SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
ASU-SBDC NEWSLETTER | January 2011 |
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Greetings!
Happy New Years! Now that the blur of the holidays is over, now is the time to set your business up for success in 2011. If your business plan could use a refresher, you're interested in expansion, ready to market your business in new and creative ways... we're here to help. This month we have many helpful seminars and some new topics you may be interested in. On Jan. 11 we will be holding a seminar specifically designed for entrepreneurs interested in opening a restaurant or bar in the San Angelo area. Representatives from The City of San Angelo, The Health Department, and local restaurant and bar owners will be present to share their expertise and answer your questions. Also, we will be holding a new seminar entitled "Small Business Technology Update" to share new developments that are taking place in the world of computers, mobile devices, and other technologies that could help you run your business more efficiently and maybe even save you time and money. We know that each step of your business's growth comes with its own unique challenges. The ASU-Small Business Development Center is devoted to providing you with the tools you need to succeed. Take advantage of all the services we have to offer and please don't hesitate to contact us for help. Sincerely,
Jessica Lambert
ASU-SBDC Training Coordinator
jessica.lambert@angelo.edu |
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| ASU-SBDC | |
Contact Us!
Advising Services: (325) 942-2098
Training Services: (325) 942-2019
Website: www.sbdc.angelo.eduProudly serving the small businesses of San Angelo and the Concho Valley for over 20 years. |
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| TOP SMALL BUSINESS NEWS |
You may be making a few resolutions for your personal life such as quitting smoking or losing weight. But what are your hopes and aspirations for your small business in 2011? How do you intend to make this year better for you as an entrepreneur? Read More CHANGES IN IRS FEDERAL TAX DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS
Attention! As of January 1, 2011, many businesses will be required to make federal tax deposits electronically. Your options include: using the EFTPS web site administered by the IRS or the voice response system, asking your financial institution to initiate an ACH credit payment on your behalf, asking a trusted third party such as a tax professional or payroll service to make the payment for you, or, in extraordinary circumstances, asking your financial institution to make a same-day tax wire payment for you (may require fees). To learn more about these changes and how they might apply to you, visit the IRS website: Tax Topics 757.
By Jennifer S. Shultz, THE NEW YORK TIMES Did you know that in 2011 you will be getting a 2 percent point break on Social Security taxes? That could mean good news for your pocket book. But don't get carried away. This New York Times's article provides a number of sources which share great tips on making the most of your savings. Read More Provided by Inc.com Budget season is once again in full swing. Inc. has provided a web page you may find helpful that is focused on helping small businesses tackle their budgeting issues. Articles include topics such as "How to Set an annual Budget," "How to Forecast Sales in an Uncertain Economy," and "Top Budgeting Questions Answered," and more. Visit the Site |
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TRAINING UPDATE |
 View the entire OCT-JAN schedule HERE
1/6/2011
Essentials of Starting a New Business
6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / FREE
1/11/2011
Restaurant and/or Bar Start-Up Seminar
6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / $20
 1/12/2011Financing Options for Your Small Business6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
1/13/2011
How to Write Your Business Plan 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / FREE
1/13/2011
Business Plan Financial 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / FREE
1/19/2011
Intro to QuickBooks 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MCS 111B / $30
1/20/2011
Social Media Marketing for Your Business 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / $20| | | QuickBooks Series |
1/24/2011QuickBooks Basics 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MCS 111B / $30
1/26/2011
QuickBooks Advanced 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MCS 111B / $30
1/26/2011 Small Business Technology Update 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / $10
2/2/2011
QuickBooks Financial Reporting 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MCS 111B / $30
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. SEATING IS LIMITED. |
| BUSINESS TIPS ARTICLES |  Each week, a member of the ASU-SBDC staff submits a Business Tips article for the San Angelo Standard Times business section. (Articles published Mondays). You can also find them here each month. A SPECIAL CUSTOMER DESERVES YOUR FOCUS
By Paul Howard As any small business owner knows, it is much easier to retain an existing customer than acquire a new one. Many businesses today are paying special attention to customer service management. Read More BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO BE RESOURCEFUL By Pedro Ramirez There are many traits future entrepreneurs have that distinguish them. Two of the most valuable traits are being resourceful and keeping an open mind. Often, future business owners walk into my office with a very distinct idea of what they would like to start or accomplish...Read More WHO PAYS PRICE FOR 'REWARD' CREDIT CARDS? By Peggy Hodges As with any relationship, each side learns from the other. This exact thing just happened to me last week. In a conversation with a client, I learned something interesting about "Rewards" credit cards. As a consumer, I understand that if I use one of these cards and make a purchase, I get a certain percentage back... Read More BUILDING A WEBSITE? TRY TO KEEP IT SIMPLE By Jessica Lambert In today's digital age, in which information is growing at an exponential rate, and options for entertainment are becoming increasingly fragmented, it's easy to wonder whether people are paying attention to your business's message. To help your messages stand out online, on social media sites or your website, remember "less is more." Read More PLAN, SET GOALS FOR THE FUTURE By Cindy Hartin As 2010 comes to an end, it is time to think about next year and your business. As business owners, you may feel like you are always dealing with yesterday's crisis, but to keep your business moving and growing, it is essential to think about the future. A business plan can be the tool to help you plan for the future. Read More |
| FEATURED SUCCESS STORY |
 UNIDAD CONSTRUCTION, LLC, ROBERT TERRAZASBy Paul Howard, ASU-SBDC Advisor
Robert Terrazas had been in the construction business for most of his life. He was a supervisor for a large firm for several years, and even started his own small construction company in his spare time.
Robert decided he would like to focus and grow his independent venture and so he visited the Angelo State University - Small Business Development Center and met with Advisor Paul Howard. To grow his construction business, Robert wanted to be able to do business with state and federal agencies. Since Robert is a minority business owner, Advisor Paul Howard suggested he obtain HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) and the SBA 8(a) Certifications.These certifications helped Unidad Construction obtain state and federal contracts. Robert said, "With the assistance of the SBDC, particularly Mr. Paul Howard, Unidad was able to be approved for 8(a) status."Unidad Construction expanded their business and has hired six new employees for San Angelo and the Concho Valley.------Read more success stories on our website and learn about the many ways the ASU-SBDC can assist entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up or grow successful businesses. |
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"The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement." -- Charles Schwabb |
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Angelo State University SBDC
Mailing Address: ASU Station #10910, San Angelo, TX 76909
Office Location: Rassman Room 100, 2222 Dena Dr., San Angelo, TX 76909
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