UC Merced (SBDC) Small Business Development Center Regional Network

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK AND SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR MILLS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO STIMULATE RURAL BUSINESS CREATION AND EXPANSION

2010-06-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

Release No. 0300.10 - Partnership Will Increase Access to Capital in Rural Communities; Spur Business Growth and Job Creation

Small Business Awards Luncheon

2010-05-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Please find attached a link to a great article on our luncheon honoring small businesses and their success.

The Business Journal

Please Make a Difference - Small Business California - Survey 2010

2010-02-09T17:38:00.000-08:00

Small Business California is conducting a survey of all California small business owners.

If you are a small business owner, could you please take 5 minutes to complete this online survey. If you know a small business owner, or belong to a California-based association of small businesses, could you please forward this survey link.

Your voice will be heard.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22A6JHNSTRD

Thanks,
The University of CA, Merced SBDC Regional Network

Strategies: How to make 2010 a perfect 10 for your business.

2010-01-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

By Rhonda Abrams

A perfect "10." That's what I want 2010 to be for my business. I want 10 new significant customers. 10 times my job satisfaction. 10 steps to increase my profits. And I want 2010 to be a perfect "10" for you and your business.

To help you — and me — make 2010 a much better year than 2009, I've come up with the Top Ten New Year's resolutions for small business in 2010. Now, if the economy will only help out.

1. Stay in front of customers and prospects. A critical lesson of 2009 is that each and every customer is important. That means calling, emailing, visiting, listening. Increase your marketing efforts — whether online, word-of-mouth, at trade shows. Make yourself continually visible to your customers.

2. Exploit your strengths. One of the most important lessons I learned in 2009 is that successful people concentrate more on their strengths than worry about their weaknesses. In 2010, examine what gives you a true competitive advantage, what makes you special. Build your business in ways that leverages your strengths as much as possible.

3. Seize opportunities. The recession of the last couple of years left your competitors weakened, your customers looking for change, great employees willing to work for less.

As the economy improves (hopefully!), aggressively go after new business before new competitors emerge. Now is the time to be bold!

4. Go to the cloud. Switch more of your business applications to be Internet-based — rather than based on a server or desktop. Yes, there's usually a monthly charge, but there's continual upgrades at no extra charge, backup/security (if you choose a highly reliable provider), and access anywhere there's an Internet connection.

5. Learn more about social networking. Social networking is the hot new thing. Much is hype; some is realistic. Learn enough about these to see whether it's worth your time and money to develop a social networking strategy for your particular business. Create a profile on LinkedIn, start a Facebook page, check out Twitter. These may not be appropriate for your business, but you should know what they're about before just dismissing them out of hand.

6. Start an e-mail newsletter if you don't already have one. Send it out more frequently if you do. Make sure there's always something of value to the reader — otherwise it's going straight to their junk email box.

7. Put more money away for retirement. Overwhelmingly, entrepreneurs depend primarily on their businesses to fund their retirement. They intend to sell their company — or keep working forever. The year 2009 showed that the value and security of a company can drop precipitously, and relying entirely on your business for long-term security may not be realistic. You need other money — and other investments — than just the value and cash flow of your business. Maximize your retirement contributions every year.

8. Get greener. Every year, I make a personal promise to lessen my impact on the environment. What can I do for my office? Turn off all equipment over night and on weekends. Use both sides when printing (often the "duplex" setting in your print set-up). Reduce unnecessary car trips. Encourage the use of public transportation. We now compost at the office, thanks to Anne Marie.

9. Get closer to a banker and reduce debt. Most businesses (especially growing companies) use some form of debt to run their businesses. Without my line-of-credit, I'd have a much smaller company. But most of us also rely on credit cards. In 2009, credit card companies significantly raised interest rates — some as high as 29%! Take a good, hard look at your debt. Find better — lower rate — financing methods and reduce total debt.

10. Backup, backup, backup. Last, but not least, make sure your data and documents are secure. The unexpected happens. Find an easy, reliable way to regularly back up your data.

Finally, remember what truly matters. In 2009, I lost a very close friend, and others developed life-threatening illnesses. On the other hand, my office manager and administrative assistant each had much-wanted babies. Make 2010 a year of gratitude for health and happiness. Do your part to increase the world's supply of joy and opportunity. And have a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful new year.

Rhonda Abrams is president of The Planning Shop, publisher of books for entrepreneurs. Her newest book is Successful Marketing: Secrets & Strategies. Register for Rhonda's free business tips at www.PlanningShop.com. For an index of her columns, click here. Copyright Rhonda Abrams 2009.

SBA Guaranteed Loan Dollars Up 60% for Central California Small Businesses

2010-01-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

SBA News Release - FRESNO –The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Fresno District Office guaranteed loans in excess of $46.9 million to central California small businesses during the first quarter of its fiscal year from October 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. This is an increase of 60% in dollar value of loans when compared with the first quarter period in 2008.

“This also represented a 65% increase in the total number of loans made to small businesses during this period. We think this is a good sign for the Central California economy and hope that the trend continues in the coming months,” said Carlos G. Mendoza, SBA Fresno District Director. The Fresno District Office services the 15 counties of Central California.

Loan sizes during this period ranged from $4,000 up to $2.0 million for inventory, working capital, building construction and equipment and machinery. Examples of businesses receiving SBA guaranty loans included auto repair services, scientific and technical services, retail shops, manufacturing companies and full service restaurants. Fifteen percent of the first quarter loans went to assist new small businesses or businesses up to two years old.

To serve budding entrepreneurs as well as existing small business owners SBA’s Fresno District Office offers many different training programs through the Small Business Development Center Network, SCORE and Women’s Business Centers. For more information on available sources of counseling and training go to www.sba.gov/ca/fresno or contact the Fresno SBA office at (559) 487-5791.

CSU Monterey Bay Opens New SBDC

2010-01-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/ca_fresno/ca_fresno_montereybaypr.pdf

Webcast: State of Entrepreneurship

2010-01-19T08:34:00.001-08:00

Webcast: State of Entrepreneurship

Posted using ShareThis

Veteran Business Resource Website

2010-01-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

This website is full of business resources for veterans:

www.vetbizresourcecenter.com

It contains four modules, each covering one of the topics listed above. Each module contains a 5-minute (or so) Flash movie and a list of printable PDF resources containing much more information on different aspects of the subject.

Gaining Customer Loyalty

2009-10-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Is Free Worth the Trouble…. Is it a profitable method to gain customer loyalty?

Smart business owners know that it costs more to gain a customer than to retain one. Hence, customer loyalty incentives are an important marketing strategy. How do you attract and gain customers? In a recent article in The New York Times by Damon Darlin, “Using ‘Free’ To Turn A Profit”, the author discussed how some company’s use a free approach to gain customers. This is often the case with technology-based businesses providing free web applications. The strategy: gain customers with the tactic to eventually upsell the need for more advanced products and services.

The article cited EverNote, a start-up company in Mountain View, CA that captures data for customers such as meeting notes, text memos, photos and scans that are then logged into one place. The company provides the free service for the basic services with a business goal of creating customer dependency and loyalty. They know that the longer the customers use the service, the greater likelihood that the free customer will result in a long term paying client.

Approximately 25% of this company’s client base becomes paying customers in a short period of time; 0.5% converting in the first month and 4% conversion rate within a year. They have keenly analyzed their customers buying patterns and needs. So the question becomes how can free become profitable and to what degree? EverNote started with a variable cost per customer of 50 cents a month which has dropped to 9 cents as mentioned in the article. They know their costs and their customers’ needs by continuously providing additional services and upgrades.

The strategy just illustrated is not new but one that is applied in a number of industries often seen as introductory offers, discounted or free memberships to gain clients. It’s about setting an agenda, building your customer to become dependent on your products and services. It’s about knowing your true costs of selling and breakeven points. Free can be a profitable marketing strategy if your strategy and price points are aligned with your customer needs and buying patterns.

Diane Howerton
Regional Director
UC Merced SBDC Network

SBA Resource Day – October 8th @ the Kern Inyo Mono Small Business Development Center in Bakersfield

2009-09-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

Release Date: September 28, 2009
Contact: Melende Ward (559) 487-5791, ext 143
Release Number: 09-12 Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA Resource Day – Kern Inyo Mono Small Business Development Center in Bakersfield

The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be meeting with small business entrepreneurs on October 8, 2009 at the Kern Inyo Mono Small Business Development Center in Bakersfield to provide information on how the SBA and our many resource partners can help you in the growth and development of your own small business.

During the SBA visit, entrepreneurs, startup companies and even seasoned firms can confidentially discuss and review business strategies. Topics of discussion may include how to start a small business, how to apply for a SBA loan, selling to the federal government and an overview of the many SBA management and technical assistance programs that are available to assist small business entrepreneurs.

SBA realizes that business entrepreneurs are very busy and to leave their businesses for any length of time can be difficult. The Bakersfield Small Business Development Center is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs and SBA appreciates the donation of their convenient location for holding the appointment sessions.

Entrepreneurs often find that running questions, concerns and ideas past a seasoned small business counselor or an individual outside of their own business can help in offering support and guidance. Information on the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE programs, both of which are local resources available in the Bakersfield area, will be provided during the day.

Advance appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting the Fresno SBA District Office at 800-359-1833, option 6, or (559) 487-5791, or by emailing the Fresno SBA office at william.hori@sba.gov. The Bakersfield Small Business Development Center is located at 2000 K Street, Suite 300, Bakersfield. Appointments will be held on October 8, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

SBA has many programs and services to offer to new and existing small business owners. For more information on SBA programs visit http://www.sba.gov/ or call (559) 487-5791.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is good news for America’s small business. The Act will provide several tools to make small businesses more competitive. For additional Recovery information including information on SBA products and services please contact the Fresno District Office at (559) 487-5791 or visit us at http://www.sba.gov/.

Small Business Tax Resources from the IRS

2009-09-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

1. What kind of records should you keep?
Business transactions often require various documents to support the entries in your books and on your tax return.
IRS.gov has information on the types of records you should keep as supporting documents.

2. Retirement and savings initiatives
New guidance makes saving and choosing a retirement plan easier.
The IRS Retirement Plans Navigator also offers an easy retirement plan guide for small employers.
Related links:
Summer edition of Retirement News for Employers
Special edition of Employee Plans News

3. Small business tax workshops
Local workshops, sponsored and presented by IRS partners who are federal tax specialists, offer everything from a general overview of taxes to information on specific topics.
IRS.gov has more information and a state-by-state list of workshops.

4. SBTV.com’s weekly tax news for small businesses
Today, SBTV.com has information for small businesses that outsource payroll duties. Next Wednesday, learn about the tax implications of employing family members.

5. Recent IRS announcements
IR-2009-79, Deadlines Near for Business to Choose Expanded NOL Election; Sept. 15 for Many Corporations, Oct. 15 for Individuals
Special Edition Tax Tip 2009-07, Five Facts about the Making Work Pay Tax Credit
IR-2009-78, Special IRS Web Section Highlights Back-to-School Tax Breaks; Popular 529 Plans Expanded, New $2,500 College Credit Available

Successful Small Business Export Strategies: Eight-City “Exports Live!” Seminar Series

2009-09-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

OVERVIEW

WHAT: Six federal agencies have created a series of interactive seminars designed to educate small businesses about export opportunities and how they can be used to grow their businesses, grow the economy, and create jobs. At each event, attendees will learn about the government products and services that are available to help them succeed in the global marketplace.
(See ‘Agenda’ for sample program outline)

WHEN/WHERE: Each half-day seminar will begin at 8:30 AM and will conclude at 1:30 PM.
Optional one-on-one sessions for attendees will be available between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM.

New York, NY Monday, Oct. 5
Boston, MA Tuesday, Oct. 6
Miami, FL Monday, Oct. 26
Houston, TX Tuesday, Oct. 27
Detroit, MI Monday, Nov. 9
Chicago, IL Tuesday, Nov. 10
Los Angeles, CA Monday, Nov. 16
Seattle, WA Tuesday, Nov. 17

AGENCIES: Participating government agencies and officials include:

Export-Import Bank of the U.S. - Fred P. Hochberg, Chairman and President
U.S. Department of Commerce - Secretary Gary Locke
Small Business Administration - Karen Mills, SBA Administrator
U.S. Trade & Development Agency - Leocadia I. Zak, Acting Director
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative - Ambassador Ron Kirk
Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Dr. Lawrence Spinelli, Acting President

ATTENDEES: Approximately 150-200 businesses will attend each event at a cost of $99 per attendee. (Registration fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch)
Marketing efforts will target ‘export-ready’ small businesses that have either just begun to export or are looking to export in the future. A coordinated joint-marketing effort to reach these businesses is underway and will include all of the agencies listed above, federal/state/local government partners, third-party organizations, and paid advertising.

REGISTRATION: For more information or to register, please visit www.export.gov/exports_live or call toll-free 1-(888) 966-2009. (Space is limited)

MEDIA/PRESS: Events are ‘Open Press’. (Press inquiries please use registration contacts listed above)

SBA Launches New Online Training Course: ‘How to Win Federal Contracts’

2009-09-10T09:15:00.001-07:00

SBA Launches New Online Training Course:
‘How to Win Federal Contracts’
Online Course Part of Federal Government-wide Initiative

WASHINGTON ─ The U.S. Small Business Administration today launched a new online training course to help strengthen access to contracting opportunities for small businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, disadvantaged individuals and veterans.

The training course, “Recovery Act Opportunities: How to Win Federal Contracts,” is part of a federal government-wide initiative announced last month by President Obama and being led by SBA and the Department of Commerce.

“Government contracts can play a key role in helping small businesses turn the corner in terms of expansion and job creation,” SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills said. “But make no mistake, the benefits the government receives are equally as impressive – working with small businesses allows the federal government to work with some of the most innovative companies in America, often with direct contact with the CEO.”

“The SBA online training course can help businesses access the federal purchasing system and position themselves to compete for the commercial opportunities offered by government contracting,” Mills continued.

In announcing the government-wide initiative, President Obama reiterated his Administration’s commitment to providing “our Nation’s small businesses with maximum practicable opportunity to participate in federal government contracting.” As part of the initiative, federal agency procurement officers are participating in more than 200 events over the next several weeks to help connect small businesses with contracting opportunities. Additionally, SBA and Commerce are expanding their outreach to contracting officials across the federal government to ensure they have the tools to meet their annual contracting goals and increase opportunities to small businesses, including those owned by veterans, women and minorities, as well as those in designated HUBZones.

As part of the outreach to small businesses, the comprehensive online course uses both audio and script to provide information about the federal marketplace, contract rules and, most importantly, how to sell to the government and where to find contract and Recovery Act opportunities. The new training portal is a free online training course designed to assist entrepreneurs during this period of economic recovery. This self-paced, instructional guide provides an overview of the federal procurement process.

The Recovery Act Opportunities course is available on SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov or directly at www.sba.gov/fedcontractingtraining. The course is indexed by subject matter to allow ease of use, and it includes multiple direct links to additional contracting resources.

The Recovery Act Opportunities course includes direct links that highlight the best contracting resources and engages small business owners in the contracting process. The course also includes practical and fundamental steps to engage business owners in the federal contracting arena.

It is one of more than 24 online tutorials offered by the SBA, and is available 24/7.

For more information please visit www.sba.gov.

# # #

Small Business Resource Day - 9/25 in Atascadero, CA

2009-09-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Small Business Resource Day

Join us to learn about small business resources & SBA Guaranteed Loans!

Friday, September 25, 2009
Lake Pavilion
9315 Pismo Avenue – Atascadero

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Atascadero Economic Development Office
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
UC Merced Small Business Development Center
U. S. Small Business Administration

Ron Truly, Deputy District Director, SBA Fresno Office, will be available to answer questions regarding all SBA Loan Programs.

Plus Stimulus Package Opportunities:

City of Atascadero Opportunities
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Loan Programs

Join the Chamber of Commerce, City Officials, SBA, SBDC, local lenders, and other business owners for this informative session!

To register for this FREE event:Call 805.466.2044 or visit www.AtascaderoChamber.org

Individual Appointments Available with SBA and SBDC Consultants: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Call SBA:1.800.359.1833, option 6

SBA Resource Day – Bakersfield Small Business Development Center

2009-08-20T14:00:00.001-07:00

SBA Resource Day – Bakersfield Small Business Development Center

Bakersfield, CA - The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be meeting with small business entrepreneurs on September 10, 2009 at the Bakersfield Small Business Development Center to provide information on how the SBA and our many resource partners can help you in the growth and development of your own small business.

