts to enhance safety across social media platforms and dating apps.

• Workshops on Identifying Scams

  • Training sessions on spotting fake profiles and scams on social media, dating apps, and communication platforms.

  • Guidance on defending against impersonation scams where attackers pretend to be loved ones in emergencies.

• Collaboration with Law Enforcement

  • Sharing our research findings with local authorities and the FBI.

  • Assisting in efforts to regulate social media activity to reduce manipulation and fraud.

 

Support for Local Entrepreneurs: Success Stories

 

TUDAK believes in celebrating the success of our members, such as Anita Stewart, founder of Verza LLC, who provides esthetician services in Erie, PA.

• Mentorship and Equipment Support

  • Helping Anita secure the tools and resources needed to grow her business.

  • Guidance on regulatory compliance to ensure smooth operations.

 

Innovative Community Partnerships and Grants

 

TUDAK actively seeks new ways to support the community through partnerships and grants.

• Google Ads Tokens

  • TUDAK was recently awarded tokens from Google to boost online visibility for Erie’s small businesses.

  • Exploring further opportunities to maximize the use of these tokens for community benefit.

• Future Community Projects

  • Identifying local needs and creating initiatives to address them in collaboration with government bodies and nonprofits.

  • Expanding partnerships with local universities to involve students in meaningful community work.

 

Mental Health Awareness and Recovery Support

 

At TUDAK, we recognize the importance of mental health, especially for entrepreneurs. We integrate wellness into our business model to ensure our members feel supported in every aspect of their journey.

• Personal Growth Programs

  • Encouraging participation in personal development programs such as AA and other recovery efforts.

  • Supporting individuals struggling with mental health challenges through community referrals.

• Holistic Wellbeing Practices

  • Promoting activities like cold plunges and stress management techniques to enhance emotional well-being.

  • Advocating for better understanding of genetic factors affecting mental health.

 

Contact Us and Get Involved

 

We invite you to join us in making a difference in Erie, PA. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a local business owner, or simply looking to get involved in community work, TUDAK has a place for you.

• Visit Us: 1611 Peach St, Suite 350, Erie, PA

• Follow Us on Facebook: facebook.com/TUDAK350

• Learn More: www.tudak.org

Together, let’s create a thriving community, build sustainable businesses, and foster a safer and more inclusive future. We look forward to working with you!