• The novel coronavirus pandemic has led to limitations on society that have hampered commerce and the ability of industries to sell their products
• Fintech solutions developer PowerBand Solutions is positioning itself to meet the needs of an auto industry hammered by the pandemic’s distancing protocols with cloud-based purchase, sales, lease and auction innovations
• The company provides a responsive technology platform that facilitates financing, inventory, and even inspections management
• Industry analysts are predicting the need for such solutions to enable remote transactions will be ongoing regardless of the duration of the pandemic’s peak activity
• PowerBand has obtained at least $10 million in financing commitment as a show of confidence in its development

The novel coronavirus has thrown down the gauntlet to businesses worldwide, challenging them to prove claims they’re innovative and adaptive at responding to the demands of an ever-changing society. Social distancing, orders to shut down non-essential business activity and stay-at-home quarantine policies have had an effect on virtually all industries worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now it’s up to those businesses to decide if they’ll resist social protection policies amid their downward spirals or find innovative ways to forge ahead.

The auto industry has weathered a variety of economic challenges, historically, and this newest challenge is turning traditionally brick-and-mortar dealership operations toward a strengthened digital retailing experience that reflects a realistic buying scenario.

PowerBand Solutions Inc. (TSX.V: PBX) (OTCQB: PWWBF) (FRA: 1ZVA) is leading this industry transformation.

The innovative e-commerce auto buying and leasing platform created by PowerBand Solutions is establishing itself as a disruptive fintech development designed to get retailers and consumers together online. Using a smart phone, from any location, the PowerBand system makes buying, selling, leasing or financing a vehicle as easy as ordering from Amazon or booking an Uber.

The industry is certainly searching for non-traditional ways for the automotive retail experience. Electric vehicle manufacturing giant Tesla is rolling out “touchless deliveries” in a number of locations that allow customers to unlock and enter their new cars at delivery parking lots without having to come in contact with other individuals (http://ibn.fm/wpQIl). However, such systems continue to rely on paperwork transfers that could potentially be simplified through PowerBand’s solutions.

PowerBand announced recently that it has begun trademark registration for the brand DRIVRZ to help market its transaction platforms across North America and globally. The company’s innovations include web-based platforms for financing and inventory, dealership auctions and even used-vehicle inspections.

The company has secured a $10 million financial commitment from Texas-based D&P Holdings Inc.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PowerBandSolutions.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PWWBF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/PWWBF

• PowerBand and D2D cloud-based platform is highly efficient and convenient for both dealers and buyers
• Virtual auctions have unlimited potential as COVID-19 disrupts automotive dealership and auction industries
• Online vehicle auction sector is expected to continue growing at a fast rate
• More than 40 million used vehicles exchange hands in the U.S. every year, 10 million of which are being sold through auctions

Online vehicle auctions are overtaking physical auctions at the speed of light. As a result, the future of auto sales seems to be online. In line with this prospect, PowerBand Solutions Inc. (TSX.V: PBX) (OTCQB: PWWBF) (FRA: 1ZVA) and D2D Auto Auction LLC have successfully launched and conducted virtual auctions in the United States. D2D is co-owned by PowerBand and Arkansas-based financier Bryan Hunt, director of J.B Hunt Transport, in a fifty-fifty partnership.

The highly successful virtual auctions, held on April 7th and April 16th, testified to the speed and efficiency of D2D’s unique transaction platform, which provides an alternative to physical auctions and their associated costs. Among the benefits of this platform to dealers and consumers is the elimination of the cost of delivering a vehicle to a physical auction, according to a company news release (http://ibn.fm/lo0Jk).

The PowerBand/D2D cloud-based auction platform lets people buy and sell cars and trucks with a simplicity, speed, and cost-efficiency never seen before, without them ever needing to leave their home or office. It will be offered across the United States in the coming weeks and months and will allow digital images and details of vehicles to be uploaded to the platform for potential buyers to view.

“The success of our virtual auctions, which are generating huge demand, is another major development for PowerBand and D2D,” PowerBand CEO Kelly Jennings stated in a news release. He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many industries across the world, including the automotive dealership and auction industries. As a result, dealerships have had to adapt quickly to an environment where the purchase and sale of vehicles at a physical auction is not a viable option. “Our cloud-based auction platform is now fully functional and can replace traditional physical auctions across North America, as well as greatly reducing the costs to dealers since we only take a fee when a vehicle is actually sold,” Jennings added.

