Wednesday, December 28, 2011

SBA Accepting Nominations for Small Business Innovation Research Awards

SBA Accepting Nominations for Small Business Innovation Research Awards

2012 SBIR Tibbetts Awards and SBIR Hall of Fame Awards to be presented in April

Release Date: December 27, 2011
Contact: Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6567
Release Number: 11-68
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Editor's note: Since this e-mail is in plain text, the links to websites in this release may not be live. To use them, copy and paste them into your browser. Thanx.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking nominations for awards honoring the critical economic role small businesses play in federally funded research and development through SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Three awards will be given, one for companies that have participated in the SBIR/STTR programs, one for individuals who advocate on behalf of the programs, and a third “Hall of Fame” award recognizing companies that have an extended period of extraordinary success of research, innovation, and product commercialization within the SBIR or STTR program.

The Tibbetts Awards are named after Roland Tibbetts, who was instrumental in developing SBIR, a highly competitive program to ensure small businesses get a chance to compete for federal research and development funding, along with the opportunities it provides to profit from commercialization of the technologies they develop.

The SBIR and STTR programs currently account for more than $2.5 billion per year in federal R&D funds and are coordinated by the SBA in cooperation with 11 other federal agencies with large external research and development budgets.

The awards are presented to companies and individuals that are beacons of promise and models of excellence in high technology. Typical of past award winners are a Maine company that created a self-propelled and eco-friendly “AquaPod” for sustainable aqua-culture. A previous Hall of Fame award winner that won numerous SBIR grants – a major west coast chip manufacturer – started with a staff of 35 and has expanded to a global work force of 17,500.

Selections for Tibbetts Awards are based on several factors, including the economic impact of the technological innovation, overall business achievement and demonstration of effective collaborations.

Nominations for these awards opened December 15, 2011 and will close 5 PM EST on January 31, 2012. Awards will be presented in Washington, DC, in April` 2012. To submit a nomination, please visit tibbetts.challenge.gov (Tibbetts Awards – companies and individuals) and sbirhof.challenge.gov (Hall of Fame Awards).

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Special technology deals from Toshiba Computers Ends Jan, 2, 2012

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

New Mobile Applications Offer Vital Information and Resources for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs

New Mobile Applications Offer Vital Information and
Resources for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs

SBA-backed Competition Yields Cash Prizes for Winners, Seven New Tools

Release Date: December 20, 2011
Contact: Dennis E. Byrne (202) 205-6567
Release Number: 11-67
Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news

(Editor's note: URLs on this press release are shown in plain text, and may not be live in your e-mail application. To download the apps listed, copy and paste the URL into your browser)

WASHINGTON – A new electronic application that quickly and efficiently finds loans, grants, and other useful small business resources, and its developer Somesh Kumar of Freemont, Calif., won first prize and $5,000 in a nationwide competition sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The competition and resulting seven “apps” are meant to put new and useful web tools at the fingertips of growing entrepreneurs.

As a result of SBA’s “Apps for Entrepreneurs Challenge,” a competition for tech-savvy developers to build new and useful web tools for small businesses, entrepreneurs can reach for their smartphone or tablet and search federal, state and local databases for vital information by using one of seven award-winning apps.

“It was a great learning experience to participate in SBA’s Apps for Entrepreneurs Challenge and to create SBA Gems,” said Kumar, whose winning app can be downloaded at “SBA Gems” at entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5458.

“Smart phones and tablets are increasingly the vehicles through which Americans access information,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “This is certainly true of many entrepreneurs and small business owners. Greater mobility fits with SBA’s new focus and is among the steps we are taking to do a better job of connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools to help them start or grow their businesses and create jobs.”

The SBA competition produced seven winners - one First Place winner ($5,000), three Second Place winners ($3,000 each), and three Third Place winners ($2,000 each) for a total of $20,000 in prize money - as follows (all seven apps can be downloaded from SBA’s web site, with URLs listed below):

1. First Place [1 Prize at $5,000]
• SBA Gems – Find loans, grants permits etc.
Developer - Somesh Kumar, Freemont, California entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5458

2. Second Place [3 Prizes at $3,000 each]
• CapitaList – Find federal databases for licenses, awards, proposals and websites.
Developer – Muneeb Akhter, Springfield, Virginia
entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5464
• Small Business Toolbox – Find small business programs SBA offices etc.
Developer -- Joseph Blough, Dexter, Michigan
entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5450
• SBA Loan Search App -- Find loans, venture capital, tax incentives etc.
Developer – Richard Murphy, Silver Spring, Maryland
entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5462

3. Third Place [3 Prizes at $2,000 each]
• Energy SBA – Find property rights, oil and gas leases, solar etc.
Developer – Robert Grogan, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5470
• SB Alert – Find contracting opportunities and get push notification.
Developers – Ben McGinnis and Team, Fairfax, Virginia
entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5445
• Every Thing For The Entrepreneur – Find SBIR solicitations and more.
Developer – Edwardo Martinez, San Francisco, California
entrepreneurs.challenge.gov/submissions/5469

These new mobile apps complement SBA’s mobile application created for iPhone in partnership with Palo Alto Software. Users can employ the SBA app to find local Small Business Administration-affiliated advisers and get free, personal, one-on-one help with starting and growing their businesses.

The SBA mobile app also features a built-in startup cost calculator to help estimate the costs associated with getting a business off the ground, plus an SBA partner locator to help users find SBA offices, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE.

Users will also have mobile access to SBA video content and social media alerts to provide them with tips on the go. This will include live updates from the SBA’s YouTube channel and from SBA’s Twitter feeds. The free mobile app can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/content/sba-mobile-app.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

SBA’s Web Chat to Focus on Tax Essentials For Small Business Owners

SBA’s Web Chat to Focus on Tax Essentials
For Small Business Owners

Thursday, December 15, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., EST

Advisory Date: December 5, 2011
Contact: Cecelia Taylor
Advisory Number: MA11-31
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – With the end of the 2011 tax year right around the corner, small business owners can help prepare themselves for the upcoming filing season by clicking in to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s free December web chat for tips on potential year-end tax savings.

Chat participants can get valuable information on how to prepare now with useful tax savings tips and a set of red flags on mistakes to avoid.

WHO: Edward S. Karl, CPA, vice president of taxation for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, will host SBA’s free December web chat on “Tax Essentials for Small Business Owners.” Karl will answer questions about tax deductions and credits business owners can use to reduce their tax payments, as well as other tax-saving tips.

WHAT: SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they can submit online in advance and during the live session.

WHEN: December 15, at 1:00 p.m. EST
Karl and AICPA staff will answer questions for one hour

HOW: Participants can join the live web chat on Dec. 15, and also post questions in advance by going online at www.sba.gov, and clicking the web chat event under What’s New.

Are Your Leadership Skills Enough to Lead Your Company Through a Crisis?