During the SBA visit, entrepreneurs, startup companies and even seasoned firms can confidentially discuss and review business strategies. Topics of discussion may include how to start a small business, how to apply for a SBA loan, selling to the federal government and an overview of the many SBA management and technical assistance programs that are available to assist small business entrepreneurs.

SBA realizes that business entrepreneurs are very busy and to leave their businesses for any length of time can be difficult. The Bakersfield Small Business Development Center is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs and SBA appreciates the donation of their convenient location for holding the appointment sessions.

Entrepreneurs often find that running questions, concerns and ideas past a seasoned small business counselor or an individual outside of their own business can help in offering support and guidance. Information on the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE programs, both of which are local resources available in the Bakersfield area, will be provided during the day.

Advance appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting the Fresno SBA District Office at 800-359-1833, option 6, or (559) 487-5791, or by emailing the Fresno SBA office at william.hori@sba.gov. The Bakersfield Small Business Development Center is located at 2000 K Street, Suite 300, Bakersfield. Appointments will be held on September 10, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

SBA has many programs and services to offer to new and existing small business owners. For more information on SBA programs visit www.sba.gov or call (559) 487-5791.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is good news for America’s small business. The Act will provide several tools to make small businesses more competitive. For additional Recovery information including information on SBA products and services please contact the Fresno District Office at (559) 487-5791 or visit us at www.sba.gov.

-the end-

SBDC Client & UC Merced Alumnus Opens Local Tutoring Center

2009-08-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

SBDC Client & UC Merced Alumnus Opens Local Tutoring Center –

Merced-

Uday Bali has been among the campus’ biggest fans since transferring here as an undergraduate in 2005 when the university opened. He’s served as student body president, graduated in 2008 with highest honors and a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, and has returned here for graduate school, working in Professor Roland Winston’s solar energy lab.Now add “entrepreneur” to his list of accolades.Three months ago, Bali opened his own tutoring company. Bali Learning Center offers individual and group tutoring in all subjects for students from kindergarten through high school. The center will begin SAT exam preparation classes in August.

Link to Complete Article: http://www.ucmerced.edu/spotlightdetail.asp?spotlightid=183

Bakersfield Article - Small businesses finding help they need

2009-08-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Bakersfield - Small businesses finding help they need

http://www.bakersfield.com/archive/x944962572/Entrepreneurial-boom-led-by-well-boomers

SBA Resource Day – Kern Inyo Mono Small Business Development Center in Bakersfield

2009-07-20T10:39:00.001-07:00

Bakersfield, CA - The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be meeting with small business entrepreneurs on August 12, 2009 at the Kern Inyo Mono Small Business Development Center to provide information on how the SBA and our many resource partners can help you in the growth and development of your own small business.

During the SBA visit, entrepreneurs, startup companies and even seasoned firms can confidentially discuss and review business strategies. Topics of discussion may include how to start a small business, how to apply for a SBA loan, selling to the federal government and an overview of the many SBA management and technical assistance programs that are available to assist small business entrepreneurs.

SBA realizes that business entrepreneurs are very busy and to leave their businesses for any length of time can be difficult. The Kern Inyo Mono Small Business Development Center in Bakersfield is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs and SBA appreciates the donation of their convenient location for holding the appointment sessions.

Entrepreneurs often find that running questions, concerns and ideas past a seasoned small business counselor or an individual outside of their own business can help in offering support and guidance. Information on the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE programs, both of which are local resources available in the Bakersfield area, will be provided during the day.

Advance appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting the Fresno SBA District Office at 800-359-1833, option 6, or (559) 487-5791, or by emailing the Fresno SBA office at william.hori@sba.gov. The Kern Inyo Mono Small Business Development Center is located at 2000 K Street, Suite 300, Bakersfield. Appointments will be held on August 12, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

SBA has many programs and services to offer to new and existing small business owners. For more information on SBA programs visit http://www.sba.gov/ or call (559) 487-5791.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is good news for America’s small business. The Act will provide several tools to make small businesses more competitive. For additional Recovery information including information on SBA products and services please contact the Fresno District Office at (559) 487-5791 or visit us at http://www.sba.gov/.

Central California SBDC Brings NxLeveL Entrepreneurs Course To Fresno!!

2009-07-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Central California SBDC Brings NxLeveL Entrepreneurs Course To Fresno!!

Would you like free cutting-edge, in-depth entrepreneurial training for you and your employees? If you have employees and pay into the California State employment tax, you qualify to take this course for free!! Why not take advantage of the tax dollars you have already paid?

NxLeveL™ for Existing Businesses also referred to as the "Entrepreneur Course" is a 13-session, 36-hour course designed for entrepreneurs who want to expand an existing business and need the skills to make it grow.It's been proven that the entrepreneur who plans is the entrepreneur who succeeds. For this reason, participants develop a comprehensive business plan during the course to act as the road map for future growth.
The topics in this course include:

The NxLeveL Business Plan: Plan and begin to develop your business mission statement, goals, and objectives.

Planning & Research: Entrepreneurial essentials; begin market/industry research through identification and usage of research resources.
Organizational Matters: Management & legal structure; explore legal and organizational topics including: legal structures, government taxes and regulations, risk management, and employee issues.
Marketing and "Behind the Scenes": Analysis & understanding; learn key concepts of analyzing your market, including customer profiling and competitive analysis.
Marketing-"On Stage": Strategies, tactics & implementation; develop marketing strategies around the product, pricing, promotion, and distribution elements of your business.
Financial Overview: Books, records & controls; examine how your books and records become the language of business.
Managing Your Money: Financial planning, budgets & assumptions; understand how to develop and derive feedback from budgets.
Managing Your Money: Developing and using cash flow projections; learn to prepare and use the ultimate "management tool," cash flow projections.
Understanding and Using Your Financial Statements: Take the mystery out of the income statement, balance sheet, and other financial statements by learning how to use the numbers.
Financing Your Business: Alternative sources of money; evaluate financing options and determine which are best for you.
The Deal Making Process: Negotiating in the real world; developing and understanding the negotiating process and techniques.
Your Business Future: Managing growth and plan completion; what's next? Growth expansion? What is your business future?

When: Every Tuesday & Thursday-Starting on July 28th 2009
Time: 6:00PM-9:00pm
Where: 3302 N. Blackstone #225 -(CCSBDC office)
Cost: Free!!*

To Register: Contact Joi Eubanks at 559-230-4056 or email joi@ccsbdc.org

Hurry seating is limited!!

Don't miss your opportunity to take your business to NX LeveL!!!!

*Class is free to those with Employees and a valid California Employer tax ID (CEAN)

Alliance SBDC Modesto - FREE! EMAIL MARKETING WORKSHOP

2009-07-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

FREE! EMAIL MARKETING WORKSHOP
Tuesday, July 21st

"Email Marketing should be a key component of your overall marketing strategy"

Best Practices 10am-12pm
Getting Started 1pm-3pm

SPACE IS LIMITED REGISTER TODAY!

www.alliancesbdc.com or call 209 567 4910

The workshop will help you to:

• Reach more people with your message
• Create email campaigns that get results • Get your emails opened and read • Write compelling subject lines and copy
• Interpret email campaign results (open-rates, bounce-rates, click-thru rates, etc ...)

Alliance Free Enterprise Center
1020 10th Street, Suite 102
Modesto, California

The ALLIANCE Small Business Development Center is an affiliate of the UC Merced Small Business Development Center regional Network and is partially funded by: Stanislaus Economic Development & Workforce Alliance; University of California, Merced: and the U.S. Small Business Administration. This is a partnership program under the current Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of California, Merced. Reasonable accommodations will be made, upon request, for handicapped individuals.

SBDC in the News

2009-07-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Bankrate.com this week carried an article about SBA's ED programs with a focus on the SBDC national program. To access the article, click here.

Source: ASBDC Network Connection - July 9, 2009 (Vol. III, # 15)

"The Small Business Economy, a Report to the President"

2009-07-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

SBA Office of Advocacy Releases 2009 Edition of "The Small Business Economy, a Report to the President"

SBA's Office of Advocacy last week released its 2009 edition of "The Small Business Economy, a Report to the President." To access a brief summary of the report, click here. To access the full 164-page report, click here.

Modesto - FREE Individual Sessions on SBA Guaranteed Loans

2009-07-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Appointments Available!
Tuesday July 14, 2009
8:00am - 4:00pm

Location: The Alliance SBDC - Modesto

FREE INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS ON SBA Guaranteed Loans

Mike Souza from the SBA will be available to answer
questions regarding:

7(a) loans
504 loans
Patriot Express loans
Capline (line of credit)

Plus information regarding
New Loans Programs through:

The Stimulus Package
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
American Recovery Capital (ARC Loans)
Dealers Floor Plan Financing (DFP)

Call For Your Appointment Today! 209.567.4910

Small Business Development Center Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of California, Merced. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do notnecessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All Federal and State funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Special arrangements for individuals with disability will be made if requested in advance.

Suncrest Bank Steps Up to Help Small Businesses in the Central San Joaquin Valley

2009-07-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Release Date: July 8, 2009
Contact: Melende Ward, (559) 487-5791
Release Number: 09-11
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Suncrest Bank Steps Up to Help Small Businesses in the Central San Joaquin Valley

Fresno – The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Suncrest Bank, headquartered in Visalia, California to make government backed SBA business loans. Suncrest Bank recently applied to the SBA and was approved to become a participant in the SBA's 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program.

Fresno District Director Carlos G. Mendoza said, "Cash flow is the life blood of all small businesses and a company’s ability to obtain business loans is paramount to the success in overcoming the credit crisis facing the nation. This approval comes at a time when small businesses and entrepreneurs are facing challenges in obtaining business loans. The approval of Suncrest Bank to be a lending partner with SBA programs will help the Fresno County community.”

A major concern today for small business owners is access to capital and credit. As a SBA resource lending partner, Suncrest Bank will be participating in SBA's 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program which provides several different financing options to small businesses. Loans made under the SBA 7(a) program include longer loan terms and lower interest rates than conventional loans along with broad eligibility and credit criteria to accommodate a wide range of financing needs. Small businesses may use SBA loan proceeds to expand or remodel a business, purchase machinery and equipment, working capital, finance seasonal lines of credit, construct commercial buildings and/or purchase land or buildings.

Mike Wilson, President of Suncrest Bank said, "As a relatively new bank located in the Central Valley we are excited about participating in the SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program. SBA lending is a large part of our small business focus and as a Community Bank we believe it is an excellent program to extend the Bank’s reach to more small business owners and borrowers."

Mendoza said, "SBA business loan programs are a win-win situation for the participating lender, the small business concern and the local community. SBA loans reduce the risk that lenders take on financing loans by guaranteeing major portions of the loan amount which in turn allows the business to borrow capital. SBA loans enable lenders to provide financing to small businesses when funding may otherwise be unavailable on reasonable terms.”

The presentation of the participation certificate will be held at Suncrest Bank during a board meeting in Visalia, California on July 15, 2009. For additional information please contact Melende Ward, Fresno SBA Office (559) 487-5791.

-the end-

EMAIL MARKETING WORKSHOPS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO JULY 16

2009-07-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

FREE EMAIL MARKETING WORKSHOPS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO JULY 16

Presented by Constant Contact and the UC Merced SBDC

San Luis Obispo, CA, July 6, 2009 — — Constant Contact, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTCT), a leading provider of email marketing and online surveys for small organizations, will present two free Email Marketing workshops in San Luis Obispo on July 16 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in partnership with the UC Merced SBDC (Small Business Development Center).

What:
10:00am – 12:00pm The Power of Email Marketing
This workshop will demonstrate how to design and execute email campaigns aimed at achieving better results and build lasting, positive reputations. Participants will learn best practices for building a quality list, increasing email open rates, encouraging readers to take action, and analyzing click-behavior to improve results. The program will showcase success stories and practical applications to teach email senders how to match their communications to customer preferences.

1:00pm - 3:00pm Getting Started with Constant Contact
More than 250,000 businesses use Constant Contact to help grow their repeat and referral business. This interactive workshop saves you time by allowing you to quickly and easily master the entire Constant Contact Email Marketing system. We’ll provide tips and techniques and guide you through the tools and features of the system. Learn how to set up account options, add signup boxes to your website and emails, load a list, build a campaign, and brand your email to match websites and logos.

Meet your SBDC live at this special event. Your SBDC empowers small business owners with the management, marketing, and financial skills needed to compete in today's challenging economy.

Where:
Embassy Suites Hotel
333 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Who:
Kelly Flint, Regional Development Director, Constant Contact
In partnership with the UC Merced SBDC (Small Business Development Center)

When:
July 16, 2009
10:00am – 12:00pm
(break for lunch on your own)
1:00pm -3:00pm.

How:
Reserve your seat now at www.losangeles.constantcontact.com

About Constant Contact, Inc. Launched in 1998, Constant Contact, Inc. is a leading provider of email marketing and online survey tools for small organizations, including small businesses, associations, and nonprofits. To learn more, please visit www.constantcontact.com or call 781-472-8100.

About UC Merced SBDC
The UC Merced SBDC Regional Network assists Central California entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling, training and business information. The UC Merced SBDC Regional Network is a partnership between UC Merced and the U.S. Small Business Administration. To learn more, please visit sbdc.ucmerced.edu or call 559-241-7406

###

SBDC Workshop in Fresno - State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar

2009-07-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

The UC Merced SBDC Regional Network and the California Employment Development Department Present:

State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar - Free
July 28, 2009
9:30am to 3:30pm

Recordkeeping, reporting and payment requirements, and employer obligations. Common wage and hour law application. Employer and employee rights and responsibilities. Basics of how to distinguish between employees and independent contractors.

Location:
550 East Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710
In the UC Center, Fresno Building

Please register for this workshop @ http://www.edd.ca.gov/payroll_tax_seminars/

For more information about this workshop, contact: (866) 873-6083

For more info on SBDC workshops, check out our list of events at: http://ucmsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/conferencelist.asp

SBDC Workshop in Clovis - Importing into the United States

2009-07-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Central California SBDC and the Center for International Trade Development Present:

Importing into the United States
August 18, 2009
1:00pm to 4:00pm

Are you familiar with the legal aspects of importing? Know when and how to use A custom house broker? Is U.S. Customs causing delays in your shipment? Can your product be imported quickly economically and legally? This workshop will help you learn the basic steps involved when importing products into the United States.

Location: 390 W. Fir Ave Bldg. B Ste 303, Clovis, CA 93611-0244

Cost: $40

Click here to sign-up for this workshop!

For more information about this workshop, contact: (559) 324-6401 or E-mail: info@exportcenter.net

For more info on SBDC workshops, check out our list of events at: http://ucmsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/conferencelist.asp

SBA’s New Pilot Loan Program for Dealer Floor Plan Financing

2009-07-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Release Date: July 1, 2009
Contact: David J. Hall (202) 205-6697
Release Number: 09-46
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA’s New Pilot Loan Program for Dealer Floor Plan Financing Begins Today

WASHINGTON – Beginning today, auto, RV and other dealerships can apply for SBA-guaranteed floor plan financing, which will make it easier for these small businesses to borrow against their inventory and increase their cash flow.

The new pilot program is one of the many tools SBA is making available to help increase access to capital and technical assistance to small business, and complements other steps already taken under the Recovery Act to help small businesses at this critical time.

"In recent months, we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in the availability of credit for financing dealership inventories," said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. "We want to be a partner for these small businesses and help ensure they have the resources they need to help keep their businesses open, save jobs and survive these tough economic times."

Floor plan financing is a revolving line of credit that allows a dealership to obtain financing through SBA’s 7(a) program for inventory that can be titled, such as autos, RVs, manufactured homes, boats and trailers. As each piece of collateral is sold by the dealer, the loan advance against that piece of collateral is repaid. As the loan is repaid, the dealer can borrow against the line of credit to add new inventory.

The DFP pilot program will run through Sept. 30, 2010, after which SBA will determine whether to extend it further. DFP loans can be made by any lender already participating in SBA loan programs. Lenders who are not already participating in SBA lending, can become an approved SBA lender if they are interested in offering DFP loans.

Since the DFP pilot program is a new initiative that provides a guarantee for a specialized product, the agency is working with and training lenders who may be interested in offering this type of financing. SBA expects there will be a ramp-up period for these lenders.

DFP loans will be available for a minimum of $500,000 up to the $2 million allowable under the 7(a) program. With a maximum repayment term of five years, the loans will come with a 60-75 percent government guarantee, depending on the type of collateral and the lenders advance rate against the wholesale price of the inventory. Borrowers will also benefit from the temporary elimination of fees on 7(a) loans made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Borrowers interested in obtaining a DFP loan should contact their lender or their nearest SBA field office to get a list of SBA-approved lenders in their area who may be participating in the program. Local district offices and contact information can be obtained at the SBA Web site at http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html.