D2D customers have access to a greater supply and variety of used vehicles than they would through physical auction channels. In the U.S. alone, over 40 million used vehicles exchange hands each year, with over 10 million vehicles being bought and sold through auctions. More than 1,300 dealers were registered on the D2D platform when it was launched at the end of 2019. This number is increasing as social distancing takes effect and D2D’s sales team targets additional dealerships and commercial customers, including leasing, rental and fleet companies.

PowerBand also announced the D2D Driveway app, which will allow dealers and consumers to upload vehicles for auction and take part in virtual auctions using their smartphones, is now available for iOS and Android devices in the United States. The app will be initially available to residents of Northwest Arkansas and then expand across the U.S. and Canada.

“It’s time to bring a new, consumer-first approach to the auctioning of cars across North America, to save people time, money and deliver the value they deserve for their vehicles,” D2D co-owner Bryan Hunt stated in a news release. “The success of our virtual auctions clearly shows D2D and PowerBand are moving forward in this mission, which is essential to the long-term viability of the automotive industry.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PowerBandSolutions.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PWWBF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/PWWBF

• California’s cannabis-industry designation as essential service leads to sharp increase in industry sales
• SGMD enjoyed strong start to year; delivery business’ volume grows by more than 300%
• Company seeking to leverage growth opportunities in delivery services

As businesses shuttered and residents sheltered in place, confined to their homes as a result of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, the State of California designated the cannabis industry as an “essential” service, allowing those in the cannabis space to continue operating. Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD), an early pioneer within California’s regulated cannabis industry, has been quick to respond to the opportunity.

The designation as an essential business signified a new chapter for the state, which initially legalized the use of recreational cannabis in 2016 but has mired the sector in red tape ever since. In 2019 California saw licensed cannabis sales rise to a record $3.1 billion, with sales rising 24% compared to 2018, the first year of licensed cannabis sales in the state (http://ibn.fm/wlA1y).

However, those figures masked past disappointments. The first year of licensed cannabis sales actually saw spending drop from $3 billion to $2.5 billion, as higher taxes and stringent regulatory requirements led to a gram of product in the legal market costing 77% more than it would have done otherwise. As such, it was unsurprising that the sales figures paled in comparison to those seen in California’s lucrative black market, which witnessed an estimated $8.7 billion spent on illegal cannabis last year – more than doubt the amount of legal sales.

However, licensed cannabis stores have recently seen an uptick in sales after Californian regulators mounted dozens of raids against illegal and unlicensed marijuana retailers in early December (http://ibn.fm/NBuQQ), with BDS Analytics, a Colorado-based sales-tracking firm, projecting that legal cannabis sales in California could grow to $7.2 billion in 2024, with illegal sales declining marginally to $6.4 billion.

“The regulated cannabis market in California is changing quickly with new investment and operational opportunities opening… as the crackdown on black market operators continues,” Sugarmade CEO Jimmy Chan stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/IXIrR). “Several market sectors where prospects looked bleak only a few months ago now hold strong promise. In particular, we are seeing strong opportunities in delivery services, manufacturing via co-branding and selective genetic cultivation.”

Sugarmade recently announced that its BudCars Cannabis Delivery Service has seen a remarkable rise in delivery volumes in February and March, with the company noting that it expected BudCars to reach as much as $20 million in annualized revenues in 2020 (http://ibn.fm/774Xg). If BudCars meets that target, the equity income corresponding to Sugarmade’s 40% stake alone would more than double the company’s FY 2019 revenues (http://ibn.fm/ZjOk5).

A recent report by BDS Analytics projected the U.S. CBD market to hit $20 billion in sales by 2024 (http://ibn.fm/nbuvM), with major retailers such as CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Kroger now stocking CBD-infused products. Meanwhile, the explosive growth trend witnessed within the sector has led to a flurry of co-branding partnerships between CBD producers and retail giants, with Urban Outfitters, cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty and Abercrombie & Fitch all signing agreements in recent months to market and launch CBD-infused products.