Are Your Leadership Skills Enough to Lead Your Company Through a Crisis?

Get Tips During Free Webinar Hosted by SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions

Advisory Date: December 5, 2011
Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987
Advisory Number: MA11-32
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – Being a small business owner also makes you the person in charge of making sure everything flows without a hitch, from product development to the safety of your employees. Yet in the midst of a crisis or in the aftermath of a disaster the plans you made to keep your business open could become lost in the shuffle of stress and chaos.

On Tuesday, December 20, Agility Recovery Solutions and the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a webinar focusing on best practices to help those in leadership positions navigate the road to recovery. Agility president and CEO Bob Boyd will share real-world disaster recovery scenarios and engage participants in a discussion on practical strategies to develop the wisdom and skill needed to become a more resilient leader.

SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies via its “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips.

The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

WHO: Bob Boyd, President and CEO, Agility Recovery Solutions

WHAT: “Management Obligations during Disaster Recovery” will be presented by Boyd. A question and answer session will follow.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST

HOW: Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/311203496

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Lending Marks $50 Billion Milestone

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Lending Marks $50 Billion Milestone

Since 1953 the SBA has approved more than 1.9 million loans to U.S. Residents and Businesses

Release Date: November 30, 2011
Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-9876
Release Number: 11-66
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – Emergency lending by the U.S. Small Business Administration to survivors of natural and man-made disasters since 1953 has surpassed $50 billion, SBA’s head of disaster response told members of the U.S. House Small Business Committee today at a hearing on federal disaster response programs.

“Since the agency’s founding in 1953,” said SBA Associate Administrator James Rivera, “the agency has made more than 1.9 million low-interest disaster loans worth more than $50 billion to homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.”

The $50 billion in SBA assistance represents loans made to help residents and business owners recover from many of the most devastating disaster events in U.S. history. Since FY 1989, more than $36 billion in SBA disaster loans have been made, with significant portions of that total going to those rebuilding after the Northridge Earthquake in 1994 ($4 billion), 1997’s Upper Midwest Floods ($738 million), Hurricane Ivan in 2004 ($2.2 billion), and the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes ($10.9 billion).

“Over the years SBA’s disaster assistance program has made it possible for small towns and large cities to rebuild, saving jobs and supporting the long-term economic recovery of areas that would have otherwise failed without the help,” said Rivera. “The SBA’s disaster loan program, with its low interest rates and reasonable terms make it possible for disaster victims to handle the cost of rebuilding and take the steps necessary to prevent the risk of being hit by a similar disaster.”

Disaster loans are the only form of SBA assistance not limited to small businesses. The SBA makes low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate. Individuals may borrow up to $40,000 to cover losses to personal property.

Non-farm businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged business assets and real property. Small businesses and non-profits that suffered economic losses as a direct result of the declared disaster may apply for a working capital loan up to $2 million, even if the property was not physically damaged.

More information about the disaster assistance program is available at www.sba.gov/disasterassistance.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

SBA says shopping at small businesses can have a huge impact on local economy

Make a Big Difference on Small Business Saturday®

SBA says shopping at small businesses can have a huge impact on local economy

Release Date: November 21, 2011
Contact: Hayley.meadvin@sba.gov
Release Number: 11-65
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – As a proud supporter of Small Business Saturday®, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, the U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging every American to support small businesses by doing some of their holiday shopping on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at small businesses.

This year’s Small Business Saturday® is Nov. 26, 2011.

“Small businesses are the foundation of our economy – half of America’s workers either own or work for a small business,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Small Business Saturday® is an opportunity to show our support for our friends and neighbors who throughout the year are growing our local economy, as well as supporting many local initiative and organizations.”

Nov. 26 marks the second annual Small Business Saturday®, a day to support the local small businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. First there was Black Friday, and then Cyber Monday, and now Small Business Saturday® will help drive shoppers to America’s job creators. Small businesses have generated two out of every three net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ over half of all private sector employees.

For more information on how to support Small Business Saturday® in your area, or to get great Small Business Saturday® marketing tips and resources, check out www.sba.gov/saturday or visit Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday and follow us on Twitter @SBAgov, #SmallBizSat.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Opportunities for Native American Small Businesses the Focus of SBA’s November Web Chat

Opportunities for Native American Small Businesses the Focus of SBA’s November Web Chat

Wednesday, November 23, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET

Advisory Date: November 16, 2011
Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059
Advisory Number: MA11-30
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, SBA’s November web chat will highlight Native American small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Native American Affairs helps to ensure that American Indians, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians who want to start or grow a small business have access to SBA’s entrepreneurial development tools, and lending and contracting programs.

WHO: Chris James, assistant administrator for the Office of Native American Affairs at the SBA, will host the November web chat on “Small Business Opportunities for Native Americans.” James will answer questions about how SBA’s programs and services can help to promote economic growth and job creation for Native Americans.

WHAT: SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session. Participants will gain valuable information on how to participate in the program to gain increased access to government contracting opportunities.

WHEN: November 23, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)
James will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Participants can join the live web chat, and also post questions before the November 23rd chat, by going online to www.sba.gov, and click on the web chat event under What’s New.

To review archives of past web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/content/monthly-web-chat.

PLEASE NOTE: URLs may not be live in this plain text e-mail. Please cope and paste or type into your browser the URL you wish to use.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

SBA Helps Veterans Start, Grow and Expand Small Businesses

SBA Helps Veterans Start, Grow and Expand Small Businesses

Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Disabled Veterans Expands to Eighth School

Release Date: November 9, 2011
Contact: Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6567
Release Number: 11-63
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – With thousands of service men and women returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Small Business Administration is welcoming them home with programs and initiatives to help them start, grow and expand their businesses.

“Around Veterans Day, our thoughts turn to the men and women who are serving or have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to all who have made sacrifices and served our country in the armed forces,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “When you consider the leadership and management skills our veterans develop while on active and reserve duty, it’s no wonder we see so many of them choose a path as entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

SBA provides veterans access to much needed business counseling and training, capital and business development opportunities through government contracts.

Those products and programs include:

Entrepreneurial Development
SBA and Syracuse University are expanding the successful Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program to an eighth school, Cornell University. The growing partnership between SBA and Syracuse University, now in its third year, provides training on how they can start and grow a small business with programs targeted to service-disabled veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their family caregivers, women veterans, and National Guard and Reserve members and their families.

The “boot camp” was created and delivered by a network of some of the best business schools in the country. Last year, the first year SBA partnered with Syracuse University, 129 service-disabled veterans participated in the program.
Since the program’s inception, more than 320 wounded warriors have graduated and more than 150 businesses have been launched by graduates. Participating schools include: Syracuse University, University of Connecticut, UCLA, Florida State University, Texas A&M University, Purdue University, Louisiana State University, and Cornell University.