For more information about all of the SBA’s programs for small businesses, call
the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800 U ASK SBA or TDD 704-344-6640, or visit the
SBA’s Web site at http://www.sba.gov

Small Business Advocate - July Issue Released

2009-07-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

U.S. Small Business Administration
Office of Advocacy

--The Advocate--
Release Date: July 2009
Volume 28, number 6
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/advo/july_09.pdf

The Small Business Advocate is a periodic newsletter that details economic developments and regulatory trends related to small business as well as the latest initiatives of the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy.

IN THIS ISSUE

Message from the Acting Chief Counsel
When We All Work Together, Good Things Happen, 3

Regulatory News
Small Business Review Panel on Diacetyl Exposure, 4
Proposed Critical Habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog, 4
Advocacy Officials Get High Tech Education, 8

Legislative News
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act Update, 5
Advocacy Blog Features Capitol Hill Updates, 2

Economic News
Small Businesses Most Likely to Lead Economic Recovery, 1
An Interview with Charles Ou, Senior Economist, 6

If you are having difficulty viewing this document, the following Adobe viewer for PDF files is available for download - http://www.adobe.com/downloads/.

Adobe also offers a handicapped accessibility site for the visually disabled at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/access_onlinetools.html.

For more information about the Office of Advocacy, please visit our website at http://www.sba.gov/advo/ or telephone 202-205-6532.

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

To sign up for Advocacy updates via RSS feed, visit http://feeds.feedburner.com/sba/rAIO

Visit Advocacy's Regulatory Alerts page to learn about and comment on proposed federal rules that may affect small business: http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/law_regalerts.html.

In order to receive e-mail notices of Advocacy's news releases, monthly newsletter, small business research, statistics, and regulatory news visit http://web.sba.gov/list.

SBA’s Patriot Express Loan Initiative Delivers $315 Million to 3,750 Vets, Military Community

2009-06-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

-- News Release --

Release Date: June 26, 2009
Contact: Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6567
Release Number: 09-45
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA’s Patriot Express Loan Initiative Delivers $315 Million to 3,750 Vets, Military Community

WASHINGTON – In just two year’s time, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative has supported more than $315 million in loans to more than 3,750 veterans and their spouses who are using the SBA-guaranteed funds to establish and expand their small businesses. As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which raised loan guarantees to 90 percent, and eliminated fees temporarily, the number of Patriot Express loans increased to record levels in April and May of 2009.

Patriot Express, launched June 28, 2007, builds on the more than $1 billion in loans SBA guarantees annually for veteran-owned businesses, and the counseling assistance and procurement support it provides each year to more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and Reserve members.

"This commitment to more than 25 million veterans across the country, and the thousands returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is something we at SBA take seriously," SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills said. "The Patriot Express initiative, in conjunction with other SBA programs, goes directly to the needs of our veterans who want to start, or already have their own businesses. This critical access to capital helps them grow their businesses and create good paying jobs in their communities."

Patriot Express is a streamlined loan product based on the agency’s highly successful SBA Express Program, but with an enhanced guaranty and interest rate. The Patriot Express loan is offered by SBA’s network of participating lenders nationwide and features one of SBA’s fastest turnaround times for loan approvals. Loans are available up to $500,000 and qualify for SBA’s maximum guaranty of up to 90 percent.

The Patriot Express loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real-estate purchases. Local SBA district offices will have a listing of Patriot Express lenders in their areas. Details on the initiative can be found at www.sba.gov/patriotexpress.

Interest rate maximums for Patriot Express loans are the same as those for regular 7(a) loans: a maximum of Prime + 2.25 percent for maturities under seven years; Prime + 2.75 percent for seven years or more. Interest rates can be higher by two percent for loans of $25,000 or less; and one percent for loans between $25,000 and $50,000.

Patriot Express is available to military community members including veterans, service-disabled veterans, active-duty service members participating in the military’s Transition Assistance Program, Reservists and National Guard members, current spouses of any of the above, and the widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service, or of a service-connected disability.

Patriot Express loans have been approved in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam and generally range from $5,000 to $375,000 in individual loan amounts. The average loan amount is almost $85,000. Nearly 15 percent of those loans have gone to military spouses. After loan applications are approved by the bank, they are submitted to SBA for approval. Most applications are approved by SBA within 24 hours.
SBA has veterans’ business development officers in district offices in every state and territory able to provide military community members full access to the SBA’s range of programs and services. There are also eight Veterans Business Outreach Centers located in: Albany, N.Y; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Lynn Haven, Fla.; Edinburg, Texas; Sacramento, Calif.; St. Louis, Mo.; Boston, Mass.; and Flint, Mich.

In addition to district offices, SBA’s resource partners SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, Small Business Development Centers, and Women’s Business Centers provide local and online assistance with: writing a business plan, financing options to start or grow your business, managing the business, expanding the business and selling goods and services to the government.

For those who are already small business owners and who expect call-up, the SBA and its resource partners have expertise to assist with preparing their businesses before deployment, managing their businesses, selling goods and services to the government, obtaining other SBA financing and financial assistance, and obtaining loans for economic injury – Military Reserve Economic Injury Disaster Loans (MREIDL) – Loans of up to $2 million are available for small businesses sustaining economic injury because an owner or essential employee has been called to active duty as a military reservist.

The SBA and its Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) provides comprehensive assistance, outreach and support to veterans. Each year the SBA assists more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and reservists. Go to www.sba.gov/vets.

Small Business can Apply for ARC Loans Beginning Today

2009-06-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

Small Business can Apply for ARC Loans Beginning Today

WASHINGTON – Starting today, June 15, SBA will begin accepting loans for a temporary new program called America’s Recovery Capital. "ARC" loans of up to $35,000 are designed to provide a "bridge" for viable small businesses with immediate financial hardship – to keep their doors open until they get back on track.

"These ARC loans are another tool in the SBA toolkit which will provide critical support to small businesses struggling to make it through these tough economic times," said Administrator Karen G. Mills.

ARC loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000, available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing and qualifying business debt. ARC loans are 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA and have no SBA fees associated with them.

ARC loans will be disbursed over a period of up to six months and will provide funds to be used for payments of principal and interest for existing, qualifying small business debt including mortgages, term and revolving lines of credit, capital leases, credit card obligations and notes payable to vendors, suppliers and utilities. SBA will pay the interest on ARC loans to the lenders at the variable rate of Prime plus two percent.

Repayment will not begin until 12 months after the final disbursement. After the 12-month deferral period, borrowers will pay back the loan principal over a period of five years.
ARC loans will be made by commercial lenders, not SBA directly. For more information on ARC loans, visit www.sba.gov

For more information about all of the SBA’s programs for small businesses, call the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800 U ASK SBA or TDD 704-344-6640, or visit the SBA’s Web site at http://www.sba.gov.

Release Date: June 15, 2009
Contact: David J. Hall (202) 205-6697
Release Number: 09-41
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Hispanic Businesses Recognized at National Small Business Week - Oklahoma Firm Wins Top Award; 11 More Acknowledged

2009-05-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

***********************************************
U.S. Small Business Administration
-- News Release --
***********************************************
Release Date: May 21, 2009
Contact: David J. Hall (202) 205-6697
Release Number: 09-36
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Hispanic Businesses Recognized at National Small Business Week
Oklahoma Firm Wins Top Award; 11 More Acknowledged

WASHINGTON – The growing strength and contributions of Hispanic-owned businesses to the national economy were in display at National Small Business Week as 12 companies whose owners are of Hispanic background were recognized during the annual event sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, including one who was named National Small Business Person of the Year.

Businesses receiving the awards are a cross section of the American industry, from cleaning services to construction to high-tech science and engineering support, and represent states and territories from Alabama to Connecticut, and Puerto Rico to New Mexico.

The National Small Business Person of the Year Award went to Jeanna Sellmeyer, an Oklahoma native of Venezuelan descent. The awards were presented during the celebration of National Small Business Week, May 17 -19 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington D.C., to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of American small businesses.
"Hispanic-owned small businesses make important contributions to the American economy. We salute the many Hispanic-owned firms among our winners, and are pleased to present them with these awards in recognition of their entrepreneurial spirit and hard-won success," said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. "We applaud that in the midst of a difficult economic period, these businesses have continued to grow and preserve or create jobs in their communities."
According to the Census Bureau, in the United Sates there are more than 1.6 million Hispanic-owned businesses; they employ more than 1.5 million people and generate more than $220 billion in gross receipts.

The Hispanic award winners at National Small Business Week were:
National Small Business Person of the Year – Jeanna Sellmeyer, CEO, ASSET Group, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

National Prime Contractor of the Year – A. R. (Rey) Almodóvar, co-founder and CEO, Intuitive Research and Technology Corp. of Huntsville, Alabama.

Prime Contractor of the Year, Region VI – Ricardo and Renee Araiza, founders, R-con Construction, Inc. of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Prime Contractor of the Year, Region VII – Michael Zambrana, president and CEO, Pangea Group of St. Louis, Missouri.

Sub-contractor of the Year, Region I – Lorenzo J. Cabrera, owner, Cabrera Services of East Hartford, Connecticut.

State Small Business Person of the Year, Kentucky – Thomas E. Masterson, president, T.E.M. Electric, Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky.

State Small Business Person of the Year, North Carolina - Lisa Anne Piñeiro, president, Technical Services, Inc. of Durham, North Carolina.

State Small Business Person of the Year, New Mexico – Michele E. Justice, president & CEO, Personnel Security Consultants, Inc. of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

State Small Business Person of the Year, New York – Teresa Ward, owner and president, Teresa’s Family Cleaning of Rocky Point, New York.

State Small Business Person of the Year, Pennsylvania – Paul de la Torre, chairman, and Edward de la Torre, president, De La Torre Orthotics and Prosthetics of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Small Business Person of the Year, Puerto Rico – Edward Feliciano, president, KCS Cleaning & Staffing Solutions Corp. of Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery – Juan Carlos Yépez, president, and Luis Enrique Yépez, Jr., vice president, Mainstream Global, Inc.
of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

For additional details on Small Business Week 2009, including information on all
award winners, visit http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/.
---
The U.S. Small Business Administration thanks the cosponsors of National Small Business Week and related events: SCORE, Sam’s Club, Symantec Corporation , Ford , Raytheon, Administaff, Visa, Sage, IBM, HP, Trend Micro, Lockheed Martin, Verio, Moran Media Group, D&B, Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC), National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL), National Small Business Association (NSBA), Small Business Entrepreneurship Council (SBEC), Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s participation in this cosponsored activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s, donor’s, grantee’s, contractor’s or participant’s opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs and cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance, by contacting sbw@sba.gov.

Cosponsorship Authorization #SBW2009

UC Merced Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Receives Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) Accreditation

2009-05-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Release Date: Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Howerton, Regional Director, dhowerton@ucmerced.edu

UC Merced Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Receives Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) Accreditation

Fresno, CA: The UC Merced SBDC Network lead center in Central California representing 15 counties is poised to celebrate. They received notification from the Chair of the national ASBDC Accreditation Committee that the administration and staff have achieved an important milestone - recommendation to accredit by the visiting team and an affirmative vote at the ASBDC meeting in March 2009.

Diane Howerton, Regional State Director, UC Merced Small Business Development Center Network said, "This is a long, but extremely important process, and it is imperative for our funding and the Network's movement toward achieving a world-class delivery system for small business counseling and training needs." The Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) accreditation standards are based upon the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for performance excellence. Diane said further that "the internal review that supported the report was an arduous but positive experience; one that will serve as a roadmap for continuous improvement of the SBDC Network."

UC Merced was awarded the SBA contract in 2003 to serve 15 counties in Central California: San Luis Obispo, San Benito, Sana Clara (south of Bernal Road), Monterey (east of the Salinas River), Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Kern, Mono and Inyo. The mission of the network is to promote the development and growth of small businesses by providing high quality business assistance throughout Central California thereby enhancing regional prosperity. This mission has resulted in consulting more than 9,672 clients, creating and/or retaining 2,912 jobs and has worked with business clients and entrepreneurs to generate $125,694,251in new capital investment.

The California SBDC Network is part of a national delivery system that assists more than 1.3 million business owners annually. The SBDC was established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and operates throughout the U.S. with 63 regional Lead Centers overseeing operations in more than 1,100 SBDC service centers. Most states have one SBDC Lead Center operating under a university or college that administers the service centers in the region. California, due to its extensive geographical reach and expansive entrepreneurial spirit - has six regional Lead Centers of which the UC Merced is one.

Recovery Act Contracting Opportunities Q & A

2009-05-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

Recovery Act Contracting Opportunities
Questions and Answers

Q. Is there an opportunity for small businesses to get contracts under the Recovery Act?

A. Yes. The SBA is committed to helping small businesses get connected with contracting opportunities as a result of the Recovery Act. SBA’s Procurement Center Representatives are working with federal agencies to ensure that small businesses get their fair share of the prime and subcontracting opportunities stemming from the Recovery funds. The Recovery Act requires agencies to provide maximum opportunities for small businesses to compete for contracts.

The SBA is working with its district offices and resource partners to make small businesses aware of the contract dollars and information to pursue registration/certification at the state/local levels.

Small businesses seeking contract opportunities as a result of the Recovery Act should visit Recovery.gov, an online portal with links to Recovery Act informational pages on federal agencies’ web pages and their weekly update reports. At Recovery.gov, small businesses can get an idea of the areas that federal agencies are targeting for Recovery Act contracts as well as opportunities at the state and local level.

Federal agencies are expected to submit program specific Recovery Act plans with contracting opportunities for small businesses by May 1, 2009. Federal agencies will report contracts awarded using Recovery Act funding to the General Service Administration’s Federal Procurement Data

System-Next Generation (FPDS-NG) database, which is the government’s official source for federal contracting data. Contracting data will also be available on Recovery.gov.

Q. How do small businesses learn about contracting opportunities at the state and local level under the Recovery Act?

A. Although these will be federal dollars, they will in many cases be provided directly to the states and localities. The State and local governments, municipal utility and school districts will award contracts using their currently established procedures. Each State’s recovery website can be reached through Recovery.gov. The priority will be for projects that are “shovel/project ready;” those that can be rolled-out quickly, putting individuals back to work. This means that small businesses must be “contract ready,” i.e., registered/certified to do business with the State and local governmental entities which will most likely be the primary contracting agencies for these projects.

Q. Is there a central location where federal contracting opportunities and requests for proposals are located?

A. All federal government contracting opportunities over $25,000 will be posted to FedBizOpps. Small businesses can access this site at: www.fbo.gov. They can also learn about possible subcontracting opportunities by the prime contractor (large or small) that receive the contract award. Small businesses can identify prime contractors for subcontracting opportunities through the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) at www.esrs.gov.

Q. Does the SBA offer other tools and services for small businesses seeking federal contracting opportunities?

A. The SBA and its resource partners, including Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and Veteran Outreach Centers can provide technical, financial and contracting assistance to small businesses. For more information on these organizations visit www.sba.gov. Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, funded by the Department of Defense, are also good sources of procurement assistance. A listing of PTAC organizations is located at: www.dla.mil/db/procurem.htm.

Some of the government contracting tools currently available to small businesses include a free online course, Business Opportunities: A Guide to Winning Federal Contracts, which is a self-paced guide and easy-to-follow training course that can be accessed by visiting www.sba.gov/training, clicking on the menu of free online courses and selecting the first course listed under Government Contracting. Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the 30-minute tutorial. Other tools include a brochure entitled Opening Doors to Federal Government Contracting Opportunities
available at www.sba.gov/openingdoors and three fact sheets – Federal Contracting Opportunities for HUBZone Entrepreneurs, Federal Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses and Federal Contracting Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses available at: http://www.sba.gov/tools/resourcelibrary/publications/index.html

Small businesses seeking contract opportunities can also contact the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) in any of the procuring federal agencies. These offices assist small businesses with obtaining contracts and subcontracts with federal agencies and prime contractors.

For a list of OSDBUs in the procuring federal agencies and their contact information, visit http://www.osdbu.gov/offices.html.

The Recovery Act provides entrepreneurs and lenders financial relief from the current economic crisis that will help encourage borrowing and lending to all small businesses, including start-ups.