As one of the few cannabis companies pursuing a vertically integrated business model, SGMD is placing its current focus on the expansion of non-storefront cannabis delivery. Sugarmade has benefitted from a remarkable growth spurt thus far in 2020 and will seek to maintain its recent trajectory going forward.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Sugarmade.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SGMD are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SUGAR

• SGLB’s PrintRite3D(R) technology supports, enables wider adoption of 3D printing for scaled manufacturing
• Fourth industrial revolution’s new manufacturing technologies can usher in a cleaner, more sustainable world
• One of simple but substantial solutions that add to sustainability of 3D printing is assembly consolidation, or combining of several parts into fewer, multifunctional assemblies

In an industry that is “forever changing the way products are made” – specifically as it pertains to ushering in a cleaner, more sustainable world – Sigma Labs Inc. (NASDAQ: SGLB) stands out as a leading developer of quality-assurance software in the commercial 3D-metal-printing space. A recent World Economic Forum article, titled ‘These 4 Simple Solutions Can Help Make the Manufacturing Industry More Sustainable’, recognizes 3D printing as one such solution to enhance the industry’s success – and companies like SGLB are well positioned to help (http://ibn.fm/yOKq7).

The fourth industrial revolution involves more than the transformative impact new manufacturing technologies – such as 3D printing – will have on companies and consumers, the article observes. “It’s also about how industry can usher in a cleaner, more sustainable world.”

“It’s foolish to deny the planet is rapidly approaching the day when the consequences of climate change will be unavoidable,” the article continues. “The question now facing many business leaders is whether – and how – we can both continue to build value for our shareholders and mitigate our impact on the natural world.”

One of the simple solutions that add to the sustainability of 3D printing is assembly consolidation, or the combining of several parts into fewer, multifunctional assemblies. “With fewer parts to transport, the process can make shipping networks more efficient, significantly reducing CO2 emissions,” the article states, going on to point out that, though the geometric flexibility of 3D printing makes it possible to create these multifunctional parts, additive manufacturing (AM) is still in its infancy when it comes to manufacturing production parts.

“In part, that’s because the story of the additive industry is really one of three distinct growth curves,” the article continues. “The first, beginning in the early 1990s, largely focused on research and development of the new additive technology. Today, the industry stands at the start of a new S-curve, which will see wider adoption of 3D printing for manufacturing, forever changing the way products are made.”

Sigma Labs has been on the cutting edge of the research and development taking place in the AM space and is already actively involved in supporting and encouraging the wider adoption of 3D metal printing through its PrintRite3D(R) product line. SGLB’s proprietary technology resolves the major roadblocks and costly quality-control challenges that slow down and even prevent the 3D manufacture of precision metal parts. The company’s breakthrough, computer-aided software product revolutionizes commercial additive manufacturing, enabling nondestructive quality assurance during production and allowing errors to be corrected in real-time.

Founded in 2010, Sigma is a software company that specializes in the development and commercialization of real-time, computer-aided-inspection (CAI) solutions known as PrintRite3D for 3D-advanced manufacturing technologies. SGLB’s advanced, computer-aided software product revolutionizes commercial additive manufacturing, enabling nondestructive quality assurance mid-production, uniquely allowing errors to be corrected in real time.

For more information about Sigma Labs, please visit www.SigmaLabsInc.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SGLB are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SGLB

• SRAX has launched a Stock for Ads Program, allowing clients to pay for media solutions through stock payments
• The company also offering customers subscriptions to its SRAX IR platform, helping publicly listed companies track shareholders’ behavior and manage investor outreach
• In spite of sharp increase in online audiences, major advertisers have been forced to slash marketing budgets, leading to drop in ad prices

As of April 18, nearly six out of every ten people around the world were forced or urged to stay at home, measures which have contributed to a stunning fall in global consumption (http://ibn.fm/xmBTk). In the United States, retail sales plunged by 8.7 percent in March (http://ibn.fm/nCAZD), the biggest decline on record – prompting major corporations to respond by slashing their marketing expenditures. With the ongoing situation in mind, digital marketing pioneer SRAX Inc. (NASDAQ: SRAX) has launched an innovative Stock for Ads Program. The initiative is designed to support their clients through this critical period by helping them procure media solutions in exchange for stock payments as a way to help businesses continue to engage with their customers and conserve cash (http://ibn.fm/plFRd).

Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, yet economists are predicting that consumption could decline by as much as 41 percent in the second quarter, relative to the same period last year (http://ibn.fm/VxURU). However, U.S. ecommerce sales have been a bright spot within the sector, with online spending increasing by over 40 percent year-over-year since the state of national emergency was declared (http://ibn.fm/iXJXU). In fact, February marked the first month in US retail history where online shopping surpassed that carried out within ‘brick and mortar’ stores (http://ibn.fm/IHjWn).

Companies hoping to capture a portion of these sales are handcuffed by budget restraints, however. According to the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), which represents companies such as Unilever, Coca-Cola and Visa, 81 percent of large corporate advertisers are opting to defer ad campaigns, with over 57 percent of members revealing they had been obliged to reduce budgets “greatly or somewhat” due to the virus outbreak (http://ibn.fm/VjBaA). SRAX has stepped in to address this unmet need through its stocks for ads program, being able to assist businesses capitalize on the significant captive audiences currently confined to their homes by helping companies increase their online presence without compromising their fiscal health.

“We understand what it means to be a publicly traded company and we want to help businesses continue, not halt their marketing efforts,” SRAX CEO and founder Christopher Miglino stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/cZTHp). “With our custom media plans, businesses can attract and engage customers with digital ads, covering expenses up to a year in exchange for stock of their company.”

In addition to its marketing services, SRAX has offered its publicly traded corporate clients subscriptions to the Company’s investor intelligence and communications platform, SRAX IR. The platform, which enables companies to monitor their shareholders’ buying and selling behavior, carry out virtual investor meetings and develop insights which can be used to engage with current and potential investors, has become increasingly relevant given the heightened volatility in global markets.

Online advertising has been embroiled in an extraordinary paradigm this year. Facebook recently publicized that time spent by users across all of its apps has risen by 70 percent over the last few weeks (http://ibn.fm/IsDm6) while Snapchat reported a 50 percent increase in video calls through its app. However, and in spite of the increase in online audiences, the sheer breadth of companies freezing ad campaigns has led to a steep drop off in revenues for digital media platforms. Expedia and Marriott have been the latest companies to announce that they were slashing their marketing expenses, the former announcing an 80 percent cut in its annual ad spend while Marriott has halted all of its marketing efforts entirely (http://ibn.fm/BQAQr). This has led to digital ads costs declining sharply as Google, Twitter and other online ad companies have found themselves saddled with too much inventory.

In the brief history of digital media, there has never been a situation where a rise in online audiences has been met with a decline in advertisers seeking to attract their attention. Rather, companies have traditionally sought every opportunity to increase their marketing with research firm IHS Markit revealing that each dollar that companies spent on advertising in the United States last year led to $9 in sales (http://ibn.fm/QGoHm). Through its Stock for Ads program, SRAX has provided companies who would otherwise have been forced to reduce their marketing in a bid to conserve cash an invaluable opportunity to bolster their online presence during a tenuous time for the industry.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SRAX.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SRAX are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SRAX

• Residential solar product sales have been forced to shift toward digital channels, creating unexpected opportunity for cost savings
• Shift to digital sales will allow the industry to lower customer acquisition costs ahead of federal tax credits being phased out in 2022
• SING subsidiary Direct Solar America is seeing increased virtual sales each week, has expanded its presence to nine more states

Solar power and renewable energy sources have been lauded for being at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, enabling consumers to lower their costs while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. However, and despite its high-tech focus, residential solar energy technology has long been sold in a decidedly low-tech manner – through customer referrals and face-to-face sales. Innovative companies like Direct Solar America, through its parent company SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING), are creating ways to capitalize on the market’s largely homebound status. The solar industry has been sharply affected in recent weeks as prospective customers have shied away from purchases due to store closures and shelter-at-home orders. However, the forced transition to online sales may be a boon in disguise for the industry, and solar product brokerages such as Direct Solar America stand to benefit the most.