SBA is also providing $2.6 million through a cooperative agreement over three years for two new programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

The first, Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), focuses on training, networking and mentorship for women veterans. The three-day, off-site training

program, online training and network support structures are delivered in several locations around the nation, and anticipates serving up to 1,400 female veterans over a 36-month period.

The second, Operation Endure & Grow, targets National Guard and Reserve Component members, their families and partners. The goal of this program is to mitigate the small business economic hardship of deployed members and their families. The eight-week online course focuses on the fundamentals of launching and/or growing a small business for those who will sustain the business when the service member is deployed, injured or killed. Initially, 550 individuals are expected to participate. Together, V-WISE and Operation Endure & Grow are expected to serve over 1,950 individuals and their families over three years.

Access to Capital
SBA had a near record year lending to veteran-owned small businesses in fiscal year 2011. SBA lending to veterans in fiscal year 2011 amounted to more than 4,300 loans totaling $1.5 billion in its flagship 7(a) and 504 programs. Since 2007, SBA’s Patriot Express loan pilot initiative alone has guaranteed loans of more than $667 million to nearly 8,100 veterans, reservists and their spouses to establish or expand their small businesses. The initiative, extended through 2013, provided more than 1,560 loans totaling $142 million in fiscal year 2011. Patriot Express is offered by SBA’s network of participating lenders nationwide and features one of SBA’s fastest turnaround times for loan approvals.

Government Contracting
SBA worked with both contracting officers and veteran-owned small businesses to deliver the highest-ever percentage of federal contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses in FY2010, totaling $10.4 billion. Also, through parity legislation, SBA reestablished a level playing field for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses that compete with other small businesses for set-aside contracts.

The Office of Veteran’s Business Development provided SDVOSB procurement training to more than 3,000 SBVOSB’s in 2011 to help achieve the 3 percent SDVOSB goal. The SBA is expanding its outreach to service-disabled veterans with an online contracting tutorial to help veterans and military spouses who own small businesses identify and take advantage of federal contracting opportunities.

Task Force Report
SBA chairs the Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development focused on improving and expanding opportunities for veteran business owners. The Task Force recently issued its first Report to the President and included 18 recommendations to increase access to capital, improve business development opportunities, and meet federal contracting goals for veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. You can read the whole report here.

SBA reaches out to veterans through its 68 SBA district offices, 15 Veterans Business Outreach Centers nationwide, more than 1,000 Small Business Development Centers, 110 Women’s Business Centers and some 12,000 SCORE volunteers. SBA also has numerous programs creating government contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/vets and www.sba.gov/reservists.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Virginia-based Company Wins SBA/VISA Export Video Contest

Virginia-based Company Wins SBA/VISA Export Video Contest

Five Small Business Exporters Split $39,000 in Awards

Release Date: November 7, 2011
Contact: David J. Hall (202) 205-6697
Release Number: 11-62
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – SteelMaster Buildings, a company in Virginia Beach, Va., that designs and builds prefabricated steel buildings for a variety of industries, is the winner of an export video promotion contest co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and VISA. SteelMaster received a $12,000 award, including cash and travel costs to participate in the awards ceremony, and a Department of Commerce Gold Key matching service. You can watch the winning video at www.sba.gov/blog.

“SteelMaster and other participants in this contest are great examples of how small businesses are exporting and driving economic growth and job creation all across the country”, SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. As part of the President’s National Export Initiative, this contest promotes programs and resources for small businesses to help achieve the goal of doubling exports in five years and support two million jobs.”

In addition to SteelMaster, four other small business finalists received awards ranging up to $10,000: World Technology Corp. of New York, NY, $10,000; Air Tractor, Inc. of Olney, Texas, $8,000; VSD, LLC of Virginia Beach, Va., $6,000 and Daelia’s Food Company, Ltd. of Cincinnati, Ohio, $3,000. Awards included cash, an expenses-paid trip to participate in the awards event and $1,000 toward the purchase of a Commerce Department Gold Key matching service and/or various other trade related events.

The Commerce Department Gold Key matching service offers small business exporters customized foreign market and industry briefings; appointments with prospective trade partners in key industry sectors, help with travel and accommodations, interpreter services and much more.

The awards were presented by Dario Gomez, SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of International Trade, at the National District Export Council Conference held at Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 5. Janet Zablock, who heads VISA Small Business, shared the stage with Gomez.

The Export Video Contest promoted the advantages of exporting and increase awareness of government assistance available to small business exporters. VISA, which co-sponsored the contest, provided the funding for the cash award to the winners.

The contest was open to small businesses that had completed at least one export transaction. Each participant submitted one educational video of three minutes or less, highlighting how they had ventured into and achieved success with exporting.

Videos were submitted in five categories: manufacturing, consumer products, professional services, technology and agribusiness. A panel of SBA judges selected a winner in each category. The five finalist videos were posted on SBA’s YouTube and made available to the public for voting from Oct. 1 – Oct. 28. Awards were granted based on the number of votes received.

For more information on the Export Video Contest and exporting opportunities for small businesses, visit www.sba.gov/oit.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Get the Business Case for Preparedness at Free Webinar

Get the Business Case for Preparedness at Free Webinar

Advisory Date: November 1, 2011
Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987
Advisory Number: MA11-29
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – Businesses everywhere are now operating on limited resources. Yet the survival of your company rests – particularly when faced with a disaster – on whether or not your key assets are protected. Developing a business continuity plan will not only reduce liabilities, but will ensure employee and customer retention, and may even reduce operational expenses.

On Tuesday, November 15, Agility Recovery Solutions and the U.S. Small Business Administration will host an online webinar focusing on how preparedness affects a company’s bottom line. Agility president & CEO Bob Boyd will review the far-reaching financial impact of having a plan in place to recover after a disaster.

SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies via its “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips.

The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

WHO: Bob Boyd, President & CEO, Agility Recovery Solutions

WHAT: “The Impact of Corporate Preparedness on the Bottom Line” will be presented by Boyd. A question and answer session will follow.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 15 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET

HOW: Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/446675577

SBA Kicks Off Young Entrepreneur Series

SBA Kicks Off Young Entrepreneur Series

Five-city tour offers young people advice and tools to start and grow businesses

Release Date: November 2, 2011
Contact: Dan Crawford (202) 205-6920
Release Number: 11-61
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – The White House and the U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the launch of the Young Entrepreneur Series (YES), which will connect young and aspiring entrepreneurs with SBA officials, local business advisors and resources to help them start or grow their own small business.

“For our economy to thrive in the 21st century, we must set about creating the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. “Young Americans need to know that starting a business is a viable alternative to going to work for somebody else. There is a clear and urgent need to create more jobs for young Americans, and encouraging business ownership is an important way to meet that goal.”

SBA will hold five YES forums that will reach a broad audience, including young veterans, urban and rural entrepreneurs, and others.