For small businesses, the Recovery Act temporarily eliminates SBA guaranteed 7(a) and 504 loan fees and offers tax benefits. For lenders, it temporarily eliminates 504 loan fees. The fee eliminations are retroactive to February 17, 2009, the day the Recovery Act was signed. Also under the Act, small businesses that need surety bonds to compete for construction and service contracts can qualify for SBA-backed surety bonds of up to $5 million (and in some cases, $10 million), more than double the previous $2 million maximum. Visit www.sba.gov/recovery for more information on small business and the Recovery Act.

SBA Expands Eligibility for 7(a) Loans To Spur Recovery Opportunities for Small Businesses

2009-05-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 1, 2009
Contact: Tiffani Clements (202) 401 0035
Release Number: 09-25
http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA Expands Eligibility for 7(a) Loans
To Spur Recovery Opportunities for Small Businesses

WASHINGTON – More small businesses will be eligible for U.S. Small Business Administration-backed loans, meaning greater access to much-needed capital in this tough economy, as a result of a temporary alternate size standard for the agency's largest lending program.

SBA’s alternate size standard for its 7(a) loan program will go into effect early next week through Sept. 30, 2010. As a result of the temporary change, more than 70,000 additional small businesses – including auto and RV dealerships, auto industry suppliers and others – could be eligible to apply for SBA 7(a) loan.

“This is just one more step we are taking to make sure small businesses have access to capital to keep their doors open and employees working during these tough economic times,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “We have seen signs that small businesses that are just outside the traditional 7(a) size standard are being shut out of the conventional lending market. This temporary change will help those businesses weather these tough times and help move our nation closer to economic recovery.”

The temporary 7(a) loan size standard will parallel the standard for the agency’s 504 Certified Development Company loan, and will allow businesses to qualify based on net worth and average income. The net worth for the company and its affiliates can’t be in excess of $8.5 million and average net income after federal income taxes (excluding any carry-over losses) for the preceding two completed fiscal years can’t be more than $3 million. The alternate size standard is available at the offices of The Federal Register today and will be published as an interim final rule early next week.

The temporary change to the 7(a) loan size standard is not unprecedented. SBA took similar actions in 1993, as a result of the recession of the early 1990s, and again in 2005 as part of a program aimed at helping small businesses in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

This change also means more small businesses can take advantage of benefits made possible through the Recovery Act. On March 16, the SBA implemented two key provisions of the Recovery Act that raised the guarantee on 7(a) loans to 90 percent and reduced fees for borrowers. Since then, the agency has seen average weekly 7(a) loan volume increase by more than 25 percent and new SBA loans made by nearly 450 lenders who had not made loans since October 2008.

For more information about SBA’s revisions to its small business size standards, visit http://www.sba.gov/size/indexwhatsnew.html and click on “What’s New about Small Business Size Standards.”

MINDBODY, Inc. Selected as the Central California 2009 Small Business Person of the Year

2009-05-11T12:32:00.001-07:00

MINDBODY, Inc. Selected as the Central California
2009 Small Business Person of the Year

National Small Business Week May 17-23, 2009

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA - The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Fresno District Office announced today that Rick Stollmeyer owner of MINDBODY, Inc. has been selected as the 2009 Central California Small Business Person of the Year.

The award presentation for MINDBODY, Inc. will be held on May 21, 2009, 10 a.m., at the Creekside Career Center located at 4111 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo. For additional information regarding the award presentation, please contact Melende Ward at (559) 487-5791.

This year marks the 46th annual proclamation by the President calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. The award recognizes a business owner who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and honors his or her individual contributions to the community. MINDBODY, Inc. was selected after a competition held among businesses located within the 15 Central California counties served by the Fresno SBA office. Mission Community Women’s Business Services of San Luis Obispo nominated the business for the award.

"The Small Business Administration is very proud of the tremendous growth and success that MINDBODY, Inc. has achieved. This company serves as a role model for other small business entrepreneurs,” said Carlos G. Mendoza, District Director for the Fresno SBA Office.

Upon notification that he was selected for the award Stollmeyer said, “I feel humbled by this award, and fortunate to be at the helm of a business that is growing rapidly and improving the world. The MINDBODY mission is to leverage the power of the internet to improve the health and wellness of the world. The principle way we do this is by helping thousands of wellness professionals serve millions of people. Our success to date has stemmed entirely from the talents and passion of our amazing MINDBODY Team, and it is on their behalf that I accept this award.”

Born into the fourth generation of a family retail business, Stollmeyer started MINDBODY Inc. in his garage in 2001. Stollmeyer, a U.S. veteran and a graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy with an engineering background, focuses on helping people achieve and maintain healthier lifestyles. The company provides business management software to service providers in the health and wellness industry.

Stollmeyer, with a vast technology background, knew that business software could be less expensive and more reliable if it was delivered over the internet giving small businesses the operational advantages and marketing power previously enjoyed by other large companies. In 2003 the company began migrating to SaaS technology. Upon completion of the software development effort, they released their first online edition in February 2005. This product proved an instant success, saving their business owner clients money and improving their bottom lines. It instantly surpassed and rendered their desktop software product obsolete. The last desktop license was sold one month later. Sales of online software have continued to grow for the company. Company clients range from self-employed working from home to managers of large multi-location enterprises and from line dance studios to health center inventory management.

The company has grown from an employee base of one (Stollmeyer) to over 100 employees. Today, MINDBODY Inc. serves more than 5,000 small to medium business clients in 50 countries and continues to grow. Recently, the company was named as one of the fastest growing top software companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine. MINDBODY, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in San Luis Obispo, California and offices are located in Long Island, London, Singapore, Dubai and China.

Anita Robinson, Mission Community Bank CEO said, "MINDBODY shows how innovation and success can be achieved locally, while modeling strong social responsibility and respect for the environment at the same time."

Small Business Person of the Year nominations are judged on seven basic criteria: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, current and past financial reports, innovativeness of product or service, response to adversity and evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects.

Release Date: May 8, 2009
Contact: Melende Ward
Release Number: 09-08
(559) 487-5791

Bakersfield SCORE to Host FREE "Business Plan Workshop"

2009-05-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Bakersfield SCORE to Host FREE "Business Plan Workshop"

Kern County - The Bakersfield SCORE Chapter will host a free Writing a Good Business Plan Workshop on May 21, 2009 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at 1731 Chester Avenue, Second Floor in Bakersfield.

Guest speaker at the workshop will be Kay Mardon, SBA Fresno District Office Lender Relations Specialist. During the question and answer portion of the workshop, you will have the opportunity to speak directly to an SBA loan officer.

A business plan is one of the most important elements in any loan application. Having a well-written business plan will certainly enhance your chance of getting the necessary financing. By attending this workshop, you will gain the essential knowledge and insight required to write a successful business plan.

"Having adequate financing for a small business is one of the most difficult problems that new and growing small business owners face. Having a well written business plan is the first step for small business success in obtaining financing. SCORE is pleased to offer the Business Plan Workshop to help entrepreneurs start and grow their business," said Mort Brown, Bakersfield SCORE Chairperson.

The workshop is free. To register please send your name, email address, mailing address and phone number to Paul Leung at paulleung@earthlink.net

Since 1964, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has assisted more than 8 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneurial education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

The Bakersfield SCORE Chapter counsels at the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. Advance counseling appointments are required and may be made by calling the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce or (661) 861-9249. For additional information and assistance please check out the SCORE website at www.score.org.

SCORE Contact: Paul Leung
(661) 304-5399

# # #

"The material in this publication is based on work supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration under cooperative agreement SBAHQ-09-S-0001. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age and disability. Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations with a two-week advance notice."

Third Annual Business Matchmaking & Networking Event

2009-05-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Third Annual Business Matchmaking and Networking Event
Register Today- Early Bird registration ends May 15th, 2009 Friday, August 14, 2009
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fresno Radisson Hotel & Conference Center

The City of Fresno, along with organizing partners, is hosting the 3rd Annual Business Matchmaking and Networking Event on August 14, 2009 in Fresno. The focus of this event is to match large private companies and government buyers with minority-owned, woman-owned, disabled veteran-owned, and locally-owned business vendors who are limited in their ability to gain exposure to contracts.

The event will feature one-on-one meetings between the buyers from large corporations and public agencies, and representatives from a pool of small businesses. In the twelve-minute face-to-face meetings, these small businesses focus on presenting information about their products and services to the local, state, federal, and private buying organizations.

In addition to the actual event there will be a training session available on June 10th for registered Sellers. In this training session small businesses will learn about certifications often required to do business with large entities and learn effective matchmaking techniques. The small businesses attending the workshop will have the opportunity to choose 2 out of 5 of their one-on-one appointments depending upon matching their products and services with buyers.

If you are a local business that could benefit from increased exposure and networking opportunities, then this event is for you.

Registration Rate Options:
Early Bird Rate: $99
Rates after May 15th, 2009: $175

For more information, call (559) 621-8367, email Dawn.Steele@Fresno.Gov, or check out the Business Matchmaking Website.

Gabriela Mello Honored as Central California 2009 Financial Services Champion of the Year

2009-05-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

Gabriela Mello Honored as Central California
2009 Financial Services Champion of the Year
National Small Business Week May 17-23, 2009

Fresno, CA – The Fresno District Office of the U. S. Small Business Administration has named Gabriela Mello as the 2009 Central California Financial Services Champion of the Year. Champion awards are presented by SBA as part of National Small Business Week celebrated nationally May 17-23, 2009.

The award presentation and reception for Gabriela Mello will be held at the Developing Hispanic Leaders Gala 2009 on Friday, May 8th beginning at 6:30 pm at the Fresno Convention Center. For additional information regarding the presentation ceremony please contact Melende Ward at (559) 487-5791, ext 143. For information regarding the Gala contact Anna Medina at the Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (559) 222-8705.

Mello was selected for this prestigious award because of her outstanding advocacy efforts and commitment to support entrepreneurs in business entrepreneurship and was nominated for the award by the Fresno Area, Kern County and Tulare Kings Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Nominations for this award were solicited from throughout the 15-county Central California area.

Carlos G. Mendoza, District Director of the Fresno SBA Office, said, "Gabriela is a role model for all small business owners. Not only is she a tremendous asset as a mentor, but she is also a leader in our business community. We are honored to present Gabriela Mello with the Central California Financial Services Champion of the Year Award."

Upon hearing of her selection for the award, Gabriela said, "I’m honored by the recognition as the Financial Services Champion of the Year. I will continue to work hard to advocate for small businesses and to support entrepreneurs in our communities. I am so grateful to the SBA for helping our small business owners and for the partnership we have developed throughout the years."

Mello has an extensive background in business lending. Starting as a bank teller she worked her way up in the financial world to manage several Wells Fargo branches. She currently is the Community Relations Officer for Citibank and covers the area from Central and South San Joaquin Valley through the Silicon Valley to promote programs for small business assistance.

As a long time advocate for small business Mello believes that education is the key to success. Financing is critical for the overall success of small business entrepreneurs. Mello takes the time and effort to see that each and every one of her clients is provided with opportunities to access the necessary capital in order to succeed. She has been instrumental in promoting financing literacy for small, emerging minority owned businesses and volunteers as a business instructor for many Hispanic Chamber of Commerce events and workshops throughout the State.

Mello volunteers her time and expertise to several organizations such as Junior Achievement, Kern Action Partnership Community Food Bank, Workforce Connection, Fresno Housing Authority and many more.

Dora Westerlund, President of the Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said, “Gabriela Mello is a great leader in our community; it is through her commitment and determination that businesses can achieve their goals”.

Financial Services Champion of the Year Award nominations are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Outside of regular business duties, the amount and quality of assistance given small businesses to obtain financing.
2. Advocacy for changes in the financial services industry to assist small companies.
3. Encouragement of the flow of investment capital to small ventures.
4. Active support for legislative or regulatory action designed to help small firms.
5. Other significant contributions through the advocacy efforts of the financial services or accounting industries to advance small business interests.

This year marks the 46th annual proclamation by the President calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal achievements and contributions to the nation’s economy.

-the end-

SBA Resource Day – Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

2009-04-30T13:35:00.001-07:00

SBA Resource Day – Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

Salinas, CA - The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be meeting with small business entrepreneurs on May 19, 2009 at the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce to provide information on how the SBA and our many resource partners can help you in the growth and development of your own small business.

During the SBA visit, entrepreneurs, startup companies and even seasoned firms can confidentially discuss and review business strategies. Topics of discussion may include how to start a small business, how to apply for a SBA loan, selling to the federal government and an overview of the many SBA management and technical assistance programs that are available to assist small business entrepreneurs.

SBA realizes that business entrepreneurs are very busy and to leave their businesses for any length of time can be difficult. The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs and SBA appreciates the donation of their convenient location for holding the appointment sessions.

Entrepreneurs often find that running questions, concerns and ideas past a seasoned small business counselor or an individual outside of their own business can help in offering support and guidance. Information on the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE programs, both of which are local resources available in the Salinas area, will be provided during the day.

Advance appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting the Fresno SBA District Office at 800-359-1833, option 6, or (559) 487-5791, or by emailing the Fresno SBA office at william.hori@sba.gov. The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce is located at 119 E. Alisal Street in Salinas. Appointments will be held on May 19, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

SBA has many programs and services to offer to new and existing small business owners. For more information on SBA programs visit www.sba.gov or call (559) 487-5791.

San Luis Obispo County SBDC Resource Day!

2009-04-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

San Luis Obispo, California
UC Merced Small Business Development Center
Resource Day – Economic Vitality Corporation Offices

Fresno, CA - The University of California Merced Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be meeting with small business entrepreneurs beginning April 30, 2009 at the Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC) “Creekside Center” www.sloevc.org to provide information on how the SBDC business consultants can help you in the growth and development of your small business.

During the SBDC visit, entrepreneurs, startup companies and even seasoned firms can confidentially discuss and review business strategies. Topics of discussion may include how to start a small business, how to apply for a SBA loan, request research assistance, selling to the federal government and an overview of our technical assistance programs that are available to assist small business entrepreneurs.

SBDC consultants realize that business entrepreneurs are very busy and to leave their businesses for any length of time can be difficult. The EVC is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs and UC Merced SBDC leadership appreciates the donation of their convenient location for holding the appointment sessions. A UC Merced SBDC business consultant will be available for appointments at the EVC on April 30, May 15, May 28, June 11 and June 25, 2009 in Interview Room 2.

Entrepreneurs often find that discussing questions in a confidential and unbiased setting can help identify and clarify key decisions in order to strengthen their strategic direction.

Advance appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting the UC Merced SBDC Regional Office at (877) UCM-SBDC (877.826.7232) or by emailing the office casbdc@ucmerced.edu. The EVC is located at 4111 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo. Appointments will be held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For more information on the UC Merced SBDC Regional Network, please visit http://sbdc.ucmerced.edu or call (877) UCM-SBDC.

Thriving Business Owner to Share Tips and Advice During SBA’s April 30th Web Chat

2009-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Release Date: April 23, 2009
Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059
Release Number: MA09-04
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

Thriving Business Owner to Share Tips and Advice During SBA’s April Web Chat

WASHINGTON – In recognition of National Small Business Week, SBA’s Web chat series will shine a spotlight on 2009 Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year Thomas E. Masterson, owner of T.E.M. Electric, Inc. of Lexington.

Masterson started his business 10 years ago, branching out on his own after more than 30 years in the electrical industry. Since then, the company has experienced success and growth, with the help of the SBA and its resource partners.

Masterson at first ran the company from his living room, using business management skills he received through the SBA’s Small Business Development Center Program. T.E.M. later became 8(a) and HUBZone-certified as a minority-owned business, which opened the doors to government contracting opportunities. Masterson has built a solid reputation in the government contracting arena as a subcontractor, and today is a prime contractor on federal contracts.

National Small Business Week will take place in Washington, D.C, May 17-23.
The National Small Business Person of the Year and runners-up will be selected from among the 53 state small business winners, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. More than 100 outstanding small business owners will be honored. For more information, including a schedule and registration information, visit www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com.

WHO: Small business owner Thomas E. Masterson will host the April Web chat on "Entrepreneur's Spotlight: Maintaining Business Success," to share his story of success, and provide helpful insights on the successes and challenges of entrepreneurship. Chat participants can receive helpful tips and advice on how to maintain business success.

WHAT: SBA’s Web chat series, provides small business owners an opportunity to chat about 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, both in advance and during the live session.

WHEN: April 30, 2009, 1 – 2 p.m. ET

HOW: Participants can join the live Web chat by visiting www.sba.gov, and clicking the "Online Business Chat" icon. Web chat participants may post questions for Masterson before the April 30th chat at http://app1.sba.gov/livemeeting/apr09/.