SinglePoint, a publicly traded company dedicated towards acquiring businesses focused on emerging technologies, purchased solar power broker Direct Solar America in May 2019 as it sought to capitalize on a boom in residential solar installations, which increased by 45 percent in Q3 2019 relative to the same period in 2018 (http://ibn.fm/xdYV7). Direct Solar, which specializes in assisting customers with solar product sales and arranging financing, has enjoyed a remarkable growth spurt since the acquisition with sales and operations now spanning 25 states.

The firm has also rapidly positioned itself as one of the industry’s pioneers through the introduction of its virtual solar sales platform. “The Direct Solar America management team did a great job re-positioning the company quickly in these uncertain times […] ultimately we believe this is an improvement in the process and will continue to drive the company to new levels in the future,” SinglePoint CEO Greg Lambrecht stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/HIVId). In an industry where previously “90 to 95 percent of closed sales had an in-person meeting of some sort,” Direct Solar recently revealed that it is seeing virtual solar customers increase each week through its online channels (http://ibn.fm/WUjTL).

The transition to online sales has been resisted by solar companies based on the industry’s conventional wisdom that customers would hesitate to commit to such costly purchases online. However, in 2016, Tesla shifted the sale of its solar products to its online channels with energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie suggesting that the move may have lowered Tesla’s customer acquisition costs to “close to a quarter” per watt by the end of 2019. That pricing was in sharp contrast to Vivint and Sunrun, the two largest solar firms in the US, which had customer acquisition costs of $0.94 a watt and $0.90 a watt, respectively (http://ibn.fm/ng3CH). With federal subsidies for residential solar purchases set to be phased out by 2022 (a tax credit of 26 percent is available to consumers this year), the solar industry may be obliged to protect its margins by reducing their customer acquisition expenses – estimated by WoodMac to account for 21 percent of total costs (http://ibn.fm/GT839).

A recent survey published by EnergySage (http://ibn.fm/jDa7T) revealed that 21 percent of prospective solar product buyers in 2019 were willing to purchase their residential power systems online as compared to only 10 percent in 2018. Notably, it was also the only sales channel that saw an increase in preference. Direct Solar America has been able to rapidly scale its operations (the firm has extended sales coverage to nine additional states in recent weeks) following the introduction of its virtual sales platform as its agents are now able to discuss solar options at any time and anywhere with clients – helping the company to accelerate its growth rate. As SinglePoint President Will Ralston summarized (http://ibn.fm/nI9DK), “this whole situation and what it’s forced us to do will only position the company to be more efficient and [have] lower costs.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SinglePoint.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SING are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SING

• SHRM to acquire AltMed Capital Corp, a Canadian ketamine clinic operator, psychedelic medicine IP aggregator and novel drug discoverer
• Champignon to roll out five unique ketamine clinics across Florida, California and the U.S. Eastern seaboard
• CRTCE is only center worldwide to demonstrate rapid onset treatments improve health outcomes within weeks

Champignon Brands Inc. (CSE: SHRM) (OTC: SHRMF) (FWB: 496), a Canada-based company dedicated applying novel and natural treatment protocols with an emphasis on psychedelic medicine, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AltMed Capital Corp, a Canadian ketamine clinic operator, psychedelic medicine IP aggregator and novel drug discoverer (http://ibn.fm/AZedG). The strategic move allows SHRM to continue its focus on advancements within the psychedelic medicine arena, as it also acquires AltMed’s suite of assets, including a portion of the Canadian Rapid Treatment Centre of Excellence (CRTCE).

“Founded and operated by Dr. McIntyre, the CRTCE has the human capital and unmatched R&D capabilities, with respect to rapid onset treatments such as ketamine, to revolutionize the treatment of depression, PTSD and substance-use disorders,” Champignon CEO Gareth Birdsall stated in a news release. “Champignon and AltMed will leverage Dr. McIntyre’s expertise, alongside the CRTCE’s existing SOPs, data-driven research sets and practitioner education modules, to roll out five unique ketamine clinics across Florida, California and the U.S. Eastern seaboard. Our additional ketamine clinics are projected to be fully operational by Q4 2020. Furthermore, having previously completed funding rounds, our acquisition of AltMed will further bolster our corporate treasury.”

A professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto and head of the mood disorders psychopharmacology unit at the University Health Network in Toronto, AltMed CEO Dr. Roger McIntyre has an impressive list of credentials. In addition to being executive director of the Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation in Toronto and director and co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance in Chicago, McIntyre is teaching or has taught at numerous institutions, including Guangzhou Medical University, the College of Medicine at Korea University, the State University of New York Upstate Medical University and the University of California School of Medicine. Clarivate Analytics named McIntyre one of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds each year from 2014-2019, and he is widely regarded as the world’s most recognized psychiatrist in relation to mood disorders.

In addition, McIntyre created CRTCE, Canada’s first-ever treatment center providing rapid onset treatments for persons with mood disorders. In addition to providing treatment (the acquisition announcement noted that the CRTCE is the only center worldwide to demonstrate that rapid onset treatments improve health outcomes in one to two weeks), the CRTCE is involved in what it calls knowledge application and knowledge generation. The application component includes using existing scientific research to improve outcomes in depression, PTSD and substance and alcohol use disorders as well as educating health-care providers throughout North America and the world on new rapid onset treatments for these disorders. The generation component involves research and development.

In addition, the acquisition means that Champignon now has three trials in the Phase I stage and three trials in the preclinical stage during 2020 as well as seven IP patents for its ketamine/psilocybin delivery platforms and formulations. Working closely with AltMed, Champignon plans to advance psychedelic-derived treatments and establish the most compelling IP portfolio, clinical pipeline and drug-development platform in the psychedelic medicine space.

“Together with Champignon’s existing novel ketamine delivery platforms, associated patents/IP and now advanced clinical infrastructure, we will look to deliver approved, point-of-care psychedelic treatments in clinics throughout Canada and the United States,” said AltMed director Pat McCutcheon. “Ketamine, psilocybin and MDMA have all been fast-tracked by the FDA and Health Canada with respect to R&D in DPS, and we will look to monetize our capabilities and human capital within this domain.”

Champignon seeks opportunities to promote the health and wellness benefits of functional mushrooms, which are used in a wide variety of health-care and pharmaceutical products. The company’s flagship e-commerce store, VitalitySuperTeas.com, takes advantage of the burgeoning craft mushroom industry with a selection of mushroom-infused teas and accessories; SHRM is also expanding its preclinical trial pipeline and branching out into alternative medicine and pharmaceuticals.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ChampignonBrands.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SHRM are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SHRM

• Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir recently stated that the country’s efforts to use its mineral resources competitively in the electric vehicle battery supply chain will continue despite the economic impacts of the worldwide pandemic
• Indonesia is working to be a key player in the Asia-Pacific market for EV batteries, including talks with companies in South Korea and global economic powerhouse China
• Canada-based mineral exploration company noted Thohir’s comments in discussing development of the company’s strategic Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt project
• Bolt is focused on acquiring and developing production-grade EV battery metals projects in the Asia-Pacific region as world leaders work toward solutions for combatting global climate change

Bolt Metals Corp. (CSE: BOLT) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (XFRA: NXFE) continues to see evidence for optimism in the potential of its flagship Cyclops property in Indonesia, where significant nickel and cobalt exploration has taken place. The site may play a key role in the company’s core strategy to acquire and develop production-grade battery metal resources in the Asia-Pacific region.

Nickel and cobalt currently are minerals notable for their vital role in electric vehicle battery cathodes. Indonesia has worked arduously to turn its world-class nickel deposits and its proximity to China into a strong hand bidding for dominance in the EV battery supply chain. A recent Antara News report indicates that Indonesia is proceeding with those efforts despite the economic devastation being wrought by the novel coronavirus pandemic, which rapidly spread from nation to nation during the first quarter of the year, prompting swift restrictions on travel and commerce.

“This project (to construct multiple factories with priority use of in-country nickel resources) to produce batteries is a long-term one. If we were to build it in four years, it would become a reality,” State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir stated in the report (http://ibn.fm/LpSoO), adding, “Will it be postponed? No, this will continue.”