Dates and locations include:
• November 7, San Diego, Calif., Veteran Young Entrepreneurs
• November 9, Ames, Iowa, Rural Young Entrepreneurs
• November 17, Charlotte, N.C., Young Entrepreneurs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions
• November 29, Tahlequah, Okla., Native American Young Entrepreneurs
• December 1, Milwaukee, Wis., Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship among young people remains below average and young entrepreneurs face unique challenges. With youth unemployment twice the national average in many communities, particularly communities of color and veterans, the Obama administration recognizes a need to promote and better support the efforts of young people to create jobs for themselves and others.

Many SBA programs, such as microloans, business counseling and training, are useful to young entrepreneurs. The YES forums are part of a larger effort to reach out to young people and let them know the federal government has tools to help them start, grow and succeed as small business owners.

The forums will be livestreamed at www.sba.gov/youngentrepreneurs. Participants can also follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #SBAyes. For more information or to watch the forums live, visit www.sba.gov/youngentrepreneurs.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

SBA’s Growth Capital Program Sets New Records

SBA’s Growth Capital Program Sets New Records

$2.59 Billion in Financing for Small Businesses in FY11

Release Date: October 18, 2011
Contact: Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6567
Release Number: 11-60
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program provided a record $2.59 billion in fiscal year 2011 to small businesses, a 63 percent increase over last year’s $1.59 billion.

“Over the past two years, we’ve made SBIC work better than ever before,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “We cut licensing time in half, which has strengthened efficiency and made it possible to get capital into the hands of small businesses more quickly. When an SBIC invests in a company, it can scale up and create jobs.”

High-growth small businesses continue to face difficulty in accessing more specific kinds of patient, long-term capital to grow and create jobs. Since 1958, the SBIC program has helped fill these gaps and has invested approximately $60 billion in more than 109,000 small businesses in the United States.

The FY 2011 volume is the highest single-year volume in the 50-plus year history of SBA’s SBIC debenture program building on the FY 2010 volume, which was at that time the highest ever. Increased volume in the program is due in part to a number of improvements that contributed to an increased number of new SBIC licenses and reduced license processing times.

The SBIC program was created to stimulate the growth of America’s small businesses by supplementing the long-term debt and private-equity capital available to them. SBA’s SBIC FY 2011 results included the following:

• Record High Financing to Small Businesses: Total financings to small businesses by SBA’s SBIC debenture program grew to a 50-plus year record high of $2.59 billion in FY 2011 – 63 percent more than in FY 2010 and nearly double the average annual amount of financings for the previous five years.

• Record High SBA Capital Commitment to SBIC Funds: SBA capital commitments to funds broke another record, increasing to $1.8 billion in FY 2011, up from $1.2 billion in FY 2010, a 50 percent increase.

• Record High Private Capital Attracted to SBIC Program: The SBIC program has attracted more private capital in FY 2011 than in any year in the history of the program –$840 million compared to $654 million in FY 2010.

• More Licensed Debenture SBICs and Faster Processing Times: Twenty-two new debenture SBIC and unleveraged licenses were issued in fiscal year 2011, more than double the five-year average of 10.6 per year. Additionally, SBIC license processing time improved to just 5.5 months in FY 2011, down from 14.6 months in 2009.

SBICs are privately-owned and managed investment firms that are licensed and regulated by SBA. SBICs use a combination of funds raised from private sources and money raised through the use of SBA guarantees to make equity and mezzanine capital investments in small businesses. There are nearly 300 SBICs with more than $17 billion in capital under management.

As part of the President’s Startup America initiative, the SBA leveraged the SBIC program to launch two $1 billion funds for impact investments and early stage investments. These funds will be made available to SBICs targeting early-stage firms in the so-called "Valley of Death," the segment of the venture capital market in which companies are often seeking their first dollar of institutional capital. Earlier this year SBA announced the launch of InvestMichigan! Mezzanine Fund, the first licensed Impact Investment Fund in the SBA’s new Impact Investment Initiative. The fund focuses exclusively on providing capital to businesses in Michigan.

For more information about the SBA’s Investment Division, SBIC program, Impact Investment Initiative and Early Stage Innovation Fund, go to www.sba.gov/INV. The web site offers much useful information including segments for: SBIC Applicants, SBIC Licensees, Private Partners & LPs, and Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners. The site also includes useful SBIC forms, up-to-date news and reports, and detailed information and descriptions of the Impact Investment Initiative and Early Stage Innovation Fund.

Friday, October 14, 2011

SBA-Proposed Size Standard Increases for Information and Administrative

SBA-Proposed Size Standard Increases for Information and Administrative Services Industries
Reflect Marketplace Changes

Release Date: October 13, 2011
Contact: Tiffani Clements (202) 401-0035
Release Number: 11-59
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – Proposed rules published today for comment in The Federal Register by the U.S. Small Business Administration would adjust the size definition of small businesses in 52 industries in two broad categories of businesses, ranging from travel agencies and movie production to waste management.

The proposed adjustments to size standards in 15 industries in Sector 51 of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), “Information,” and in 37 industries in Sector 56, “Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services,” reflect changes in marketplace conditions in those sectors.

In both sectors, the proposed changes are based on annual gross revenues. The standards delineate how large a business can be and still qualify as small for federal government programs. The dollar limits refer to annual revenues averaged over three years.

As part of the ongoing comprehensive review of all size standards that began in 2007, the SBA evaluated all industries in these sectors that have revenue-based size standards to determine whether the existing size standards should be adjusted. Before 2007, the last overall review of size standards occurred more than 25 years ago. Under provisions in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, SBA will continue its comprehensive review of all size standards for several years.

The proposed changes take into account the structural characteristics within individual industries, including average firm size, degree of competition, and federal government contracting trends. This ensures that size definitions reflect current economic conditions within those industries.

The upward revisions would allow some small businesses that are close to exceeding their current size standards to retain small business eligibility under the proposed higher size standards, and give federal agencies a larger selection of small businesses to choose from for small business procurement opportunities. They also would allow more small businesses to qualify for SBA financial assistance. SBA estimates that up to 500 more firms in Sector 51 and 2,700 more companies in Sector 56 will qualify for SBA assistance and other federal programs if the proposed revisions are adopted.

An SBA White Paper entitled “Size Standards Methodology” was issued on Oct. 21, 2009, explaining how SBA establishes, reviews and modifies its receipts-based and employee-based small business size standards. It is available for viewing at http://www.sba.gov/size.

Interested parties can submit comments on these proposed rules on or before Dec. 12, 2011. The SBA recommends that comments be submitted online at www.regulations.gov or mailed to Khem R. Sharma, Chief, Size Standards Division, 409 3rd St., SW, Mail Code 6530, Washington, D.C. 20416. The SBA will post all comments to www.regulations.gov for public review. The SBA does not accept comments submitted by email.