SBA Resource Day – Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

2009-04-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

SBA Resource Day – Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

Salinas, CA - The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be meeting with small business entrepreneurs on April 21, 2009 at the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce to provide information on how the SBA and our many resource partners can help you in the growth and development of your own small business.

During the SBA visit, entrepreneurs, startup companies and even seasoned firms can confidentially discuss and review business strategies. Topics of discussion may include how to start a small business, how to apply for a SBA loan, selling to the federal government and an overview of the many SBA management and technical assistance programs that are available to assist small business entrepreneurs.

SBA realizes that business entrepreneurs are very busy and to leave their businesses for any length of time can be difficult. The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs and SBA appreciates the donation of their convenient location for holding the appointment sessions. SBA will hold the SBA Resource Day at the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce on the third Tuesday of each month thru April.

Entrepreneurs often find that running questions, concerns and ideas past a seasoned small business counselor or an individual outside of their own business can help in offering support and guidance. Information on the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE programs, both of which are local resources available in the Salinas area, will be provided during the day.

Advance appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting the Fresno SBA District Office at 800-359-1833, option 6, or (559) 487-5791, or by emailing the Fresno SBA office at william.hori@sba.gov. The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce is located at 119 E. Alisal Street in Salinas. Appointments will be held on April 21, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

SBA has many programs and services to offer to new and existing small business owners. For more information on SBA programs visit www.sba.gov or call (559) 487-5791.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is good news for America’s small business. The Act will provide several tools to make small businesses more competitive. For additional Recovery information including information on SBA products and services please contact the Fresno District Office at (559) 487-5791 or visit us at www.sba.gov.

Karen Gordon Mills Confirmed By Senate as SBA Administrator

2009-04-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Karen Gordon Mills Confirmed By Senate as SBA Administrator

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today confirmed by unanimous consent President Barack Obama’s nomination of Karen Gordon Mills as the 23rd Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Small business is the backbone of the American economy,” Mills said upon her confirmation. “The SBA has a vital role to play in supporting our nation’s small businesses so that they can be the key driver in getting our economy moving again. I look forward to leading this critical agency at this important time.

“I want to thank President Obama for this opportunity to serve as a voice for our nation’s small business owners and entrepreneurs,” Mills said. “I would also like to express my appreciation to Darryl Hairston for his leadership as Acting Administrator during this transition, along with everyone at the SBA for the hard work they are doing to implement the important programs of the Recovery Act.”

In testimony on April 1 before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Mills discussed her hands-on experience managing and helping to grow small businesses.

“I was there on the factory floor in Arkansas and Ohio working to weather the recession of the early ‘90s,” she said. “Those experiences give me a deep understanding of what our small businesses need today to survive this downturn and to prosper in the years ahead. Since then, I have helped grow companies in organic food, and women’s media, and spent time in rural Maine working with our boat builders and composite technology to help them compete throughout the globe.

“The sum of my experience is this: I am a believer in American small business. I am a believer in America’s ability to manufacture goods and services that are world class, and I am a believer in America’s spirit of entrepreneurship. This spirit is one of our country’s greatest assets and we need to cultivate it today, more than ever.”

As Administrator of the SBA, Mills will direct a federal agency with more than 2,000 full-time employees, with a leading role in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs secure financing, technical assistance and training, and federal contracts. SBA also plays a leading role in disaster recovery by making low interest loans.

Mills, of Brunswick, Maine, was president of MMP Group and has a 25-year career of investing in and growing small businesses. In 2007, she was appointed by Maine Gov. John Baldacci as chair of the state’s Council on Competitiveness and the Economy, where she focused on attracting investment in rural and regional development initiatives. She also co-authored a Brookings Institute paper on competitive clusters.

Mills is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has served as vice chairman of the Harvard Overseers. She holds a degree in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where she was a Baker Scholar. Mills and her husband Barry Mills, president of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, have three sons.

Link to Mills’ Statement to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship:
http://sbc.senate.gov/hearings/testimony/09_04_01_Mills_hearing/Mills_statement.pdf

Release Date: April 3, 2009
Contact: Jonathan Swain (202) 205-6740
Release Number: 09-20 FRESNO
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBDC Service Center Program Announcement

2009-03-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

The University of California Merced Small Business Development Center (UC Merced SBDC) requests for proposals (RFP) for the following regions: Kern County Region; Salinas Valley Region; and, San Luis Obispo County Region. The purpose of the RFP is to solicit proposals for the selection of a contractor to operate a Small Business Development Center in the areas listed.
The mission of the SBDC is to provide quality management and technical assistance for existing and potential small businesses resulting in success for the entrepreneur and sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all Central Californians.

The benefits for serving as a SBDC include the following:

Direct and measureable economic impact in the local community
Visibility for the organization within the community and region
Opportunity to provide outreach from the organization to small business in the service area
Increased partnership opportunities between the organization, other academic institutions and economic development organizations in the state and service area
Opportunity to strengthen learning opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs
Funding from federal sources

Private nonprofit corporations, public institutions and local governments, including institutions of higher education, are eligible and encouraged to submit a proposal. For additional information, please contact Diane Howerton, Regional SBDC Director, dhowerton@ucmerced.edu; 559.241.6590.

Recovery Act More Than Doubles Surety Bond Guarantee Ceiling for Small Businesses 3-27-09

2009-03-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Recovery Act More Than Doubles Surety Bond Guarantee
Ceiling for Small Businesses 3-27-09

Move Could Help Spur Much Needed Construction Growth

WASHINGTON – Effective today, small businesses that need surety bonds to compete for construction and service contracts can qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration-backed surety bonds of up to $5 million. The higher amount, a result of the Recovery Act, is more than double the previous $2 million maximum surety bond guaranteed by SBA.

Through SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee program, SBA guarantees bid, payment and performance bonds. Surety bonds protect the project owner against financial loss if contractors default or fail to perform.

SBA partners with the surety industry to help small businesses that would otherwise be unable to obtain bonding in the traditional commercial marketplace. Under the partnership, SBA provides a guarantee to a participating surety company of between 70 and 90 percent of the bond amount.

“During these difficult economic times,” said Acting SBA Administrator Darryl K. Hairston, “these changes are particularly helpful to small and emerging contractors who need access to surety bonds so they can bid on public construction and service projects. These changes will support small and emerging businesses nationwide, particularly construction contractors who have seen their markets hurt by a poor economy and lagging construction environment.”

Additional program enhancements contained in the stimulus bill will be announced soon in the Federal Register. Among these changes is a provision that will allow SBA to guarantee a bond on a federal contract up to $10 million following certification by the contracting officer that the bond guarantee is required.

In recent years SBA has taken a number of steps to reinvigorate its Surety Bond Guarantee Program and make it easier for small businesses to obtain bonds. In 2007, SBA established a more flexible pricing structure, allowing Preferred Surety Bond Sureties to charge current state rates rather than being locked into rates that were established several years ago.

Industry associations have commended SBA for these new changes and SBA continues to encourage surety bond providers and agents to actively participate in the program.

In the past year, SBA also implemented a new electronic bond application process. Small businesses and surety companies participating in the SBA prior approval program are able to transmit application forms electronically to help expedite review and approval processes. The SBA also re-engineered the claims reimbursement process to shorten the cycle time between submission of a claim for reimbursement by a surety company and payment by the government.

SBA assistance in locating a participating surety company or agent and completing application forms is available online. For more information on SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program, go online to http://www.sba.gov/osg/ or call 1-800-U ASK SBA.

Check out the SBA Fact Sheet Recovery Act QA for Small Business Owners

2009-03-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Fact Sheet Recovery Act QA for Small Business Owners

Business.gov Launches First Government-Sponsored Online Community for Small Businesses

2009-03-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Business.gov Launches First Government-Sponsored Online Community for Small Businesses

WASHINGTON – SBA’s Business Gateway Program announced today the launch of a new Web initiative – http://Community.Business.gov – the first government-sponsored online community built specifically for small businesses.The objective of the Business.gov Community supports the White House’s mission to create a transparent and connected democracy, and aims to provide small business owners, bloggers, and the government with a place to discuss and share information about starting and running a successful business.

An extension of Business.gov, the Business.gov Community combines discussion forums, blogs, an idea exchange, and more, and offers advanced tools for navigating the labyrinth of government resources, policies, laws, and opportunities that impact the small business owner.

In addition to providing a “home” where users can share expertise and unique experiences, the site also provides a pioneering opportunity for small businesses to provide direct input into Business.gov and voice the ways government and the online community can better serve them.

“Over the past year, we have significantly expanded our efforts to engage with small business owners, by giving them easy access to the information they need to run their business,” said Nancy Sternberg, program manager of Business Gateway. “The launch of the Business.gov Community represents a new milestone. Through the application of Web 2.0 technologies, we hope to unite small business owners, industry experts and government, and take the program to a new level of collaborative knowledge-sharing and insight.”

Over the next few months, the Business.gov Community will expand to include additional features and resources that address specific user interests and provide access to the wider pool of government and Business.gov partner resources available to the small business owner.

About Business.govBusiness.gov is managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with 21 other federal agencies. This partnership, known as Business Gateway, provides innovative information services to the small business community that save time and money, engage citizens to participate, and enable collaboration across all key levels of government. Launched in 2004, Business.gov provides a single access point to government services and information to help the nation’s businesses with their operations.

Statement from SBA Acting Administrator on Recovery Efforts Announced by President Obama ~ March 16, 2009

2009-03-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Statement from SBA Acting Administrator on Recovery Efforts Announced by President Obama ~ March 16, 2009

WASHINGTON – The following statement was issued today by Acting Administrator Darryl K. Hairston of the U.S. Small Business Administration following the announcement by President Barack Obama of important steps being taken by the SBA and the U.S. Department of Treasury to address the economic challenges facing small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.

“U.S. small businesses employ about half our nation’s workers and over the last decade have created about 70 percent of all new jobs. But their access to credit and lending markets has dried up, making it harder every day for small businesses to keep their doors open and their employees working. American small businesses are one of the strongest engines for economic prosperity in the world, and we can’t let this crisis continue to undermine their growth and potential. Today President Obama reiterated his belief that we owe it to America’s small businesses to be the partner they need in the midst of this crisis. At SBA, we couldn’t agree more.

“SBA this week is implementing two key provisions laid out in the Recovery Act – we are temporarily eliminating certain loan fees and raising guarantees on some 7(a) loans up to 90 percent. With these critical steps by SBA, and the Treasury Department’s commitment of up to $15 billion aimed at getting lending markets flowing again, we are standing up with small business owners across this country and telling them how we are going to put much-needed capital in their hands.

“We hope small businesses will take the opportunity to ask their banks about the SBA loans that might be available to them. And, we encourage community banks and other lenders to work with us to reach as many qualified borrowers as we can during these difficult times.”

Beginning today, the SBA will:

Temporarily raise guarantees to up to 90 percent on SBA’s 7(a) loan program, through calendar year 2009, or until the funds are exhausted. This increase in guarantee levels will help provide banks with the greater confidence they need to extend credit during the current recession, will mean more capital available to small business owners around the country.

Temporarily eliminate fees for borrowers on SBA 7(a) loans and for both borrowers and lenders on 504 Certified Development Company loans, through calendar year 2009, or until the funds are exhausted. This will mean more capital available to small businesses at a lower cost. The fee elimination is retroactive to February 17, the day the Recovery Act was signed. SBA is developing a mechanism for refunding fees paid on loans since then.

Additionally, the President announced today that the Treasury Department will commit up to $15 billion to help unlock the frozen credit markets by purchasing small business loan securities currently frozen on the secondary market. By purchasing these securities, it will unlock these secondary markets, and in turn, free up more capital to jumpstart lending for small business owners. The SBA has worked closely with the Treasury Department to address the need to unlock these secondary markets for SBA loans.

For more information on the SBA and Treasury initiatives announced today by the President, visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov.

Innovation in Small Business: Drivers of Change and Value

2009-03-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Office of Advocacy has funded several studies examining the patent activity of small businesses. All show that small businesses outperform their larger counterparts in patent activity (issuance).

"Innovation in Small Business: Drivers of Change and Value" is another installment in this discussion. It widens the scope of the existing debate by focusing on the effects of drivers of innovation (employee headcount, sales, and R&D expenditures) on small business value.

A copy of the report is located at:
http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs342tot.pdf and the research summary can be found at: http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs342.pdf.

Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Radwan Saade at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is now available in Spanish

2009-03-16T08:46:00.001-07:00

Hello!
Information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is now available in Spanish, as shown below:

English
IRS Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html?portlet=6

Spanish
Información del IRS Concerniente al Acta de Recuperación y Reinversión Americana del 2009 http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205057,00.html

English
COBRA Health Insurance Continuation Premium Subsidy
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204505,00.html

Spanish
COBRA Subsidio de Prima para la Continuación del Seguro Médico
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205058,00.html

ABIRC is offering FREE tax preparation assistance with electronic filing FREE of charge!

2009-03-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

SUNNYSIDE LIBRARY
5566 E. Kings Canyon Rd (Kings Canyon/Clovis)
10:00AM – 2:00PM

ABIRC is offering FREE tax preparation assistance with electronic filing FREE of charge

Filer(s) must be present with License or ID
Have Social Security Number(s) of everyone to be claimed on return including birthdates
Bring all W-2s
Bring all applicable 1099 Statements (1099-Misc, 1099-G, 1099-INT, and 1099-R)
Bring your 1098-T Statement if you had educational expenses in which you paid for tuition and fees out of your own pocket and not through grants/scholarships

If you paid for childcare you must have the name of the childcare provider, social security number/federal id number, and address.

If you anticipate a refund and want direct deposit, you must have your bank routing# and account#.

This is a first come, first served basis – please be prepared to wait 1-2 hours
For more information please call (559) 476-3969 or email mbly.abirc@yahoo.com

SBA Offers FREE Workshops for Entrepreneurs

2009-03-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

SBA Offers FREE Workshops for Entrepreneurs

“Strategic Planning for a GREENER Business”

“Economic Change is Here – Where are you?”

Fresno, CA – History shows that small business entrepreneurs are quick to respond to change and survive. Today’s entrepreneurs are facing challenges and hurdles never seen before. Resiliency is the name of the game, but to be successful business owners must continue to make changes and adapt daily.

To meet the ever shifting need of entrepreneurs, SBA has combined two useful workshops into one session to provide information on two critical small business concerns. The workshop is FREE and is being offered on March 20, 2009 at the U. S. Small Business Administration located at 2719 N. Air Fresno Drive, Suite 200 in Fresno. The workshop will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Strategic Planning for a GREENER Business

How many times a day do we hear the current buzz word “Go GREEN?”
Everyone agrees that saving our environment from harm is a good thing. But how does “Go GREEN” affect you as a small business owner and how can a business owner use it to their advantage? Topics during the workshop include:

Does it pay to be GREEN?
How to make GREEN investments in your business and obtain a positive return.
Environmental Business Choices–saving costs, managing your competitors, environmental risks.
How to Go GREEN–systems by design, closed loop manufacturing, change business model.

Bryan Moe, Center Director of the Central California Small Business Development Center will cover helpful steps for small business owners to follow during the “Go GREEN” portion of the workshop.

Economic Change is Here – Where are YOU?

Let’s face it times are tough right now for entrepreneurs!
Tightened credits, layoffs, foreclosures, lack of sales are just a few of the problems that small business owners are facing in our current economy. While business times are significantly different right now they are still profitable times if handled correctly. Topics for this workshop include:

Business Financing–small business loans even in today’s lending markets.
Marketing–identifying and targeting customers, why and when customers spend money.
Management–managing your business, making decisions, meeting your goals.

Mike Souza, Lender Relations Specialist for the Fresno SBA will provide tips on how to bounce back, make aggressive changes and operate efficiently in today’s market.

The workshop is free and registration is required. Please call the SBA at (559) 487-5791 or email william.hori@sba.gov to register and for details.

SBA’s March Web Chat Will Highlight the Recovery Act

2009-03-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Release Date: March 12, 2009
Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059
Release Number: MA09-03
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA’s March Web Chat Will Highlight the Recovery Act

WASHINGTON – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be the
focus of discussion for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s March Web
chat. SBA Associate Administrator for Capital Access Eric Zarnikow will help
small business owners get answers to their questions about what the Recovery
Act means for the nation’s small businesses.

The Recovery Act is a national effort to grow the U.S. economy by stimulating
job creation, freeing credit markets, and investing in small business. The Act
contains a package of loan fee reductions, higher guarantees, new SBA
programs, secondary market incentives, and enhancements to current SBA
programs that will help unlock credit markets and begin economic recovery for
the nation’s small business sector.

