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Reminder
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The deadline to
respond to the
Fall 2009 RFP
for new
contractors is
October 2 at 5pm.
www.northcoastsbdc.
org/news has
complete details.
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Hello,
The North Coast SBDC has a few new items of interest this month. Upcoming programs, workshops, and opportunities abound!
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Grants & Programs
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Complementary Healthcare Flight
This is a business development program for entrepreneurs engaged in a business which contributes to the
health and well-being of their clientele. For example, body work
professionals, yoga instructors, personal trainers, nutritionists,
chiropractors, as well as other licensed professionals would all be
welcome in this flight.
Join us for an informational meeting on October 15 from 5:30-6:30 pm at our office, 520 E
Street, Eureka.
Application deadline is October 30.
Program starts in November.
This flight provides information and resources to help you manage
and grow your business as well as enhance your comfort level in
marketing yourself. Participants will engage in workshops, counseling,
business planning, and networking. Upon completion qualified
participants will have the opportunity to create radio advertising or
other marketing collateral such as signage, for free.
For more information please contact Tazsa Hartwell at 707-445-9612 or hartwell@northcoastsbdc.org
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Workshops
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The 2009 Online Marketing Boot CampCrescent City October 21 8:30 am - 1:00 pm  Learn how to use online marketing, including e-mails, web sites, and search engine optimization. Cost: $34* before October 4 $39* pre-registration *plus a minimal booking fee $49 at the door (cash or check only) To register go to http://ccbootcamp.eventbrite.com/
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| News |
The North Coast SBDC can provide assistance to businesses with 5-50
employees who would like to expand marketing to outside of Humboldt
County or who would like to build their workforce by hiring employees. Interested businesses should contact Michael Kraft at 707-445-1163 or kraft@northcoastsbdc.org
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| People |
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The Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) held their annual conference in September.
Michael Kraft, Executive Director, Janet DePace, Lead Business Advisor, and Colleen Trask, Controller, attended the week-long conference.
A few interesting developments in the Small Business Development Center world are:
- Biz
Equity...this company uses a web-based valuation model to provide owners, buyers
and sellers a close approximate value of the business. Professional
evaluations, while worthwhile, are simply not affordable for many small
businesses. The guys come within a few percentage points of the value of a
professional evaluation for just a few dollars.
- SBDCNet...this is an established SBDC
service which provides access to lots of secondary research: market sizing,
demographics, patent searches, etc. What Michael learned is that some of the
secondary research can be finely customized. For example, if someone wanted to
look into opening a scrapbooking store in McKinleyville, they could order a
"ring study" that would show how nearby competitors are, and also where somewhat
related stores (say, office supplies) were. There is a moderate cost for their
products ($500-$800 typically).
- FranNet...this company works on behalf
on potential franchise owners helping them to research and evaluate potential
franchises. They are paid by the franchise companies, so there is no cost to
the buyer.
- Regus...this company provides hoteling
office arrangements. For North Coast business people who travel, their best use
would appear to be their "businessworld" program, which allows people to access
offices and business lounges in 1000+ locations worldwide. (Truth in
advertising: Michael won their business card drawing, with the prize being a
small digital video camera.)
We have Certified Business Advisors who can assist in using these resources, some of which are available at no cost.  Please contact us at 707-445-9720 or in Del Norte at 707-464-2168. |
| Events |
 October 5 - Plan It Green luncheon
Title: Self Reliance - Water
Time: 11:30am
Location: 3 Foods Cafe, Arcata
Cost: $15
The October 5th session of this year's Plan It Green's Green Business Luncheon
Series is fortunate to present two local experts to discuss WATER issues in
local self-reliance.
Bob Gearheart, one of the founding
fathers of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, is an emeritus professor of
Environmental Engineering at Humboldt State University who specializes in water
and wastewater treatment and using appropriate technology including constructed
wetlands. He'll discuss his research and projects with a number of public and
private agencies providing support for water supply facilities in developing
countries, such as Indonesia, Kenya, Ghana and Sierra
Leone.
Aldaron Laird is on the board of directors of
the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water district and is a board member representing the
Northcoast on the state board of the Association of California Water Agencies.
During our luncheon, he will discuss the local water supply and the statewide
water crisis.
For more information or to register, visit:
http://www.northcoastprosperity.com/node/151
 October 7 - Redwood Technology Consortium luncheon
Title: Viral and
Video Marketing
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Arcata Theatre
Lounge
Cost: $25, $20 for RTC members if paid before October 5
Online video content to promote your
business
and boost community economic development. Viral
marketing campaigns,
using video content, to improve
your visibility and
image.
Speakers: Clare O'Leary and Glenis
Giles
For more information or to
register, visit: http://www.redwoodtech.org/october-luncheon
 October 8 - Women's Annual Networking Gala
Time: 5:15pm - 8:00pm
Location: Avalon Restaurant, Eureka
Cost: $30, $35 at the door
This Gala is an opportunity for strong, creative, independent
women business owners to come together to inspire and support
one another in succeeding with their businesses - sharing great
food and ambiance, great synergy and success stories. WEI encourages
women in business to be bold about "tooting their own horns"
and promoting their unique services and products. Join our WEI
community of women entrepreneurs who believe in the power of being
innovative, creative and savvy about keeping our businesses thriving
during these economically challenging times.
For more information or to
register, visit:
www.women-entrepreneurs.org
October 24 - Eureka Main Street Trick or Treat and Harvest Festival
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
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| Stat for this month. |
According to the Small Business Administration: - Firms with fewer than 500 employees accounted for 64% (or 14.5 million) of the 22.5 million net new jobs (gains minus losses) between 1993 and the third quarter of 2008.
- An estimated 627,200 new employer firms began operations in 2008, and 595,600 firms closed that year.
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I hope you decide to attend some of our upcoming events or make use of the new resources. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions.
 Sincerely,
Kathrine Bridgwater
Small Business Development Analyst
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