For more information about SBA’s revisions to its small business size standards, click on “What’s New with Size Standards” on SBA’s website at http://www.sba.gov/size.

The proposed rule would affect the following industries in NAICS Sector 51:

NAICS NAICS industry title Current Size Standards Proposed Size Standard
code ($ million) ($ million)
511210 Software Publishers $25.0 $35.5
512110 Motion Picture and Video Production $29.5 $30.0
512131 Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive Ins) $7.0 $35.5
512199 Other Motion Picture and Video Industries $7.0 $19.0
512290 Other Sound Recording Industries $7.0 $10.0
515111 Radio Networks $7.0 $30.0
515112 Radio Stations $7.0 $35.5
515120 Television Broadcasting $14.0 $35.5
515210 Cable and Other Subscription Programming $15.0 $35.5
517410 Satellite Telecommunications $15.0 $30.0
517919 All Other Telecommunications $25.0 $30.0
518210 Data Processing, Hosting, and Related $25.0 $30.0
Services
519110 News Syndicates $7.0 $25.5
519120 Libraries and Archives $7.0 $14.0
519190 All Other Information Services $7.0 $25.5

The proposed rule would affect the following industries in NAICS Sector 56:

NAICS NAICS Industry Title Current Size Standard Proposed Size Standard
Codes ($ million) ($ million)
561311 Employment Placement Agencies $7.0 $25.5
561312 Executive Search Services $7.0 $25.5
561320 Temporary Help Services $13.5 $25.5
561330 Professional Employer Organizations $13.5 $25.5
561410 Document Preparation Services $7.0 $14.0
561421 Telephone Answering Services $7.0 $14.0
561422 Telemarketing Bureaus and Other contact Centers $7.0 $14.0
561431 Private Mail Centers $7.0 $14.0
561439 Other Business Service Centers (including Copy Shops) $7.0 $14.0
561440 Collection Agencies $7.0 $14.0
561450 Credit Bureaus $7.0 $14.0
561491 Repossession Services $7.0 $14.0
561492 Court Reporting and Stenotype Services $7.0 $14.0
561499 All Other Business Support Services $7.0 $14.0
561510 Travel Agencies $3.5 $19.0
561520 Tour Operators $7.0 $19.0
561591 Convention and Visitors Bureaus $7.0 $19.0
561599 All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services $7.0 $19.0
561611 Investigation Services $12.5 $19.0
561612 Security Guards and Patrol Services $18.5 $19.0
561613 Armored Car Services $12.5 $19.0
561621 Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) $12.5 $19.0
561622 Locksmiths $7.0 $19.0
561710 Exterminating and Pest Control Services $7.0 $10.0
561740 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services $4.5 $5.0
561910 Packaging and Labeling Services $7.0 $10.0
561920 Convention and Trade Show Organizers $7.0 $10.0
561990 All Other Support Services $7.0 $10.0
562111 Solid Waste Collection $12.5 $35.5
562112 Hazardous Waste Collection $12.5 $35.5
562119 Other Waste Collection $12.5 $35.5
562211 Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal $12.5 $35.5
562212 Solid Waste Landfill $12.5 $35.5
562213 Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators $12.5 $35.5
562219 Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal $12.5 $35.5
562910 Remediation Services $14.0 $19.0
562920 Materials Recovery Facilities $12.5 $19.0

SBA-Proposed Size Standard Increases for Information and Administrative

SBA-Proposed Size Standard Increases for Information and Administrative Services Industries
Reflect Marketplace Changes

Release Date: October 13, 2011
Contact: Tiffani Clements (202) 401-0035
Release Number: 11-59
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – Proposed rules published today for comment in The Federal Register by the U.S. Small Business Administration would adjust the size definition of small businesses in 52 industries in two broad categories of businesses, ranging from travel agencies and movie production to waste management.

The proposed adjustments to size standards in 15 industries in Sector 51 of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), “Information,” and in 37 industries in Sector 56, “Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services,” reflect changes in marketplace conditions in those sectors.

In both sectors, the proposed changes are based on annual gross revenues. The standards delineate how large a business can be and still qualify as small for federal government programs. The dollar limits refer to annual revenues averaged over three years.

As part of the ongoing comprehensive review of all size standards that began in 2007, the SBA evaluated all industries in these sectors that have revenue-based size standards to determine whether the existing size standards should be adjusted. Before 2007, the last overall review of size standards occurred more than 25 years ago. Under provisions in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, SBA will continue its comprehensive review of all size standards for several years.

The proposed changes take into account the structural characteristics within individual industries, including average firm size, degree of competition, and federal government contracting trends. This ensures that size definitions reflect current economic conditions within those industries.

The upward revisions would allow some small businesses that are close to exceeding their current size standards to retain small business eligibility under the proposed higher size standards, and give federal agencies a larger selection of small businesses to choose from for small business procurement opportunities. They also would allow more small businesses to qualify for SBA financial assistance. SBA estimates that up to 500 more firms in Sector 51 and 2,700 more companies in Sector 56 will qualify for SBA assistance and other federal programs if the proposed revisions are adopted.

An SBA White Paper entitled “Size Standards Methodology” was issued on Oct. 21, 2009, explaining how SBA establishes, reviews and modifies its receipts-based and employee-based small business size standards. It is available for viewing at http://www.sba.gov/size.

Interested parties can submit comments on these proposed rules on or before Dec. 12, 2011. The SBA recommends that comments be submitted online at www.regulations.gov or mailed to Khem R. Sharma, Chief, Size Standards Division, 409 3rd St., SW, Mail Code 6530, Washington, D.C. 20416. The SBA will post all comments to www.regulations.gov for public review. The SBA does not accept comments submitted by email.

For more information about SBA’s revisions to its small business size standards, click on “What’s New with Size Standards” on SBA’s website at http://www.sba.gov/size.

The proposed rule would affect the following industries in NAICS Sector 51:

NAICS NAICS industry title Current Size Standards Proposed Size Standard
code ($ million) ($ million)
511210 Software Publishers $25.0 $35.5
512110 Motion Picture and Video Production $29.5 $30.0
512131 Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive Ins) $7.0 $35.5
512199 Other Motion Picture and Video Industries $7.0 $19.0
512290 Other Sound Recording Industries $7.0 $10.0
515111 Radio Networks $7.0 $30.0
515112 Radio Stations $7.0 $35.5
515120 Television Broadcasting $14.0 $35.5
515210 Cable and Other Subscription Programming $15.0 $35.5
517410 Satellite Telecommunications $15.0 $30.0
517919 All Other Telecommunications $25.0 $30.0
518210 Data Processing, Hosting, and Related $25.0 $30.0
Services
519110 News Syndicates $7.0 $25.5
519120 Libraries and Archives $7.0 $14.0
519190 All Other Information Services $7.0 $25.5

The proposed rule would affect the following industries in NAICS Sector 56:

NAICS NAICS Industry Title Current Size Standard Proposed Size Standard
Codes ($ million) ($ million)
561311 Employment Placement Agencies $7.0 $25.5
561312 Executive Search Services $7.0 $25.5
561320 Temporary Help Services $13.5 $25.5
561330 Professional Employer Organizations $13.5 $25.5
561410 Document Preparation Services $7.0 $14.0
561421 Telephone Answering Services $7.0 $14.0
561422 Telemarketing Bureaus and Other contact Centers $7.0 $14.0
561431 Private Mail Centers $7.0 $14.0
561439 Other Business Service Centers (including Copy Shops) $7.0 $14.0
561440 Collection Agencies $7.0 $14.0
561450 Credit Bureaus $7.0 $14.0
561491 Repossession Services $7.0 $14.0
561492 Court Reporting and Stenotype Services $7.0 $14.0
561499 All Other Business Support Services $7.0 $14.0
561510 Travel Agencies $3.5 $19.0
561520 Tour Operators $7.0 $19.0
561591 Convention and Visitors Bureaus $7.0 $19.0
561599 All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services $7.0 $19.0
561611 Investigation Services $12.5 $19.0
561612 Security Guards and Patrol Services $18.5 $19.0
561613 Armored Car Services $12.5 $19.0
561621 Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) $12.5 $19.0
561622 Locksmiths $7.0 $19.0
561710 Exterminating and Pest Control Services $7.0 $10.0
561740 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services $4.5 $5.0
561910 Packaging and Labeling Services $7.0 $10.0
561920 Convention and Trade Show Organizers $7.0 $10.0
561990 All Other Support Services $7.0 $10.0
562111 Solid Waste Collection $12.5 $35.5
562112 Hazardous Waste Collection $12.5 $35.5
562119 Other Waste Collection $12.5 $35.5
562211 Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal $12.5 $35.5
562212 Solid Waste Landfill $12.5 $35.5
562213 Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators $12.5 $35.5
562219 Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal $12.5 $35.5
562910 Remediation Services $14.0 $19.0
562920 Materials Recovery Facilities $12.5 $19.0

Free Tips on Protecting Your Company From Winter Weather Disasters

Free Tips on Protecting Your Company From Winter Weather Disasters

Advisory Date: October 13, 2011
Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987
Advisory Number: MA11-27
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – Whether it’s pounding, relentless rainstorms or massive snowstorms, winter weather presents many risks for business shutdowns, property damage and loss of life. Now is a good time to make a plan to stay open for business, while protecting your employees and customers from the dangers of severe winter weather.

On Tuesday, October 18, Agility Recovery Solutions and the U.S. Small Business Administration will host another in a series of business continuity webinars, focusing on best practices to mitigate risks posed by the winter season. Weather expert Fred Schmude, of ImpactWeather, a company that provides worldwide weather monitoring and business continuity planning for businesses, will discuss winter weather predictions and share tips on how to prepare before the disaster hits.

SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies via its “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips.

The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

WHO: Fred Schmude, Storm Watch Manager, ImpactWeather

WHAT: “Preparing your Business for the Winter Weather Season” will be presented by Schmude. A question and answer session will follow.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 18 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT

HOW: Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/401629152

Monday, September 26, 2011

Disaster Recovery Tips and Advice Offered for Homeowners and Businesses

Disaster Recovery Tips and Advice Offered for
Homeowners and Businesses
---
Thursday, September 29, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET

Advisory Date: September 22, 2011
Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059
Advisory Number: MA11-22
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

NOTE: Plain text URLs may not be live links in your e-mail. Please copy and paste them into your browser to visit the sites linked.

WASHINGTON – In recent weeks many have experienced disaster first-hand, including record-breaking floods caused by hurricane Irene last month. After a disaster strikes, homeowners and businesses can face many challenges in their rebuilding and recovery efforts. This month’s web chat will focus on what homeowners and businesses need to know after a disaster. September’s web chat hosts Phae Howard and Michael Mitravich will highlight key aspects of structural mitigation, rebuilding and preparedness.

WHO: Phae Howard, executive director of the National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud, and Michael Mitravich of the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will host September’s web chat on Disaster Recovery for Business Owners: An Inside View. Chat participants can get answers to questions such as how to select a credible contractor, what questions to ask when their property damage is assessed, or on what do to if just dealing with water damage.

WHAT: SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with a chance to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session. Chat participants can receive helpful tips and advice on how to recover after a disaster.

WHEN: September 29, 2011, 1 p.m. ET.
Howard and Mitravich will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Web chat participants can post questions online in advance and on September 29, join the live web chat by going online to www.sba.gov, and click on the web chat event under What’s New.
To review archives of past web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html

# # #

New Obama Administration Initiative to Spur Job Creation

New Obama Administration Initiative to Spur Job Creation and
Accelerate Economic Growth in 20 Regions across the Country

16 Federal agencies come together to support development of
high-growth industry clusters in 21 states

Date: September 22, 2011
Release number: 11-52
News Media Contacts: DOC: Shira Kramer, 202-482-4883, SKramer@doc.gov
DOL: Josh Lamont, 202-693-4661, Lamont.Joshua.R@dol.gov
SBA: Hayley Meadvin, 202-205-6948, Hayley.Meadvin@sba.gov


WASHINGTON – The Obama Administration today announced the winners of the $37 million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, a multi-agency competition launched in May to support the advancement of 20 high-growth, regional industry clusters. Investments from three federal agencies and technical assistance from 13 additional agencies will promote development in areas such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, aerospace and clean technology, in rural and urban regions in 21 states. Projects are driven by local communities that identify the economic strengths of their areas, with funding awarded to the best proposals.

These public-private partnerships are expected to create more than 4,800 jobs and 300 new businesses, as well as retain another 2,400 jobs and train approximately 4,000 workers for careers in high-growth industries, according to grantee estimates. Each of the 20 awards average about $1.8 million per project, and winning clusters will contribute another $13 million in total matching funds.

“The winning projects of the challenge are innovative and impressive. The grants announced today demonstrate the Administration's commitment to accelerate the development of strong industry clusters that promote robust economic environments and help develop a skilled workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “This is the type of investment the President is calling for as part of his continued commitment to job creation.”

Strong regional clusters grow from dynamic public-private partnerships that bring together business leaders, universities, non-profits, government officials and other strategic partners to help regions capitalize on shared strengths to enhance the local economy, create jobs, and compete globally.

“The Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge brings the public and private sectors together to build on America’s regional strengths and create local jobs in key industries of the future,” Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said. “This initiative is a shining example of how the federal government is working collaboratively and leveraging existing resources to enhance local efforts to build public-private partnerships that support economic growth and job creation.”