SBA is working to enact the new programs created by the passage of the bill
and make changes to the programs already in existence. Additional
information on the Recovery Act is available online at
www.sba.gov/recovery/index.html .

WHO: Eric Zarnikow, associate administrator for the Office of Capital Access
at the U.S. Small Business Administration will host the SBA’s March Web chat
on the topic “The Recovery Act and Your Small Business.” Zarnikow will
answer a range of questions to help chat participants understand the elements
of the Recovery Act that pertain to the SBA and the nation’s small
businesses.

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

WHEN: March 19, 2009, 1 – 2 p.m. ET

HOW: Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to www.sba.gov,
and clicking the “Online Business Chat” icon. Web chat participants may post
questions for Zarnikow before the January 15th chat by visiting
http://app1.sba.gov/liveMeeting/mar09/ , and posting their questions online.

Salinas Meet Your SBA Rep Day!

2009-03-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

SBA Resource Day – Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

Salinas, CA - The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be meeting with small business entrepreneurs on March 17, 2009 at the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce to provide information on how the SBA and our many resource partners can help you in the growth and development of your own small business.

During the SBA visit, entrepreneurs, startup companies and even seasoned firms can confidentially discuss and review business strategies. Topics of discussion may include how to start a small business, how to apply for a SBA loan, selling to the federal government and an overview of the many SBA management and technical assistance programs that are available to assist small business entrepreneurs.

SBA realizes that business entrepreneurs are very busy and to leave their businesses for any length of time can be difficult. The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs and SBA appreciates the donation of their convenient location for holding the appointment sessions. SBA will hold the SBA Resource Day at the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce on the third Tuesday of each month thru April.

Entrepreneurs often find that running questions, concerns and ideas past a seasoned small business counselor or an individual outside of their own business can help in offering support and guidance. Information on the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE programs, both of which are local resources available in the Salinas area, will be provided during the day.

Advance appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting the Fresno SBA District Office at 800-359-1833, option 6, or (559) 487-5791, or by emailing the Fresno SBA office at william.hori@sba.gov. The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce is located at 119 E. Alisal Street in Salinas. Appointments will be held on March 17, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

SBA has many programs and services to offer to new and existing small business owners. For more information on SBA programs visit www.sba.gov or call (559) 487-5791.

ECONOMIC SURVIVOR SERIES FOR BUSINESS BEGINS IN MARCH

2009-03-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

ECONOMIC SURVIVOR SERIES FOR BUSINESS BEGINS IN MARCH

Modesto - After three very successful business Town Hall meetings in Riverbank, Turlock and Modesto, the Alliance Small Business Development Center is answering the praise of attendees and the request to do more. Beginning March 4th, the first in a series of "Economic Survivor" Business Seminars will take place from 7:30 am - 9:30 am in the Alliance Free Enterprise Center, Modesto.

"How to Squeeze Out More Profits from Declining Revenues" is the topic of the March 4th event. This seminar is designed to give attendees information on how to improve various areas of financial management within their business. Topic areas include: increasing inventory turns, improving A/R collections, reducing operating costs, improving cash-flow, and increasing net profits. Marty Fox, Grimbleby-Coleman CPAs will lead the presentation and discussions.

"We heard loud and clear from the local businesses that were at the Town Hall Meetings that they wanted more help," said Kurtis Clark, Director of the Alliance Small Business Development Center. "It is our main concern to help small business survive this economic slow down and overcome potential negative impacts. We designed the "Economic Survivor" Seminars to assist businesses with the challenges they seem to be facing and giving them critical tools to help keep their bottom line in the black."

On March 18th David Boring and Julie Orona of Never Boring Design Associates will be at the Alliance Free Enterprise Center to present "Free Marketing Ideas That Bring in Customers". They will discuss how to effectively promote and market better to existing and new customers.
For find out more information about the "Economic Survivor" Series or to get a list of upcoming seminars, contact the Alliance Small Business Development Center at 209-567-4910.

The Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance oversees' both economic development and workforce training activities countywide. The Alliance is a private not for profit corporation with a mission and responsibility of implementing economic development and workforce training activities for the County. The Alliance is committed to creating a blueprint for success, which can make the Stanislaus River Valley the strategic business choice for existing and expanding businesses by focusing on job creation, business assistance and workforce preparation activities.

Alliance Small Business Development Center 1020 10th Street, Suite 102 Modesto, California 95354 genovaja@stanalliance.com 209.567.4910 office
209.567.4955 fax
www.alliancesbdc.com

Economic Recovery Plan: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for Small Business

2009-03-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

Check out the Economic Recovery Plan: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for Small Business straight from buzgate.org's press room!

Link to article: http://www.buzgate.org/8.0/ca/press_recover.html

Between job cuts, daily announcements of more Wall Street abuses, the ramifications of the failing auto industry and the credit crunch, it's no wonder road rage is up and people everywhere are pulling back on spending.

Good News

There is good news, however. Small business is getting a break with the new economic stimulus recovery, which is good for businesses of all sizes and industries!

If you counsel small businesses, if you sell to small businesses or if you are a small business, read on...

Long Term

In the long run, all businesses stand to benefit from America's Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in the following ways;

If your business is in EDUCATION or you offer products and services that would support 21st century improvements to classrooms, labs and libraries, than read up! $650 million in funding is targeted for school computers, science laboratories and technology training for teachers.
Investments in COMMUNICATION call for $350 million in mapping the countries' current broadband infrastructure; $4.3 billion in grants to provide wireless and broadband infrastructure to communities, including public computer centers and sustainable adoption of broadband service; and $2.5 billion Broadband grants to rural communities. These incentives promise significant improvements for businesses located in rural areas in terms of their ability to advance connectivity speeds and compete more effectively on a global scale.
Incentives to INNOVATE in areas of science, research and technology in all sectors of the economy will not only include opportunities for small ventures on the front end, but will likely create new markets in housing, security, education, healthcare and other sectors that spawn new types of businesses and new commerce opportunities over the long term.
RURAL BUSINESSES are also targeted in several ways including $150 million in economic recovery programs aimed at urban industrial core and rural economic recovery programs and another $150 million in guaranteed loans for rural businesses. Both of these incentives offer support for regional economic clusters as a viable economic development strategy.
Lastly, the stimulus package also speaks to improvements in both sources of ENERGY and energy efficiencies. This will lead to both cost savings and improved operational efficiencies for all businesses.

Many of these incentives are particularly suited to businesses that do government contracting. There are also advantages to being certified as a woman or minority disadvantaged business enterprise, or a disabled veteran business enterprise. There is a lot a paperwork involved in becoming a certified government contractor, but the benefits can make it well worth the effort!

Short Term

In the short term and specifically for small business, the economic stimulus package promising some refreshing relief in the form of business funding and tax breaks. For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is slated for $730 million that will be used in a variety of ways to encourage SBA backed loans including:

Reducing loan processing fees
Increasing loan guaranty levels, and
Improving secondary loan markets.

SBA Loan Program Incentives

More specifically,

The SBA is temporarily reducing and, in some cases, eliminating fees associated with SBA loan applications and processing.
The SBA is also increasing the percentage that it guarantees loans from 75 and 85%, up to 90% meaning that the risk to the lender goes down from 15 to 25% to only 10%.
The SBA is making $3 billion worth of loans more attractive in secondary markets. What this means is that when a bank makes an SBA-backed loan to a small business, the bank then sells the loan in a secondary market. By passing loan guarantees through to secondary markets, SBA lending becomes more attractive for all parties involved.

SBA Loan Programs

What all of this means in terms of access to real funding for small business are three things:

A new Small Business Stabilization Loan will be made available where a business can borrow up to $35,000 to make up to 6 months of payments on a prior loan at fully subsidized interest with no payments in the first year and a repayment deadline in five years.
More Micro-Loan monies - $30 million total, will be available. These loans offer up to $35,000 and come with various forms of technical assistance to help the small business succeed and hence, pay back the monies. These loans are made through local nonprofit community organizations.
Repositioning of 504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Program - If the project involves expansion of an existing small business concern, in certain situations any amount of existing indebtedness that does not exceed 50% of the project cost of the expansion may be refinanced and added to the expansion cost.

The caveat on all this however, is that time and money are limited. Between now and September of 2010, borrowers will be given priority over lenders, and small banks will be given priority over large banks. Connect with your local SBA office to learn more.

Tax Incentives

Lastly, but certainly not insignificant are tax incentives in areas of hiring, capital equipment and cancelled debt. For example,

1. If your small business hires a military veteran or someone between the age of 16 and 25 that has been out of school or unemployed for the past six months, you can earn a tax credit of $2,400 per worker

2. Capital Equipment Incentives include Expense Write-Offs and Accelerated Depreciation. For example:

a) Small business capital expenditures, such as vehicles, machinery and computers that do not exceed $800,000 per year, can be expensed up to $250,000 versus $125,000 in '08 and '09, and

b) New capital equipment purchases made and used in 2009 can be half expensed in the same year with the balance depreciated against standard fixed depreciation schedules

3. Operating Losses can be carried back 5 years versus just 2 years, and

4. Any Cancelled Debt in '09 and '10 can be tax deferred with no payments in the first 4 to 5 years, with the balance paid off in years 6 through 10. This means that if you negotiate paying off a $100K loan at $75K, the $25K difference that gets booked as income, does not incur a tax payment obligation until 6 years later.

Each of these accounting issues offer tax incentives where a business can show increased expenses to offset profits, which lowers tax obligations at the federal level, and in some cases, at the state level.

Investor Incentives
A nice final piece of great news is that incentives for investing in small businesses are also part of the recovery package. It used to be that an individual could exclude 50% of capital gains, under certain conditions, on profits from the sale of stock after owning for 5 years. Under the stimulus package, this exclusion is increased to 75% and so those of you who are family members, angel investors or venture capitalists with monies to invest would find it more advantageous to locate promising ventures to put your money into and reap the rewards!

Final Note
While only 20% of the approved $787 billion stimulus package is projected to be spent in 2009, $157 billion is still a lot of money to go around. To make sure that your business takes full advantage of the opportunities ahead, know who your local public business assistance agencies are.

Now more than ever, it is important to work together, leverage scarce resources and work smarter and Buzgate.org offers the connections for making this possible.

To see more articles like this, please check out Buzgate at: http://www.buzgate.org/

Buzgate.org is an award-winning public service initiative created to facilitate awareness, access and use of free small business help offered by America's government and nonprofit small business assistance agencies on a local, regional and national scale.

IRS Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

2009-03-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

Congress has approved and the President has signed new economic recovery legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The IRS is implementing tax-related provisions of this new program as quickly as possible.

Here are some key highlights:

COBRA: Health Insurance Continuation Subsidy. The IRS has extensive guidance for employers, including an updated Form 941, as well as information for qualifying individuals.
First-Time Homebuyer Credit Expands. Homebuyers who purchase in 2009 can get a credit of up to $8,000 with no payback requirement.
Payroll Checks Increase This Spring. The Making Work Pay Tax Credit will mean $400 to $800 for many Americans. The IRS has issued new withholding tables for employers.
$250 for Social Security Recipients, Veterans and Railroad Retirees. The Economic Recovery Payment will be paid by the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Railroad Retirement Board.
Money Back for New Vehicle Purchases. Taxpayers who buy certain new vehicles in 2009 can deduct the state and local sales taxes they paid.

More information on these and other provisions of the recovery program will be available on the IRS website, www.IRS.gov, as it become available.

Following are a few general questions and answers regarding the new recovery package:

Could the new law affect 2008 tax returns?
Generally, no. The new law does not have any major impact for the vast majority of individuals preparing their 2008 tax returns due April 15. Instead, these changes will largely impact 2009 tax returns filed next year, in 2010. Taxpayers should continue to prepare their 2008 tax returns as they normally would.

There are a few limited areas in the law that could impact 2008 tax returns. For some small businesses, changes in the net operating loss provisions could affect 2008 tax returns. And for first-time homebuyers there is an expanded credit available on 2008 tax returns.

Does this new recovery program have any impact on the recovery rebate credit for 2008 tax returns being filed now?
No. But the IRS reminds taxpayers and tax preparers to make sure they properly determine eligibility for the recovery rebate credit before they file their 2008 federal tax returns.

Where are more details on the tax provisions of the recovery law?
The IRS will be providing more details on this web site as they become available. A summary of the key provisions is available from the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees.

National Small Business Week ~ May 17-22, 2009

2009-03-03T22:50:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to announce the next National Small Business Week May 17-22, 2009.

Click here for more detailes: http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/

Great Links to Small Business Resources at the ASBDC Website!

2009-03-03T22:44:00.001-08:00

Check out all the great small business resources listed on the ASBDC website!

http://www.asbdc-us.org/Resources/SmallBusiness.html

09-10 SBA Programs and the American Recovery Act

2009-02-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Release Date: February 18, 2009
Contact: Mike Stamler (202) 205-6919
Release Number: 09-10
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA Applauds Stimulus Bill, Planning Underway For Broadest, Quickest Small Business Impact
WASHINGTON – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains a package of loan fee reductions, higher guarantees, new SBA programs, secondary market incentives, and enhancements to current SBA programs that will help unlock credit markets and begin economic recovery for the nation’s small business sector.

"The tax incentives and credit stimulus elements of the Recovery Act will truly help small business owners affected by the credit crunch, and will provide financing opportunities to help them create new jobs in their communities," said Acting SBA Administrator Darryl K. Hairston.
"There’s a lot to digest in the legislation, and SBA has established teams to tackle a wide variety of policy decisions, system modifications, regulatory changes, legal requirements, and new program launches authorized by the President and Congress," said Hairston.

The bill provides $730 million to SBA and makes changes to the agency’s lending and investment programs so that they can reach more small businesses that need help. The funding includes:

$375 million for temporary fee reductions or eliminations on SBA loans and increased SBA guaranteed shares, up to 90 percent for certain loans
$255 million for a new loan program to help small businesses meet existing debt payments
$30 million for expanding SBA’s Microloan program, enough to finance up to $50 million in new lending and $24 million in technical assistance grants to microlenders
$20 million for technology systems to streamline SBA’s lending and oversight processes
$15 million for expanding SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee program
$25 million for staffing up to meet demands for new programs
$10 million for the Office of Inspector General.

The bill also authorizes refinancing for certain SBA loans so borrowers can expand their businesses on favorable terms, and expands leverage capability for Small Business Investment Companies.

"We are going to be part of the solution, and this bill gives us specific tools to make it easier and less expensive for small businesses to get loans, give lenders new incentives to make more loans, and help restore healthy SBA secondary markets to boost liquidity," Hairston said, noting also that more details on implementation will be coming over the next few weeks.

The stimulus bill takes a comprehensive approach and attacks several problems facing small businesses at once by reducing fees, guaranteeing a greater share of certain loans, expanding capacity in the Microloan program, providing new loans to help small businesses keep their doors open through economic hardship, as well as new mechanisms to help unfreeze the secondary markets for SBA-backed loans.

Declines in SBA lending volume last year, which are continuing in FY 2009, reflect problems in the broader credit markets, and present hurdles to small businesses that are seeking credit in the current economy. The financial crisis has created a variety of conditions that impact small businesses, including a lack of liquidity in the banking system, a reluctance of many lenders to extend new loans, tightened credit standards, weaker finances at small businesses, and uncertainty about taking on new debt on the part of many entrepreneurs.

The Recovery Act addresses small businesses’ lending problems, and addresses key investment and contracting issues. The bill helps Small Business Investment Companies better leverage investment capital to reach more small companies. The bill also increases the current contract limit for SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee program, which will help small businesses compete for contracts.

90 Percent Guarantee
The bill allows SBA to raise its loan guarantee from the current levels to as much as 90 percent for some loans. At present, SBA can guarantee loans up to 85 percent on loans up to $150,000, and up to 75 percent on loans greater than $150,000. The 50 percent guarantee on SBA Express loans would remain unchanged. Increasing the SBA guarantee percentage will encourage lenders to extend more capital to small businesses by increasing the share covered by an SBA guarantee.

Business Stabilization Loans
The bill creates a new SBA loan program to provide deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 to viable small businesses that need the money to make payments on an existing, qualifying loan for up to six months. These loans will be 100 percent guaranteed by SBA. Repayment would not have to begin until 12 months after the loan is fully disbursed. The bill provides $255 million for this new program. These loans will help ensure that small businesses have time to re-focus their business plans in order to succeed in the long run.

