"Non-Profit of the Year"
by Huntsville-Madison County Chamber - 2007
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Women's Business Center of North Alabama Newsletter
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Society of 75
In Business since: 2003
Number of Employees: 14
Describe what your company does: Grand format printer. Able to print wall murals, banners, backdrops (trade shows), billboards, table top, and point of purchase displays.
Type of customers: Distributors, small businesses and individuals
What sets your company apart from your competitors: Customer service, always get a live person on the phone, help the customer realize what their printing needs are to help sell their products. We also have graphic designers to create a logo, look and text for their business in house.
Hopes for WBNCA: To help others dreams become a reality. To take the fear out of their first action steps.
Favorite Quote: " Let me be the pencil in your hand" - Mother Teresa
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April Lunch and Learn
Government Contracting:
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
Speaker: Jacquelyn L. Bernard, CPA
Friday, April 16
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Does this sound familiar?
You've done it - gone out on your own and been awarded a government contract as a subcontractor! Nobody seems to care what you do as far as accounting so it must not really matter. Your spouse is pretty sharp so you will just have them pay the bills and such and you personally will create an invoice in word or excel to send your customer.
If you recognize yourself in this story, you could be in for a rude (and very expensive) awakening. It is inherent in every government contract, whether you are sub or prime, that your accounting system complies with Federal Acquisition Regulations. Answers to the following questions are critical to your on-going success as a government contractor.
- What is DCAA and how do I get on their radar?
- What are "my Books" and how do they get prepared?Is there an accounting software package that is DCAA approved?
- Is government contractor accounting different from other accounting?
- How much expertise does my bookkeeper need?
- What is the big deal about timekeeping?
- What is in incurred cost proposal and who is required to submit?
- What is a DCAA Accounting Systems Review? And what happens if I fail it?
- What is segregation of cost?
- What is job costing?
- What resources are available to help me learn this?
This session will benefit anyone new to the industry or anyone who just needs a refresher on some of the basic government contracting accounting issues. Recommended for anyone involved in government contracting in the areas of proposals, customer billings or record-keeping.
Ms. Bernard has been a Certified Public Accountant for over 25 years. During her career, she has worked as a consultant in a variety of industries. Since 1997, she has specialized in the government contracting industry where she has worked with government contractors of all sizes to design DCAA compliant accounting systems and procedures. She assists government contractors in the selection and implementation of the appropriate accounting software and has worked with all of the commercially available products such as Deltek GCS Premier, Deltek Costpoint, JAMIS, QuickBooks and eFAACT. As part of the implementation process, she trains her clients in DCAA compliant accounting practices and helps them design and document policies and procedures to insure compliance. Smaller businesses receive ongoing services until they can support a full-time accounting staff.
The cost of the Lunch & Learn is $20 for WBCNA clients and Huntsville-Madison County Chamber members and $25 for all others. Reservations are required online at our calendar at www.wbcna.org or by calling WBCNA at 256-535-2038. WBCNA clients and Chamber Members, please call prior to registration to receive your discount code.
Important Note: Lunch registrations and/or cancellations must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday before the Lunch and Learn. If you are unable to attend and do not cancel by the deadline, you will be billed.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
THE EVENT OF THE YEAR
SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
MICHAEL GERBER IS COMING TO HUNTSVILLE!!!