Originally a $33 million initiative, the Challenge has grown to $37 million with increasing commitments from federal funding partners. The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration is investing $19.5 million for technical skills training; the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is investing $14.5 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance funds; and the Small Business Administration (SBA) is investing $3 million in technical assistance.

“SBA has a long history of support for regional clusters, and the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is an important next step,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “I am pleased that SBA is contributing funding to bring underserved small businesses into regional clusters across the country. By working with other federal agencies, we can link, leverage, and align our resources to give small businesses the tools they need to work together, grow and create jobs.”

The Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is just one example of how the Obama Administration is collaborating to ensure a smarter use of federal resources to foster regional innovation in support of sustainable economic prosperity. Strong industry clusters – such as the Research Triangle in North Carolina or Silicon Valley in California – promote robust economic ecosystems and the development of a skilled workforce, both of which are critical to long-term regional success.

The winning projects of the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge announced today include:
• Rockford, IL: Rockford Area Aerospace Cluster
• Southeast, MI: Southeast Michigan-Advanced Energy Storage Systems Initiative
• Pittsburgh, PA: Southwestern Pennsylvania Revitalization
• Northeast, OH: Northeast Ohio Speed-to-Market Accelerator
• FL: Space Coast Clean Energy Jobs Accelerator
• Knoxville & Oak Ridge, TN: Advanced Composites Employment Accelerator
• Milwaukee, WI: Milwaukee Regional Water Accelerator Project
• MO and KS: KC Regional Jobs Accelerator
• GA: Atlanta Health Information Technology Cluster
• AR, MO, OK: The ARK: Acceleration, Resources, Knowledge
• St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Bioscience Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Project
• OR and WA: Portland Regional Clean Tech Advance Initiative
• San Diego, CA: San Diego-Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Generation Training and Demonstration Center
• Puget Sound, WA: Washington Interactive Media Accelerator
• Hudson Valley, NY: New York Renewable Energy Cluster
• Finger Lakes, NY: Finger Lakes Food Processing Cluster Initiative
• MT, ND, SD: Upper Missouri Tribal Environmental Risk Mitigation
• South Central, KS: Center for Innovation and Enterprise Engagement
• Northeast, MN: Minnesota's Mining Cluster
• Northern, Maine: GreenME

The Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is part of the Obama Administration’s Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative, an interagency, place-based effort coordinated by the White House. The following federal agencies are collaborating to support this competition: U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, International Trade Administration, Minority Business Development Agency, and National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Education; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Department of Labor; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Treasury; Environmental Protection Agency; National Science Foundation; and Small Business Administration.

For more information on the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, click here.

Business Owners to Share Post-Disaster Survivor Tips

Business Owners to Share Post-Disaster Survivor Tips
During SBA & Agility Recovery Solutions Free Webinar

Advisory Date: September 22, 2011
Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987
Advisory Number: MA11-23
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Please note: Hyperlinked URLs in this plain text e-mail may not by live in your e-mail. You can copy and paste them into your browser to reach the web sites cited.

WASHINGTON – Any crisis in a disaster situation, from a server malfunction to a flooded basement, could a business to close its, reducing productivity and profits and possibly resulting in a permanent shut-down. Next week, in the fourth of four weekly webinars during National Preparedness Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions three business owners who faced losses of property and income after a disaster will share their experiences and what they learned about preparing for the next disaster.

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, bank vice president Scott Jenkins, insurance company president Terry Flood, and Joel Simpson, vice president of a plastics and glass supplier, will described how their companies recovered from losses caused, respectively, by a tornado, water damages from a burst pipe, and flooding. The three will also offer tips on how to protect themselves and their bottom line, based on their own experiences.

SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies via their “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips.

The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

WHO: Scott Jenkins, Senior VP, Worthington Federal Bank, Huntsville, Ala.
Terry Flood, President, The Flood Group, Long Island, NY
Joel Simpson, VP Sales & Marketing, The O. Berk Company, Union,NJ

WHAT: “Survivor Panel—Real World Lessons Learned” will be presented by Jenkins, Flood and Simpson. A question and answer session will follow.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 28 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT

HOW: Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/660249057

SBA Awards Grants to Support Small Business Teaming

SBA Awards Grants to Support Small Business Teaming

Five-year pilot program will help small businesses work together
to grow and create jobs

Release Date: September, 23, 2011
Contact: Tiffani Clements (202) 401 0035
Release Number: 11-53
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/teaming


WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced grant awardees in a pilot program designed to help small businesses work together to compete for federal contracts, grow, and create jobs.

The Small Business Teaming Pilot Program, made possible by the Small Business Jobs Act, awards grants to organizations for training, counseling, and mentoring to help small businesses enter into teaming relationships and compete for larger federal contracts. Teaming may take the form of joint venture and mentor-protégé relationships.

Eleven grantees were selected from hundreds of applications submitted. Grantees were awarded between $200,000 and $500,000 in funding, for a total of approximately $5 million in Fiscal Year 2011.

The organizations in the pilot program will help small businesses find other firms interested in teaming, form teaming arrangements, and find and bid on larger contracts. Grantees will leverage their existing resources and collaborate with SBA District Offices, resource partners, and other federal, state, local and tribal government small business development programs.

“Government contracts are a crucial source of revenue for small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “The teaming pilot program will help small businesses grow and create jobs by giving them the tools they need to work together on larger contracts.”

Small businesses interested in becoming part of a small business team should contact the grantee nearest to them.

For more information about the Small Business Teaming Pilot Program, please visit www.sba.gov/teaming.

A full list of the teaming grantees is attached.

###

Grantee City, State Award Amount
Clearwater Economic Development Association Lewiston ID $500,000

National 8(a) Association Anchorage, AK $500,000

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development Mesa, AZ $500,000

National Community Reinvestment Coalition Washington, DC $500,000

San Diego State University Research Foundation San Diego, CA $499,992

LSI Business Development, Inc. Bountiful, UT $499,920
Chicago Urban League Chicago, IL $499,907

Raytheon Company Seminole, FL $499,693

Mercy Enterprise Corporation dba Mercy Corps NW. Portland, OR $433,338

Urban League of Rochester, NY, Inc. Rochester, NY $300,000

Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT) Bethpage, NY $200,546

Thursday, September 22, 2011

SBA & MBDA Recognize Minority Entrepreneurs and Promote Small Business Growth Strategies During MED Week 2011

SBA & MBDA Recognize Minority Entrepreneurs and Promote Small Business Growth Strategies During MED Week 2011

Advisory Date: September 21, 2011
Contact: Tiffani Clements (202) 401-0035
Advisory Number: MA11-21
Internet Address: http://www.medweek.gov

WASHINGTON –“Emerging Industries & Markets: A Blueprint for Success” will be the focus of the 29th annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference, Sept. 27-30, 2011, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

MED Week celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding minority entrepreneurs and leaders and provides a platform for small and minority-owned businesses to learn about business growth strategies, receive premier training and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency will bring minority business owners from around the country, government officials and corporate representatives, including corporate executives from Honda, General Motors, Chrysler, Northrop-Grumman, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to participate in industry-specific workshops on increasing supplier diversity. The conference also will include sessions on high-speed rail construction projects, public utilities and green business.