Microloans
The bill expands SBA’s Microloan program, which provides small loans (up to
$35,000) paired with technical assistance to start-up, newly established or growing small businesses. The bill provides funding to increase loans from SBA to participating Microlenders by $50 million through September 30, 2010, and adds $24 million in grants to provide technical assistance to borrowers.

Historically, these loans reach low-income individuals, women and minorities in both rural and urban areas. Expanding this program through the stimulus bill will help ensure these entrepreneurs are not left behind in the credit crunch.

Refinancing
The bill also gives SBA the power to use the 504 Certified Development Company program to refinance existing loans for fixed assets, providing fresh support for small business expansion. This change will help business owners expand their current development projects and create jobs in their communities.

Secondary Market Expansion
The bill authorizes SBA to establish a secondary market for pools of "first lien" loans under the 504 program. These "first lien" loans from commercial lenders currently have no SBA guarantee. The bill authorizes SBA to deploy federal guarantees for pools of these first lien loans, so that they can be sold to investors in a secondary market. Providing liquidity for these first mortgages will help encourage lenders to continue participating in SBA’s 504 loan program, which provides a key source of capital for community development and other projects.
The bill also empowers SBA to set up a Secondary Market Lending Authority that would make direct loans to broker-dealers that participate in the secondary market for SBA-guaranteed 7(a) loans. These broker-dealers would use the funds to purchase SBA-backed loans from commercial lenders, assemble them into pools and sell them to investors in the secondary loan market. This program may help address some of the issues facing the secondary market for SBA loans and may ultimately help SBA lenders make new loans to borrowers.

Investment Program
The bill helps SBA-licensed Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) and families of SBIC funds better leverage the capital they use to invest in small businesses. The bill sets maximum levels of funding the agency can provide to these companies at up to three times the private capital raised by those companies, or $150 million, whichever is less. It also raises the percentage any one SBIC can invest in a single small business to 10 percent of total capital, and raises from 20 percent to 25 percent the percentage of any licensee’s dollar investments that must be made in "smaller" businesses.

Surety Bonds
The bill also raises the maximum contract amount that can be covered by an SBA guaranteed surety bond from $2 million to $5 million, and, under certain circumstances, for contracts amounting to $10 million, and provides additional funds to cover the costs of expanding this program. Small businesses need surety bonds in order to bid on and obtain many federal and other contracts.

SBA guarantees surety bonds to small businesses that private surety companies would not otherwise be able to extend.

The Small Business Economy: A Report to the President 2008

2009-02-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

The 2008 edition of The Small Business Economy documents the small business role in the economy of 2007 and includes chapters focusing on financing, procurement, international trade, small business training and development, tax policy, business creation, and regulation.

A copy of the report is located at:
http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/sb_econ2008.pdf and the research summary can be found at: http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs340.pdf.

Should you need further information, please feel free to contact advocacy@sba.gov.

Exports are a Bright Spot in Economic Downturn

2009-02-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

Exports are a Bright Spot in Economic Downturn
Report Documents Small Firms’ Role in Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A better market for U.S. exports was the highlight of the fading economy of 2007, according to The Small Business Economy http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/sb_econ2008.pdf) report released today by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Small businesses, like other firms, faced growing challenges, as housing starts fell and energy prices increased. A year that showed strong growth in the second and third quarters ended with fourth quarter growth down an annualized 0.2 percent. The economy still generated 1.1 million net new jobs, largely in the service sectors populated in large part by small firms. Small firms continued to lead job growth in the first quarter, creating 74 percent of the net new jobs; by the fourth quarter, firms of all sizes were shedding jobs. Many of these trends continued into 2008.

"The export market was a highlight of the 2007 economy, driven by a drop in the dollar’s value against other currencies," said Advocacy Chief Economist Chad Moutray. "This report reviews changes in the economy of 2007 and also showcases new research by economists on the small business role in the economy, including exporting."

Moutray released the report at the Small Business Congress of the National Small Business Association in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 2008 edition of The Small Business Economy: A Report to the President, is the latest in the Office of Advocacy’s annual research reports.

The report reviews the economic environment for small businesses in the year 2007, including the financial and federal procurement marketplaces. New research focuses on small businesses in international trade, small business training and development, tax policy, and business creation, including startup activities and the launch of new ventures. Other chapters and appendices provide data on small business and an update on Office of Advocacy initiatives.

The Office of Advocacy, the "small business watchdog" of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats, and it funds research into small business issues.

For more information and a complete copy of the report, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo. Print copies are also available upon request to the Office of Advocacy (202) 205-6533.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

To sign up for Advocacy updates via RSS feed, visit http://feeds.feedburner.com/sba/rAIO

In order to receive e-mail notices of Advocacy's press releases, monthly newsletter, small business research, statistics, and regulatory news visit http://web.sba.gov/list.

For Release: February 12, 2009
Contact: Kathryn Tobias, (202) 205-6938
kathryn.tobias@sba.gov
SBA Number: 09-05 ADVO

Inaugural Small Business Development Day!

2009-02-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

The City of Fresno and its Organizing Partners are hosting the Inaugural Small Business Development Day. This event will provide business owners with free workshops, training, and technical assistance they need to grow and succeed in today's economy.

Fresno Exhibit Hall - 848 M Street - Fresno, CA 93724
March 5, 2009 8:00 am ~ 5:00 pm

This workshop is FREE to anyone and everyone who wishes to learn or obtain valuable information regarding starting or growing their business.

Click here for the Small Business Development Day registration form

Click here to register for the Small Business Development Day online

Workshop Program
Click here for the Small Business Development Day Workshop Schedule

Sponsorship Package
Sponsorship of this event will demonstrate your organization's support of local economic growth and small businesses.

Click for more on Sponsorship and available levels. Registration for Vender Booth

Small businesses & entrepreneurs can attend workshops and seminars, and receive the information they need to grow. Business to Business Networking booths are available for $350. Non-profit agency exhibit booths are available for $100 with a maximum of two agencies sharing the booth, and providing coverage at all times. Click for more information and sign-up sheet

Event Organizing Committee:
City of Fresno Economic Development Department ~ VSBDC ~SBA ~ HUD ~ Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ~ CalTrans ~ Asian Business Institute and Resource Center ~ SBDC ~ Fresno County Library

Sign-up to receive the UC Merced SBDC newsletter!!!

2009-02-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

Our new and improved newsletter features upcoming events, small business resources, SBDCs in the news, small business success stories, and more!

To sign-up, click on the link below and enter your email address.

Send me the UC Merced SBDC Newsletter!

Check out UC Merced SBDC's Community Pages (Facebook, Blogspot, Twitter, MySpace, and LinkedIn!) We're all over!!!

2009-02-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the UC Merced SBDC's Community pages.

Our Blog @ Blogspot.com Read up on the goings on at the California SBDC, UC Merced Regional Network

Our Facebook Page Make connections, meet people and get tips at our Facebook page

Our Twitter Page What are we doing? Find out, at our twitter page.

Our MySpace Page Connect with us, get the latest news and info at our MySpace page.

Our LinkedIn Profile Link with us at LinkedIn.

SBA Offers New Online Resources for Small Businesses to Help with Economic Recovery

2009-01-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

SBA Offers New Online Resources for Small Businesses to Help with Economic Recovery

WASHINGTON – Entrepreneurs can take advantage of new, free online training and other resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist them during this period of economic recovery.

The SBA offers a variety of online courses to assist small businesses in more effectively managing their firms in the current economy. The new course topics, available directly at www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses, include revising business plans to reposition with current conditions, winning customers in a slowing economy, restructuring existing debt, and diversifying your customer base with federal contracts.

The most recently added course is "Downshifting in a Slowing Economy: A Business Planning Guide." This course is designed to help business owners reorganize and streamline their business strategies. Other related business tools include a new automated business plan template, and an assessment and strategies guide for surviving in a slowing economy.

"The SBA is helping small businesses with the resources and tools they need in the current business cycle," said Jeff Andrade, Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development. "In addition, SBA offers a variety of resources and referrals to small businesses uncertain about what to do in the current economy on its Web page on Economic Recovery at www.sba.gov/helpingmainstreet."

Each free course is self-paced, and provides practical guidance on how to stay on top of economic conditions. These and other courses can be accessed from the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/training. To access them, click on "Free Online Courses," then make a selection under the header "Surviving in a Down Economy."

The SBA can also help to find local agency offices and lenders. Business owners can: talk with an SBA representative about financing options and identify local, participating SBA lenders; learn about SBA’s Loan Guaranty Program using an electronic guide with audio and many targeted links; and train with expert counseling and mentoring services by talking with an SBA representative or resource partner about management assistance.

Small Business Gains When The Regulatory Flexibility Act Is Followed

2009-01-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

For Release: January 29, 2009

Small Business Gains When The Regulatory Flexibility Act Is Followed

Oversight Of RFA Saves Small Business $10.7 Billion in FY 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration saved American small businesses $10.7 billion in foregone regulatory costs in fiscal year 2008, by helping federal agencies comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The RFA requires agencies to analyze the economic impact of proposed regulations on small entities and consider less burdensome alternatives that still reach the agencies’ regulatory goals.

"Small businesses gain when their voice is heard during the regulatory process," said Shawne McGibbon, Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "When small business is involved in regulatory decision making, more effective and efficient regulations are the result. The Office of Advocacy is proud to bring small businesses’ concerns to the attention of regulators in Washington, and we are especially proud of the $10.7 billion in savings that resulted from our efforts."

Report on the Regulatory Flexibility Act, FY 2008(http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/flex/08regflx.pdf) outlines federal agency compliance with the RFA, describes agency adherence to Executive Order 13272 that strengthens the RFA, and documents the results of Advocacy’s Regulatory Review and Reform (r3) and Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Model Legislation initiatives.

Other highlights of Advocacy’s efforts include:
* Submitting 33 public comment letters to federal agencies on regulatory proposals,
* Convening 28 roundtables to solicit opinions and concerns of small business stakeholders,
* Delivering the 2008 r3 Top 10 Rules for Review and Reform to agencies for their action, and
* Working with stakeholders in five states to pass regulatory flexibility legislation.

The Office of Advocacy, the "small business watchdog" of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats, and it funds research into small business issues.

For more information and a complete copy of Report on the Regulatory Flexibility Act, FY 2008, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

** In order to receive e-mail notices of Advocacy's press releases, monthly newsletter, small business research, statistics, and regulatory news visit http://web.sba.gov/list. **

Report on the Regulatory Flexbility Act, Fiscal Year 2008

2009-01-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

Released: January 29, 2009

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration reports that it saved American small businesses $10.7 billion in foregone regulatory costs in fiscal year 2008. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires federal agencies to analyze the economic impact of proposed regulations on small entities and consider less burdensome alternatives that still reach the agencies’ regulatory goals. Advocacy works to ensure compliance with the RFA through trainings, roundtables, comment letters, and congressional testimony.

Advocacy's efforts and achievments are outlined in its Report on the Regulatory Flexbility Act, Fiscal Year 2008, found at http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/flex/08regflx.html . A Research Summary can be found at http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/flex/08regflx_rs.pdf.

If you have any questions regarding Advocacy’s report, please do not hesitate to contact Jamie Saloom at 202-205-6533.

For more information about the Office of Advocacy, please visit our website at http://www.sba.gov/advo/ or telephone 202-205-6533.

To sign up for Advocacy updates via RSS feed, visit http://feeds.feedburner.com/sba/rAIO

Visit Advocacy's Regulatory Alerts page to learn about and comment on proposed federal rules that may affect small business: http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/law_regalerts.html.

In order to receive e-mail notices of Advocacy's news releases, monthly newsletter, small business research, statistics, and regulatory communications visit http://web.sba.gov/list.

Check out the online Resource Library from the Central California SBDC

2009-01-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

Check out the online Resource Library from the Central California SBDC:

A checklist of things you should consider when starting a business

Information on creating a Business Plan

Information on new technology that may be useful to your business

Helpful resources

Guidance on starting a franchise

See how the CCSBDC can provide you with financing assistance

Important information about law and taxation

Frequently Asked Questions about starting a business

Information on what kind of Business License you need

Information on how to find financing and funding

Check out the online Resource Library from the Alliance SBDC

2009-01-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

Check out the online Resource Library from the Alliance SBDC

All publications available through the SBDC with the exception of any relating to government procurement have been developed with support from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

How to start a Small Business , an on-line book on all aspects of small business development and links to hundreds of business related sites. An excellent resource for a businessman. This is also available in Spanish.

Business Planning:
Business Plan Overview
Business Plan Development Check List
Business Plan Development Worksheet
Purpose of Planning
Why write a Business Plan

Business Startup:
Business Start Up Guide - Generic
Business Start Up Guide
Going into Business Checklist

Financing and Grants:
Grant Article
How Much Money Do I need to Start My Business
How to Finance Your Business
Lender Comparison Table
Personal Financial Statement

Human Resources:
American's with Disability Act Primer
Employment Interview Questions

Marketing:
Marketing Plan Worksheet

Patents, Trade Marks and Copy Rights:
What is a Copy Right?

Small Business and Minority Business Certification:
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification
SBA 8(a) and SDB Certification
Small Business Certification Program

100's of Small Business Resources Online

2009-01-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

America's Small Business Development Center Network's website is full of small business resources. Click on the links below to access hundreds of great resources.

Small Business Digest: Brief, practical articles on small business topics, written by small business experts Rhonda Abrams and Andrew Sherman

For Small Business: Websites that offer information, services and/or products for small business

For SBDC Counselors: Information, services and/or products for SBDC counselors

For Veterans: Business resources for veterans of America's Armed Forces

Disaster Assistance: Information for small businesses to help prepare for and recover from disasters

Federal Government: Federal Government websites with information for small business

Commercial/Organization Sites: Organizations that offer useful information, services and/or products for small business.

State Legislative: State legislative information

Learning Center: Educational information for small buisnesses

Offsite Links: Miscellaneous links to websites for small business

ASBDC: http://www.asbdc-us.org/index.html

Small Business Digest from the ASBDC

2009-01-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

This week on the Small Business Digest:

http://www.asbdc-us.org/Resources/SmallBusinessDigest.html

IRS Workshops in California

2009-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

Small business workshops are designed to help the small business owner understand and fulfill their Federal Tax responsibilities. Workshops are sponsored and presented by IRS partners who are Federal Tax specialists. Workshop topics vary from a general overview of taxes to more specific topics such as recordkeeping and retirement plans. Although most are free, some workshops have fees associated with them. Any fees charged for a workshop are paid to the sponsoring organization, not the IRS.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99033,00.html

In addition to state workshops, please visit the SB/SE Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop page for a streaming video of an IRS Small Business Workshop, which provides more detailed instructional lessons.

Please visit the Small Business Video and Audio page for short presentations focused on specific topics that are important to small businesses.

If you live near a state line, please look for workshops in nearby cities of the bordering state.

*All items listed above come directly from the IRS website: www.irs.gov

IRS - Small Business Filing Central

2009-01-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

Small Business Filing Season Central is your one-stop assistance center for filing your business returns. Get everything you need on the IRS Small Business and Self-Employmed "Filing Season Central" website! http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=134947,00.html

What's Hot In Tax Forms, Publications, and Other Tax Products
Highlights of Recent Tax Changes
Where to File
Tax Fraud Scams
Tax Changes for Businesses

Small Business/Self-Employed Topics
A-Z Index for Business
Small Business Events
Stakeholder Headliners
Small Business Videos
Partners & Stakeholders
Employment Taxes
State Links
Subscribe to e-News
More Topics . .

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Assistant for IndividualsCould you be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax? Find out by using this simple program.

Business ExpensesBusiness expenses are the cost of carrying on a trade or business. These expenses are usually deductible if the business is operated to make a profit.

e-fileIRS e-file is the safest and most accurate way to file. You get your refund in half the time (even faster with Direct Deposit!) You can file now and pay later. E-file is free for millions of taxpayers.

EFTPS - A Secure Way to Pay All Your Federal TaxesEFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System ) is a tax payment system provided free by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Pay Federal taxes electronically – online or by phone.

Filing and Paying Your Business TaxesInformation about which form you may be required to file, where to send your return, and how to pay your business taxes

Publication 553, Highlights of Tax ChangesThis publication highlights tax law changes that take effect in 2007, 2008, and later years. The chapters are divided into sections based on when the changes take effect.

Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRA) This publication discusses individual retirement arrangements (IRAs). An IRA is a personal savings plan that gives you tax advantages for setting aside money for retirement.

Tax Tips for 2009Tax Tips offer concise, easy-to-understand information about a wide range of topics.

The Electronic IRS: File, Pay....and MoreWithin IRS.gov, you can accomplish many things electronically through one single source. The Electronic IRS is a gateway to the many IRS electronic options available.