China, which is the world’s second-largest economy on a nominal measurement standard and the first-largest on a Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) standard, has emerged in recent years as a world leader in sustaining electric vehicle (EV) use and production as part of a multi-national effort to combat global climate change. Although Europe is poised to potentially outpace China and the United States as a result of the coronavirus’ impact and Europe’s EV-friendly policies, China is reviving government incentives in an effort to promote EV sales (http://ibn.fm/uVbmz).

Around the world, governments are cautiously beginning to anticipate post-peak recovery from the global pandemic that has led to shuttered businesses and out-of-work employees. China, where the virus was first reported, is now serving as a test case for recovery (http://ibn.fm/uGTbV).

China is expected to recover economically far faster than the United States, the other world market powerhouse, because of China’s swift efforts to contain the pandemic once it recognized its spread, compared with halting efforts in America (http://ibn.fm/YGRl1).

Furthermore, equity analysis firm Wood Mackenzie noted in its recent report on the disruptions to the EV supply chain and stalled EV sales growth that the pandemic should be regarded as an anomalous event whose effect on the market is temporary, while the overarching goal of combatting climate change will continue to drive policies unabated (http://ibn.fm/kLUHL).

Thohir told Antara News that Indonesia’s national strategic projects, including the production of EV battery materials, will continue to move forward. Thohir has been in talks with a number of South Korean companies regarding the nation’s priorities, including LG, a South Korean firm exploring investment opportunities in the information and communications technology sector.

“This is something new, and we do not want to be left behind neighboring countries,” he stated (http://ibn.fm/l2UxX).

Bolt Metals made news last month when it announced a non-binding cooperative agreement with a Chinese tungsten and cobalt producer that opens the way for more definitive pacts on mineral sourcing from the Cyclops property (http://ibn.fm/mYF3K). Bolt cautions investors to recognize that such agreements are a work in progress and that “the Company would not make the decision to proceed to production without first establishing mineral reserves.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.BoltMetals.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PCRCF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/PCRCF

• SGMD acquires significant stake in Sacramento-based Budcars Cannabis Delivery Service
• Sugarmade sees dramatic expansion in overall delivery volume; March deliveries top Februray volume by more than 300%
• Company’s strategy to capture healthy margins, nail down competitive advantage in market share looks to be right move

A “new and bold shift in its business strategy” made earlier this year by Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) appears to have paid off big time for the company. Committed to play in the Hemp and Cannabis space, SGMD announced (http://ibn.fm/LAMBY) that it was moving “toward the virtualization of the cannabis sector as part of the major shift in the U.S. business model toward an on-demand economy.”

In the weeks following the announcement, Sugarmade made several strategic moves to launch on-demand and related business operations through internally developed initiatives and new relationships with proven sector business operators. Among the most immediately successful of those moves was the company’s acquisition (http://ibn.fm/ttrAi) of a significant stake in Sacramento-based Budcars Cannabis Delivery Service, owned by Indigo Dye Group Corp.

An agreement announced in February 2020 stipulated that Sugarmade would acquire 40% of Budcars and would be granted an option to purchase an additional 30% stake, ultimately providing SGMD with a controlling interest in the growing delivery service, which serves the greater Sacramento metropolitan area. Budcars delivers a wide range of cannabis products to the metropolitan area, where the population is showing growing acceptance of cannabis usage and delivery and scores above the 50% percentile in terms of cannabis usage per capita.

Less than a month after making that initial announcement, Sugarmade followed with a second, even more impressive, statement. Since becoming heavily involved in the day-to-day operational and strategic foundation of Budcars following its initial investment and investor agreement, SGMD had seen a dramatic expansion in overall delivery volume with March deliveries topping Februaryvolume by more than 300%.

“The company believes this jump has been driven by an improving overall cannabis market in California, an infusion of operational talent and resources, and an expanded geographic service area,” the statement detailed (http://ibn.fm/701ih). “In order to meet demand, Budcars is increasing its road fleet, inventory, staffing, and will be positioning strategic billboard campaigns along major freeways in the service region… Management now projects a Budcars top-line run-rate capable of surpassing $15 million in annualized sales before end of 2020, provided recent data on growth in daily orders is reliable and indicative of the impact of the Company’s recent measures over coming months.”