SBA will present workshops on improving access to its lending and government contracting programs, and increasing business growth by using social media. SBA will also participate in a roundtable entitled “Doing Business with the Government.” There will be a business expo and tradeshow, business-to-business matchmaking sessions and a Small Business Town Hall to discuss the Small Business Jobs Act.

Speakers at MED Week 2011 will include Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank, SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills, SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns and MBDA National Director David Hinson.

In addition to helping minority and small businesses expand their operations and establish a presence in the global marketplace, MED Week will help small businesses learn how to weather the current economic climate in the U.S. The MED Week conference will also distinguish the National Minority Small Business Person of the Year. Other award highlights include the SBA Administrator’s Leadership award and the 8(a) Graduate Firm of the Year award.

For additional information on MED Week activities, visit online at www.medweek.gov.

WHO: Karen G. Mills, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Marie Johns, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
David Hinson, National Director of MBDA under the Department of Commerce
Rebecca Blank, Acting Secretary of the Department of Commerce
Joseph Jordan, Associate Administrator of Government Contracting and Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration

WHEN: Sept. 27-30, 2011

WHERE: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Road, NW
Washington, DC 20008

The MED Week Events Schedule is listed below:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
6:00-8:00 p.m. -- MED Week Welcome Reception

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
8:30-9:00 a.m. -- Welcome Remarks, Investment in American Business through Emerging Markets, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3

9:00-9:30 a.m. -- Opening Session: Keynote Speech: Speaker: Shaun Donovan, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3

9:30-10:00 a.m. -- Opening Session (Continued) Winning the Future, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3

10:30-12:00 p.m. -- Concurrent Workshops:
Track I: Access to Capital: International Financing Opportunities, Delaware Suite
Track II: Access to Contracts: Doing Business with the federal government, Maryland Suite
Track III: Access to Markets: Doing Business in Latin America, Virginia Suite

1:00-1:30 p.m. -- Keynote Speech: Speaker: Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services Secretary, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3

1:30-3:00 p.m. -- Concurrent Workshops:
Track I: Access to Capital: SBA Small Business Lending, Delaware Suite
Track II: Access to Contracts: Global Supply Chain: Minority Business Success, Maryland Suite
Track III: Access to Markets: Doing Business in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, Virginia Suite

3:00-5:00 p.m. -- Concurrent Workshops:
Track I: Access to Capital: “Strategies to Leverage, Grow and Sell Your Business through Mergers & Acquisitions in a Global Competitive Market,” Delaware Suite
Track II: Growing Your Business through Social Media, Maryland Suite
Track III: Access to Contracts: SBA—Updates in small business contracting, Virginia Suite
Track IV: Access to Markets: Doing Business in Europe, Marriott Ballroom Salon 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
8:00-8:30 a.m. -- Opening Remarks, International Business and Policy, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3
8:30-10:00 a.m. -- Plenary Session: White House Minority Business Roundtable, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3
Speakers: Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President,
Panelists:
Marie Johns, SBA Deputy Administrator
Ari Matusiak, Executive Director of the White House Business Council
James H. Shelton III, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education
Patrick F. Kennedy, Under Secretary for Management, U.S. Department of State

10:30-12:00 p.m. -- Concurrent Worskshops:
Track I: Access to Contracts: Federal Mentor Protegé Programs, Delaware Suite
Track II: Manufacturing Industry: Automotive and Commercial Trucks, Maryland Suite
Track III: Construction Industry: High Speed Rail Panel, Virginia Suite
Track IV: Your Strategy for Growth, Marriott Ballroom Salon 1

12:00-1:30 p.m. -- U.S. Small Business Administration Presents – Administrator’s Luncheon,
Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3
Speakers: Marie Johns, SBA Deputy Administrator
Joseph G. Jordan, SBA Associate Administrator for Government Contracting and Business Development

2:00-3:30 p.m. -- Concurrent Workshops:
Track I: Small Business Town Hall: Growth Opportunities for the Underserved Markets, Delaware Suite
Track II: Manufacturing Industry: Aerospace and Defense, Maryland Suite
Track III: Construction Industry: High Speed Rail Panel, Virginia Suite
Track IV: Accessing Opportunities in the Green Economy, Marriott Ballroom Salon 1

4:00-5:30 p.m. -- Concurrent Workshops:
Track I: Best Practices for Minority Contractors in the Construction Industry, Delaware Suite
Track II: Business-2-Business Linkage Event (offsite)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
8:30-9:00 a.m. -- MED Week Opening Remarks, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3

9:00-10:30 a.m. -- CEO Fireside Chat, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3

10:45-11:00 a.m. -- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Exhibit Hall A

11:00-5:00 p.m. -- 2011 National MED Week’s Business Expo & Pavilion
Business-to-Business Matchmaker, Washington Room 2
Power Learning Sessions, Washington Room 4
One-on-One Sessions, Washington Room 6
One-on-One Sessions, Washington Room 3

1:30-3:30 p.m. -- Concurrent Workshops:
Track I: Market Opportunities in the Energy Sector, Delaware Suite
Track II: Construction Industry, Maryland Suite
Track III: Alternative Solutions to Financing Your Growing Business, Virginia Suite

7:00-10:00 p.m. -- 29th Annual MED Week Awards Gala, Marriott Ballroom Salons 2 & 3

Editor’s Note: All events listed above are open to the press. For more information on MED Week workshops and sessions, or to register for the conference, visit www.medweek.gov. To schedule interviews with SBA representatives, please contact Tiffani Clements at (202) 401-0035. For more information about MED Week, visit SBA’s Web site at http://www.sba.gov/content/med-week.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Special Technology Deals from Circuit City and Toshiba





Greetings Business Owners,
Are you looking for computers, office supplies, cellular, internet, or telecommunication services for your business. Then check out the weekly specials from our affiliate partners like OfficeMax, PC Connections, AT&T, Tech Depot, Circuit City, and Fujitsu just to name a few. Every week these top technology companies offer weekly specials on products and service at savings of 30% or more on office supplies, band name computers, cellular phone services, and internet and domain services. Plus much if you want to save big on any of your business expenses take advantage these savings now by visit our website Wirehead Technology and get the products and services that will make your business successful!!

Special technology deals from Circuit City
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Special technology deals from Toshiba Ends Sept, 19th
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These are just a few of the technology deals waiting for you at Wirehead Technology Don’t delay visit our website Today!!
Contact:
Howard Lee
Wirehead Technology
Tel: 773-944-1365
Email: wireheadtec@gmail.com
Web: www.wireheadtec.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wireheadtec
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wire321