Michael E. Gerber is the founder of E-Myth Worldwide, the coaching, training and education firm he created in 1977 to transform the development of small businesses worldwide. Now approaching its 32nd year, Michael's extraordinary work has achieved stunning results by transforming more than 65,000 businesses in over 145 countries, translated in 29 languages and used in 118 universities in the world. Gerber is the author of 13 business books, including the mega-bestseller The E-Myth Revisited - Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It. His revolutionary perspective has become the gold standard for small business development throughout the world, becoming what INC Magazine calls: "The World's #1 small business guru," and one of Business Week's bestselling authors of past decades. Gerber's passion and genius for understanding the plight of the individual entrepreneur is the crux of his tremendous appeal and success, and has formed the core value of his brand as it has evolved over three decades. Indeed, the unique ability of Michael E. Gerber's perspective to lead broken business operators as they overcome their "entrepreneurial seizure" and begin to work ON their business, not IN it, is the very heart of the small business revolution he has driven. More information is coming. Go to www.wbcna.org and check it often for details! |
10 Principles to Transform Your Small Business
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2:00 PM ET /
11:00 AM PT
You may not know this, but 32 years ago when I wrote "The E-Myth," my intention was to give small business owners a new way of thinking about and running their business. I never imagined that it would help transform over 65,000 small businesses! Since then, I have continued in my quest to help entrepreneurs be successful in their businesses and lives. Most recently, I have completed a new book called "The Most Successful Small Business in the World: The Ten Principles." In this book I talk about how entrepreneurs can achieve self-actualization and achieve a higher purpose through their businesses. I admit, this book has a little more self-revelation and personality than my previous books...but I think it is important that you see what drives me forward. I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a first ever Sykpinar (that's a webinar through Skype) to share the 10 Principles from the book with you! Register Now! http://www.michaelegerber.com/the-most-successful-small-business-in-the-world-skypinar/"10 Principles to Transform Your Small Business" Tuesday, April 13, 2010 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT During the Skypinar, you will discover the 10 Principles you need to know to become the most successful small business in the world, including: * The role of an enterprise's vision * Social responsibility * Employee training * System thinking * And more! |
"Entrepreneurs Book Club"
 Benjamin Franklin said "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest" and we firmly believe that. So to promote knowledge and to help you grow as an entrepreneur, we have started a book club this year.
We are currently reading "E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber. This is a can't miss book that every business owner should not only read, but own!
We will read one book every eight weeks and then meet at the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library to discuss the book, and sometimes even meet the author. It will be great fun and we are looking forward to growing and learning with you. Schedule
March-April 2010: "E-Myth Revisited," Michael Gerber
May-June 2010: "Everything I Know About Business, I Learned From my Mama," Tim Knox
July-August 2010: "Developing the Leaders Around You," John C. Maxwell
Entrepreneur's Book Club Meeting - Book 2
Tuesday, May 11, 5:30-6:30pm, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Monroe Street, Huntsville.
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SBA To Honor the Nation's Small Businesses During National Small Business Week 2010
Save the Date - May 23-25, 2010
National Small Business Person of the Year To Be Named
The nation's top entrepreneurs will be honored at the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week events to be held May 23-25, in Washington, D.C. A series of events and educational forums will mark the 57th anniversary of the agency and the 47th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week.
More than 100 outstanding small business owners from across the country will receive awards while gathering for three days at the city's Mandarin Oriental Hotel. They will meet with top agency officials, congressional representatives and national business leaders. The highlight of the celebration will be the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year.
Men and women also will be recognized for their involvement in disaster recovery, government contracting, and their support for small businesses and entrepreneurship. Awards also will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including best SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center and Women's Business Center during 2009.
The State Small Business Award Winners and recipients of the Champion and other Entrepreneurial awards are nominated by local trade associations, chambers of commerce, other business organizations and government agencies. Co-Sponsors include: SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business; VISA; Ford; Administaff; Google; eBay; Raytheon; Cbeyond; Intuit; Northrop Grumman; Lockheed Martin; Verio; NADCO and NAGGL.
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Talk Radio Show for Entrepreneurs
Every Tuesday on Your Morning Drive
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Two Tennessee Valley radio signals have returned to the air --- WTKI (1450 AM) Huntsville and WEKI (1490 AM) Decatur are back with a business-slanted format they call "Talk Radio for Real Life."
Each week's hour-long program will focus on a topic of interest to small businesses. Subject matter experts and entrepreneurs will be invited as guests to provide useful information and share their stories with listeners. Our guests will take calls to answer any questions on the topic.
A WBCNA client or small business owner will also be invited to the studio each week to inform listeners about their products or services. If you would like to come on the air, please contact the WBCNA at 256-535-2038. There is a small fee for participation. |
Dept of Energy's Small Business Conference & Expo!
Join us in Atlanta, GA from May 10-12, 2010, for the 11th Annual Department of Energy Small Business Conference & Expo!
Register Now: http://smallbusinessconference.energy.gov
The largest civilian contracting agency within the federal government, DOE spent over $30 billion in contracts in FY 2009. Be part of the action in May. We will have: - Distinguished keynote speakers
- Valuable workshops on government contracting and networking
- One-on-one business matchmaking sessions
- A large exhibit hall that is filling up quickly!