W-2 Online W-2 Online is a service of Social Security that lets you create, save, print, and submit up to 20 Forms W-2 per W-3 per session on the Internet with no limit on the number of sessions. You may enter State and local data in W-2 Online so that this information is included on Forms W-2 that you can print and distribute to employees.

2008 Small Business Profiles Released!

2009-01-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

The latest edition of the Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories is now available. This new edition improves on previous years by providing more information in an easier-to-use format.

A copy of the state profiles can be found at http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles/.
The profiles contain great detail about small businesses at the state level.
They cover the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States, and also provide limited data on the U.S. territories. The profiles show that small businesses are a significant part of every state economy, and they are important employers in every state. Small businesses employ 44% of the workforce in Florida (the low end of the range), and they employ 69.8% of Montana’s workforce (the high end).

California's 3.4 million small businesses provide economic opportunities to diverse groups of people and bring innovative products and services to the marketplace.* This profile from the Office of Advocacy compiles the latest facts and figures on the status and role of small business in the state. Click here to read more about California's Small Business Profile: http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles/08ca.pdf

Find Your Local Small Business Development Center Here!!!

2009-01-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Click here to locate the Small Business Development (SBDC) Center near you!

SBA Offers New Online Resources for Small Businesses to Help with Economic Recovery

2009-01-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

Release Date: January 16, 2009
Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059
Release Number: 09-05 FRESNO
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA Offers New Online Resources for Small Businesses to
Help with Economic Recovery

WASHINGTON – Entrepreneurs can take advantage of new, free online training and other resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist them during this period of economic recovery.

The SBA offers a variety of online courses to assist small businesses in more effectively managing their firms in the current economy. The new course topics, available directly at www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses, include revising business plans to reposition with current conditions, winning customers in a slowing economy, restructuring existing debt, and diversifying your customer base with federal contracts.

The most recently added course is “Downshifting in a Slowing Economy: A Business Planning Guide.” This course is designed to help business owners reorganize and streamline their business strategies. Other related business tools include a new automated business plan template, and an assessment and strategies guide for surviving in a slowing economy.

“The SBA is helping small businesses with the resources and tools they need in the current business cycle,” said Jeff Andrade, Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development. “In addition, SBA offers a variety of resources and referrals to small businesses uncertain about what to do in the current economy on its Web page on Economic Recovery at www.sba.gov/helpingmainstreet.”

Each free course is self-paced, and provides practical guidance on how to stay on top of economic conditions. These and other courses can be accessed from the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/training. To access them, click on “Free Online Courses,” then make a selection under the header “Surviving in a Down Economy.”

The SBA can also help to find local agency offices and lenders. Business owners can: talk with an SBA representative about financing options and identify local, participating SBA lenders; learn about SBA’s Loan Guaranty Program using an electronic guide with audio and many targeted links; and train with expert counseling and mentoring services by talking with an SBA representative or resource partner about management assistance.

# # #

National Small Business Week 2009

2009-01-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

Release Date: January 16, 2009
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news
National Small Business Week 2009
Save the Date
May 17-19, 2009

SBA to Mark 56th Year with Issue Forums, Receptions, And the Naming of National Small Business Person of the Year

WASHINGTON – The nation’s top entrepreneurs will be hailed at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week events May 17-19, in Washington, D.C., marking the 56th anniversary of the agency, and the 46th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week.

More than 100 small business owners from across the country will gather for three days of events at the city’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel to be honored for their accomplishments as the nation’s leading small businesses. The highlight of events will be the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year.

Men and women also will be recognized their involvement in disaster recovery, government contracting, and their support for small businesses. Awards also will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center and Women’s Business Center of the year.

Small Business Week award winners will meet with top agency officials, congressional representatives and national business leaders. The State Small Business Award Winners and recipients of the Champion and other Entrepreneurial awards are nominated by local trade associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations and government agencies.
Media outlets are encouraged to cover National Small Business Week events, and can register online. Additional information on the Small Business Week 2008 events is available at www.sba.gov/sbw.

SBA media contacts for National Small Business Week are Dennis Byrne (202/205-6567, dennis.byrne@sba.gov) and Cecelia Taylor (202/401-3059, cecelia.taylor@sba.gov).

Where to Obtain a Business License in California

2009-01-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

To assist you in finding the appropriate permitting information for your business, the CalGOLD database provides links and contact information that direct you to agencies that administer and issue business permits, licenses and registration requirements from all levels of government.

Click here for more information: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/

Small Business Resources in the Federal Government

2009-01-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

Click here for a great list of the federal government's small business resources:

http://www.asbdc-us.org/Resources/FederalGov.html

More Small Business Resources!

2009-01-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

Click here to view an excellent list of small business resources online:

http://www.asbdc-us.org/Resources/SmallBusiness.html

Small Business Digest - Ready to Grow Through Franchising? by Andrew J. Sherman

2009-01-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

Over the last five decades, franchising has emerged as a leading intellectual properly leveraging strategy for a variety of product and service companies at various stages of development. Recent International Franchise Association (“IFA”) statistics demonstrate that retail sales from franchised outlets comprise nearly 50 percent of all retail sales in the United States, estimated at over nearly one trillion dollars and employing over ten million people in 2002. Notwithstanding these impressive figures, franchising as a method of marketing and distributing products and services is really only appropriate for certain kinds of companies. Despite the favorable media attention that franchising has received over the past few years as a method of business growth, it is not for everyone. There are a host of legal and business prerequisites that must be satisfied before any company can seriously consider franchising as an alternative for rapid expansion.

Continue to read at the ASBDC website: http://www.asbdc-us.org/Resources/SmallBusDigArticle-Franchising.html

Small Business Digest - Spend or Save? Where to Spend Money by Rhonda Abrams

2009-01-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

How are you going to spend your company’s money in 2009? With such a dismal US economy, we all naturally want to hold on to every dollar we can. On the other hand, a bad economy means real opportunities for those businesses that have the smarts and the courage to take advantage of it.

Read more on the ASBDC website: http://www.asbdc-us.org/Resources/SmallBusDigArticle-SpendOrSave.html

QuickBooks Blog!

2009-01-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

The Intuit Community Blog
Intuit's Community team shares their views about Small Business, and Intuit's products and Services. Check it out!!

http://quickbooks.blogs.com/

Intuit is Offering Free QuickBooks Webinars

2009-01-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

Intuit is offering free webinars to help you get the most out of QuickBooks AND your business.

Click here to learn more! http://community.intuit.com/quickbooks/library/watch_listen_learn/webinar_signup

SBA Advocacy Update: Firm Size Data

2009-01-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

U.S. Census Bureau employment size of firm data (partially funded by the Office of Advocacy) has been updated for 2006. The data list the number of firms, establishments, employment and payroll by firm size for states and Metropolitan Areas by industry. Data go back to data year 1988, making historical trend analysis possible.

The number of employer firms topped 6 million for the first time in 2006, reaching 6.02 million. The growth in the number of employers has been pretty steady, with declines only occurring from 1990 to 1991 and annual gains over 100,000 only occurring twice in the last twenty years. Small firms (fewer than 500 employees) represent the bulk of the private sector firms, 99.7 percent and 50 percent of the employment.

Data on firm turnover (starts and stops) and job churn will be available for
2005 to 2006 at a later date.

See http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/data.html for data.
Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Brian Headd at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.

Office of the National Ombudsman Is Available to Assist America’s Small Businesses with Federal Regulatory Enforcement Actions

2009-01-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Release Date: Jan. 12, 2009
Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987
Release Number: 09-01
Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news

Office of the National Ombudsman Is Available to Assist America’s Small Businesses with Federal Regulatory Enforcement Actions

WASHINGTON – When America’s small businesses face unfair or excessive federal regulatory enforcement actions, the Office of the National Ombudsman at the U.S. Small Business Administration is available to ensure fairness in the enforcement process.

Created by Congress through the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, the Office of the National Ombudsman’s primary function is to work with small businesses and federal agencies to ensure that regulatory or compliance actions are handled and enforced fairly by all federal agencies.

The National Ombudsman is empowered to receive, substantiate, and report to Congress complaints and comments from small business owners regarding regulatory enforcement actions taken against small businesses by federal agencies.

"The National Ombudsman helps small businesses navigate the seas of federal regulatory enforcement. With a strengthening regulatory paradigm, it is essential that regulatory enforcement be effective, and not excessive,"

National Ombudsman and Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Nicholas N. Owens said. "The National Ombudsman’s focus will continue to enhance transparency for small businesses served, and strengthen the relationship between the small business community and the government."

It is the primary mission of the Office of the National Ombudsman to assist small businesses when they experience excessive or unfair federal regulatory enforcement actions, such as repetitive audits or investigations, excessive fines, penalties, threats, retaliation or other unfair enforcement action by a federal agency.

Also, the National Ombudsman’s office works with 10 regional fairness boards whose membership is comprised of 50 small business owners from across the country. The ONO works closely with more than 35 federal regulatory agencies to resolve complaints about excessive enforcement of federal regulations brought to the attention of the National Ombudsman during hearings and roundtables held in cities nationwide.

Additional information about the Office of the National Ombudsman is available at www.sba.gov/ombudsman.

Live Chat - SBA Helps Small Businesses with Economic Recovery

2009-01-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

Release Date: January 8, 2009
Contact: Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059
Advisory Number: MA09-01
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

SBA Helps Small Businesses with Economic Recovery

SBA’s Live Web Chat with Eric Zarnikow, Associate Administrator for Capital Access, Will answer economic recovery questions, Thursday, January 15, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Web Chat series starts the new year with a focus on small businesses and the credit crunch.

SBA Associate Administrator for Capital Access Eric Zarnikow will help small business owners and entrepreneurs get answers to their questions about credit and borrowing and other resources to help them access credit. SBA offers a variety of resources and referrals to small businesses uncertain about what to do in the current economy on its Web page on Economic Recovery at http://www.sba.gov/helpingmainstreet/index.html.

SBA also offers free online training courses on "Surviving in a Down Economy"
and "Strategic Marketing: How to Win Customers in a Slowing Economy,"
and "Retool & Reposition your company - How to Prepare a Business Plan."

These courses are available at
http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html
WHO: Eric Zarnikow, Associate Administrator for the Office of Capital Access at the U.S. Small Business Administration will host the SBA’s January Web chat on the topic "How Small Businesses can Deal with the Credit Crunch."

Participants can chat online and ask questions about real-world strategies to employ during economic downturns, and how they can sustain themselves through the credit crunch.

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

WHEN: January 15, 2009, 1 p.m. ET
Zarnikow will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to www.sba.gov, and clicking "Online Business Chat." Web chat participants may post questions for Zarnikow before the January 15th chat by visiting http://app1.sba.gov/livemeeting/jan09/index.cfm, and posting their questions online.

SBDC Request for Proposals

2009-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

*PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT*

The University of California Merced Small Business Development Center (UC Merced SBDC) requests for proposals (RFP) for the following regions: Kern County Region; Salinas Valley Region; and, San Luis Obispo County Region. The purpose of the RFP is to solicit proposals for the selection of a contractor to operate a Small Business Development Center in the areas listed.
The mission of the SBDC is to provide quality management and technical assistance for existing and potential small businesses resulting in success for the entrepreneur and sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all Central Californians.

The benefits for serving as a SBDC include the following:

Direct and measureable economic impact in the local community
Visibility for the organization within the community and region
Opportunity to provide outreach from the organization to small business in the service area
Increased partnership opportunities between the organization, other academic institutions, and economic development organizations in the state and service area
Opportunity to strengthen learning opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs
Funding from federal sources

Private nonprofit corporations, public institutions and local governments, including institutions of higher education, are eligible and encouraged to submit a proposal. A copy of the RFP will be released shortly and can be accessed by downloading the document at http://sbdc.ucmerced.edu.

For additional information, please contact Diane Howerton, Regional SBDC Director, dhowerton@ucmerced.edu; 559.241.6590.

IRS Small Business Resources

2008-12-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Check out the IRS website for great small business resources!

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html

Advocacy Recommends that CBP/Treasury Assess Costs and Impact of Uniform Rules of Origin for Imported Merchandise

2008-12-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

On December 1, 2008, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) submitted comments on the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of the Treasury's Proposed Uniform Rules of Origin for Importer Merchandise Rule. The proposed rule would amend CBP’s regulations by establishing uniform rules governing determinations of the country of origin (COO) of imported merchandise and amend the COO rules for certain products to reflect various international agreements.

A copy of Advocacy's letter may be found at http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/comments/cbp08_1201.html and a fact sheet summarizing

Advocacy's letter can be found at http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/comments/factscbp08_1201.pdf.

If you have any questions regarding Advocacy's position on this issue, please do not hesitate to contact Bruce Lundegren at 202-205-6533.

For more information about the Office of Advocacy, please visit the SBA website at http://www.sba.gov/advo/ or telephone 202-205-6533.

** To sign up for Advocacy updates via RSS feed, visit http://feeds.feedburner.com/sba/rAIO **

** Visit Advocacy's Regulatory Alerts page to learn about and comment on proposed federal rules that may affect small business: http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/law_regalerts.html. **

Economic Impact Results - Summary of Chrisman Study

2008-11-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

2006-2007 Chrisman Study
Study was based on clients that received 5+ hours of counseling during 2006-2007

156 firms surveyed; 92 established firms and 54 preventure firms
35.3% response rate to the mailed survey
91% of respondents said that services received were beneficial
94% of the responding established businesses indicated they would recommend the SBDC services to others
Long-term counseling clients (5+ hours) generated an estimated return of $5.23 for every tax dollar invested by the SBDC assisting those clients
SBDC clients’ sales grew faster 3.3 times faster
Small businesses that received in-depth SBDC assistance experienced sales growth of 12.4% in 2006-07, compared to 3.8% for California businesses in general.
SBDC clients created 8 times more jobs
Small businesses that received in-depth SBDC assistance in 2006-07 experienced over 8.6 times the job growth of average California businesses (9.1% compared to 1.1% for California businesses in general)

California-Merced SBDC makes an important contribution to the economic development of the State of California!

Estimates indicate that our SBDC clients added $7.2 million in incremental sales and 132 new jobs to the state. Furthermore, an additional $17.3 million in sales and 468 jobs were saved because of the UC Merced’s SBDC contribution.

America's Small Business Development Center Network

2008-11-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

America's Small Business Development Center Network is the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories. The mission of the network is to help new entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership, and to assist existing businesses to remain competitive in the complex marketplace of an ever-changing global economy.

In short, your success is our business.Hosted by leading universities, colleges, and state economic development agencies, and funded in part through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, approximately 1,000 service centers are available to provide no-cost consulting and low-cost training.

For more information and links to small business resources, check out the ASBDC website at: http://www.asbdc-us.org/

Small Business Resources - Kauffman Foundation

2008-11-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.entrepreneurship.org/

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) have formed a new public-private partnership focused on leveraging best practices in entrepreneurial leadership to advance economic growth around the world.The goal of this partnership is to assist all nations in developing the environment to allow entrepreneurs to organize and operate a business venture, create wealth, and employ people.

Small Business Resources - James J. Hill Reference Library

2008-11-25T15:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.jjhill.org/

The James J. Hill Reference Library is a private non-profit business reference library, located in Saint Paul, MN. Since 1921, the Hill Library has housed a world-class collection of practical business information resources and is considered one of the most comprehensive business libraries in the country. It was founded by one of the nation's true business pioneers, James J. Hill, in order to provide others with relevant and credible information.

Small Business Resources - SBDCNet

2008-11-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

http://sbdcnet.org/

The mission of the Small Business Development Center National Information Clearinghouse (SBDCNet) is to meet the information needs of the SBDC community in the United States and its territories. SBDCNET serves as a resource providing timely, relevant research, web-based information, and training to SBDC counselors and their small business clients.

The goals of SBDCNet are to:

Support the SBDC Counselor with research and relevant analyses.

Empower the entrepreneur with business information.

Educate through on-site training and distance learning.

Facilitate the exchange of SBDC best practices and program ideas.

Strategies In An Economic Downturn Brochure

2008-11-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

To view the Strategies In An Economic Downturn brochure, click the link below and select the size you would like to view.

https://ucmshare.ucmerced.edu/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-36263

Online Marketing Resources

2008-11-22T18:21:00.001-08:00

For online marketing resources, check out SBDCNet:

http://sbdcnet.org/SBIC/marketing.php

Online Finance Resources

2008-11-22T18:18:00.000-08:00

For online finance resources, check out SBDCNet:

http://sbdcnet.org/SBIC/finance.php