Sugarmade CEO Jimmy Chan observed that “our move to take a controlling interest in Budcars is about capturing the healthy margins set to define the California legal cannabis market in 2020 and beyond, and about nailing down a competitive advantage in market share afforded by a well-organized delivery service, which is an enormous customer hot-button in the legal cannabis marketplace. So far, we are seeing powerful performance-based feedback from the marketplace that we’re on the right track.”

Based in Monrovia, California (a suburb of Los Angeles), Sugarmade is a product and brand marketing company with numerous operations, such as packaging, sanitary supply and paper goods for diverse industries. Dedicated to getting the highest caliber of THC and CBD to its customers’ door, the company’s priority is to ensure that its customers receive the highest-quality cannabis product free from logistical hassles. SGMD specializes in growing and acquiring innovative brands to maximize value for company employees, shareholders and other stakeholders. Sugarmade believes the future is extremely promising as the company expands operations within the cultivation sector and rapidly increases its revenue base.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Sugarmade.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SGMD are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SUGAR

• SING files full year and Q4 2019 financial report, showing 189% year-over-year sales spike, gross profit increase of 269%
• SING responds to crisis by utilizing digital platforms to efficiently market Direct Solar – eliminating training, canvassing costs
• SING markets its own Klēn brand of high-demand hand sanitizer

In a recent MoneyTV interview, SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) CEO Greg Lambrecht reported promising figures from the company’s full year and Q4 2019 financial results. A strong performance by subsidiary Direct Solar helped drive the company’s 189% sales increase to $3,343,833 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $1,154,671 in 2018 (http://ibn.fm/xMCFp). While reporting a decreased year-over-year net loss, SING also showed a 269% jump in gross profit to $990,777 for 2019 as compared to $267,799 in 2018. Additionally, in the current economically challenging environment, Direct Solar has been closing sales on a ‘virtual’ basis to stay-at-home customers – saving the cost of paying and training canvassers, Lambrecht noted (http://ibn.fm/tAzBs).

The report detailed that $2,189,162 of Singlepoint’s revenues last year were generated by its powerhouse subsidiary Direct Solar. This figure accounts for only the six months of the subsidiary’s revenues to SING since it was acquired in March 2019. Speculating on a full year unaudited pro forma basis, Direct Solar would have surpassed $4 million in sales.

To continue Direct Solar’s performance in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, SING leadership had to create innovative solutions. Lambrecht said the company faced the challenge of its canvassers not being able to close sales inside private homes. As a solution, Lambrecht said, “We’ve been setting up all of our meetings on Zoom and Skype and that’s eliminated the canvassers. It takes a lot of money to train them, send them to a city and pay their hotel and food. Now, we’re just doing our meetings on Skype and it has made us become more digital and has really worked out quite well.”

“As a standalone entity, the Direct Solar America Residential Business Unit ultimately ended the year profitably, which is an incredible achievement for a start up in its first few months of operation,” Lambrecht said. He added that the performance of Direct Solar’s residential unit in 2019 empowered SING with the confidence and cash flow to create a commercial business as well as a capital arm to offer support financing. Direct Solar has grown to cover 25 states.

SING has also grown sales during the coronavirus pandemic by marketing its own brand of CBD-infused hand sanitizer, Klēn. The CBD-infused product contains 70% ethyl alcohol with aloe and hemp seed oil. “The response we’ve gotten has been amazing,” Lambrecht reported on MoneyTV. “Some of the largest convenience store chains in the country are calling us for our hand sanitizer, Klēn. We’re really going to be showing some incredible deals and huge numbers from our hand sanitizer. Our product, we like to think of as the ‘Cadillac’ of hand sanitizer. We’re making every bottle ourselves, putting the hemp oil in there; it’s just a really quality product.”

Due to its connections with retailers nationwide, SING leadership anticipates the demand for its hand sanitizer offering to continue to grow. Helping SING market the Klēn hand sanitizer brand is the list of 12,000 retailers who attended the National Association of Convenience Stores (NAC) convention last fall. By participating in NAC, SING was able to obtain the list of attendees and market Klēn to them, Lambrecht said. NAC reports some 340,000 convenience stores nationally.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SinglePoint.com

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SING are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SING