Over 1,600 attendees will represent all levels of federal, state, and local government agencies, the Small Business community, research institutions, and large contractors. Prime and subcontracting opportunities are available, and networking and matchmaking sessions will make it easy for you to get new contacts.
See you in Atlanta, The Department of Energy's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization | 1-877-837-9147
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QUICK LINKS
WBCNA Services
More About Us
About our Training
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UPCOMING WBCNA EVENTS
AND WORKSHOPS
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HUNTSVILLE
-----------------------------------MORGAN COUNTY
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NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES AND WORKSHOPS ACROSS
NORTH ALABAMA
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MADISON COUNTY
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GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT ASSISTANCE CENTER (GPAC)
GPAC offers services to the growing number of small businesses that want to do business with the government.
Services offered include:
-One-on-one individualized coaching
- CCR registration assistance
- NAICS Codes identification
- Online training
- Certifications (8a, HUBZone, MBE, WBE, DBE)
- Networking opportunities and business matchmaking
- Assistance with Capabilities Statement development and review
- Identification of Small Business Specialists (government and prime)
- Website resources for small businesses
- Identification of business opportunities and bid match assistance
Training is a major component of the GPAC. Workshops on the following topics will be among those offered throughout the year:
If you would like more information on the GPAC and doing business with the government, call 535-2038.
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GPAC Opportunities
Government Contractor Accounting
Jenny Clark, Solvability
April 14, 2010 Chamber of Commerce
Huntsville, AL
Register online at www.wbcna.org
WBCNA Lunch and Learn
Government Contracting: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
Jacque Bernard, CPA
Chamber of Commerce
Huntsville, AL
Register online at www.wbcna.org
12th Annual AUSA Tactical Missiles Conference May 3-4, 2010
"Evolving Missiles and Fires into the New Decade"Von Braun Center - East Hall
Huntsville, AL
Register online at www.onlineeventsregistration.com
2010 Business Opportunities Matchmaker
May 6, 2010
Holiday Inn
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WHO IS A WBCNA CLIENT?
Our clients are women and men in North Alabama who want to start or grow a business.
Our clients are our most important stakeholders.
Our clients are not dependent on us; we are dependent on them.
Our clients are not an interruption of our work; they are the reason for it.
We are not doing our clients a favor by serving them; they are doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to serve them.
Adapted from the words of Mahatma Gandhi
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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Stephanie Sellers at WBCNA, 225 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, or by phone at 256-535-2038 or email info@wbcna.org
 The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organizations high standards of ethical business behavior.The BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports, charity BBB"Wise Giving" Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust,the BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints.
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SBA Offers Free Webinar Series to Help Small Business Owners Get Fiscally Fit
Recognizes National Financial Literacy Month
April 2010
WHAT: The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a Webinar series in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month. Topics will highlight the importance of financial education and the opportunity to learn practical money skills and financial wellness. Participants will learn basic money management and financial skills for today's business world.
WHEN: April 7, April 14 and April 21, 2010
Daily 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (ET)
WHO: Learn to build wealth and not debt from some of the industry leaders on financial education and entrepreneurship.
Webinar presenters and topics include:
Topic: The Importance of Financial
Education in the Workplace
Becky MacDicken, Financial Education Specialist Pennsylvania Office of Financial Education
Wednesday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m.
Topic: Basic Banking/Financial Tips for
Small Business
Luke Reynolds, Chief of the Outreach & Program Development Section Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection Community Affairs Branch Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Wednesday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m.
Topic: Spring is Here! Planting Seeds
to Grow Your Own Money Tree
Jennifer Matthews, President and CEO Creating Financial Literacy, LLC
Wednesday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m.
Topic: Your Money, Your Choice$, Your
Future
Starrlese Jones, Financial Management Specialist Division of Financial Integrity, Office of Federal Assistance Management Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
Wednesday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Topic: Personal and Business Money
Management
Jennifer Lane, Certified Financial Planner Compass Planning Associates
Wednesday, April 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Topic: Identity Theft
Margo Mitchell, National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Wednesday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m.
HOW: For free visual and audio access to the Webinar go to www.ReadyTalk.com
Click "join a meeting" and enter access code 3761101 Then dial 866-740-1260 and enter access code 3761101 (plus the # key).
System Requirements:
- Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris operating systems
- Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox Web browsers
- Separate telephone line needed for the audio portion
April is the official National Financial Literacy Month, marking the importance of financial literacy to teach how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. |
IRS Embraces New Applications to Make Tax Information More Accessible to Small Businesses and the Self-employed
IRS Embraces New Applications to Make Tax Information More Accessible to Small Businesses and the Self-employed Maximizing the Web's convenience, accuracy and speed, IRS.gov, IRS's web site, now assists millions of individual taxpayers, tax professionals, and small business owners to better understand and meet their tax responsibilities. Updated Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop The IRS's Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop is an interactive resource to help small business owners learn about their federal tax rights and responsibilities. This dynamic educational product, available online and on CD 24/7 from your computer, consists of nine stand-alone lessons that can be selected and viewed in any sequence. A bookmark feature makes it possible to leave and return to a specific point within the lesson. Users also have access to a list of useful online references that enhance the learning experience by allowing them to view references and the video lessons simultaneously. The Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop is the first of a series of video products designed exclusively for small business taxpayers. A new companion series called, "Your Guide to an IRS Audit" is in development with plans for a summer 2010 launch. IRS.gov now features audio and video IRS is augmenting its curriculum of online learning and educational products for the small business community by developing new live broadcasting, phone forums and webinars, and offering audio and video presentations. |
The WBCNA Needs You!
The WBCNA needs volunteers. We are currently overwhelmed with demand for our services (which is a good thing). If you are interested in giving back to our community and helping the Women's Business Center, here are some ways you can do it:
· Administrative Support
· Business Plan Review
· Michael Gerber Event (September 15, 2010)
· FastTrac Business Coach
For every two hours of volunteer time, we will provide a $25 gift certificate to use toward WBCNA workshops (one per workshop; excludes Lunch and Learn).
Call Stephanie or Jennifer at 535-2038 if you are interested and want to know more about how YOU can make a difference! |
Top Five Mistakes When Systematizing
From the E-Myth Business Coach
In order to create an E-Myth'd business, you must create a systematized business. It's absolutely critical to the future growth and success of your business.
Why? Well, systems are essential to:
- Building the asset that will generate the greatest ROI should you choose to sell your business some day.
- Creating the order and structure that will produce your intended product or service.
- Producing consistent, reliable results each time, every time, exactly as promised.
Even before you intentionally set out to "systematize" your business, you'll probably find there are systems in place and functioning in your business right now. Think about it: everything that gets done in your business is done by following a system of some sort. They may not be effective systems, they may not be consistent, they may not be written down, but a good number of systems are already there. One might say that most businesses function with systems that exist by design or by default.
So let's say that you've decided that it's time to streamline and optimize your business functions and practices. You've decided to fully systematize your business. You know that customer satisfaction will improve, employee morale will rise, and the bottom line will increase.
If you're like most people who've read The E-Myth Revisited, you were inspired to begin using systems right away. Fueled by your excitement, you thought you could turn things around really quickly with a few well-placed systems. The systematization process can be approached in a number of ways, not all of them successful. The reality of creating a "turn-key" operation is harder than it seems. We know it is. And that's why we've been coaching people to do it for more than 30 years.
There are a number of common mistakes made when endeavoring to create a "turn-key" operation. Here are five of the mistakes that come up most often from our clients:
5 Mistakes
1. Having No Strategic Plan
You've got to know what you're building, why, and where you're going with it. This should involve writing out your vision for your business and what you want to accomplish in, say, five years from now. Having that picture and a target date will allow you to plan more effectively. This, in turn, allows you to prioritize the development, documentation and implementation of systems by the level of impact on the business and the customer experience. Without a detailed and strategic plan your systematization efforts will be sporadic, haphazard, and quite possibly incomplete.
2. Looking for "One Size Fits All" Systems
Everyone would like to be able to buy a set of systems that can simply be installed into their business, turned on, and make everything run! But it doesn't work that way. You can't take something off the shelf and make it fit your company without customizing it to your particular business, your vision, and your needs. You must make sure you're clear about what you want your results to be and design your systems to produce those results.
3. Not Documenting Your Systems
I've had business owners tell me that they're business really is systematized, it's just that the systems are all in their head. That doesn't count! Unless a system is documented, it can't be repeated properly. You may have a system that has naturally developed over time, and it works pretty well because the people who do it have been doing it that way for a long time. But if that process is not written down, how can you train others to create the same results? How do you ensure that everyone does it the same way? Documenting your processes is absolutely essential. As Michael Gerber says, "If you don't write it down, you don't own it."
4. Lack of Implementation
Peter Drucker said, "Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately deteriorate into hard work." Implementation, or execution, of systems is absolutely essential in order to truly have a systematized business. Documentation alone is not enough. Yet it is at this point that most businesses tend to stall. And it isn't just small business owners that struggle with this function. A recent study published in The Harvard Business Review shows that most large companies typically realize only 63% of their strategies' potential value due to deficiencies in planning and execution.
5. Leaving Out Quantification
When you document your systems, you must have clearly defined and quantifiable results so that you know how to evaluate your efforts. It's the only way to truly determine if your systems are effective. Systems evaluation is an essential (but often forgotten) step in understanding your business better. By taking a good hard look at your systems and their intended results, you can determine where innovation (or possibly elimination) needs to occur. It's been said that if you don't measure it, you can't manage it; if you don't quantify it, you can't fix it.
Make It Happen With a Team
Systematizing your business is a strategic and essential part of building your business into an asset. Building your business into one that you can sell for the greatest return on your investment isn't something you need to do alone, however. While you're ultimately in charge of the vision and direction of the business, the work of developing, documenting and implementing systems is ultimately a team effort. And effectively delegating and orchestrating the work is key to successful. |
NSBA, SBEA Releases New Small Business Exporting Data
According to a recent survey, nearly half of small-business respondents said they would consider exporting their goods or services if the most significant challenges and barriers were addressed. The National Small Business Association (NSBA) and Small Business Exporters Association (SBEA)-a council of NSBA-today released the 2010 Small Business Exporting Survey on the state of exporting for America's small-business owners.
"Given the specter of a jobless economic recovery and lagging consumer spending," stated Todd McCracken, president of NSBA, "Exporting may be one of the few areas remaining where small businesses can grow right now."
The 2010 Small Business Exporting Survey, conducted March 1 through March 5, 2010 among 250 exporting and non-exporting members of NSBA and SBEA, shows that, among small-business respondents not currently exporting, the largest barrier is a perceived lack of exportable products and services. Thirty-eight percent of non-exporters said they don't know enough about exporting and aren't sure where to start, and 28 percent cited concerns over getting paid from a foreign customer. When asked whether they would be interested in exporting if some of these concerns were addressed, 43 percent said they would. Among current exporters, the chief concerns include their ability to get paid, and the complexity associated with exporting.
Underscoring the need for better assistance-both technical and financial-the majority of small exporters rely on earnings and savings of their business to finance exporting, not bank loans or government-backed programs. Furthermore, 96 percent of small exporters handle exporting operations within the company rather than use an external export management company.
The economic difficulties over the past two years, coupled with ongoing outsourcing, have put small businesses at a distinct disadvantage in the global economy. NSBA and SBEA have been urging for years that more must be done to emphasize the needs of small business within the scope of U.S. trade, and applauds the recent announcements by President Barack Obama and his administration to enhance exporting opportunities for small U.S. companies through the National Export Initiative.
"Today, though small-business exports represent less than five percent of the GDP, with aggressive support from the U.S. government, this contribution could be significantly increased," stated said SBEA Board Chair Susan Corrales-Diaz, president of California-based Systems Integrated.
Please click here to access the full survey.
Since 1937, NSBA has advocated on behalf of America's entrepreneurs, and is proud to partner with SBEA, the nation's chief advocate on all issues affecting small U.S. exporters. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, SBEA has been working to raise the profile and level the playing field for small-business exporters. Collectively, NSBA and SBEA reach more than 150,000 small businesses nationwide. Two staunchly nonpartisan organizations, our members are as diverse as the economy they fuel. To learn more, please visit SBEA and NSBA.
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3 Steps to Better Brand Building
By E-Myth Business Coach
What's a simple definition of your brand? It's what people in the marketplace think of your business.
When people encounter your business, your products, or your services they will either think negatively or positively, depending on your brand. Ultimately, it is your brand - people's perception - that determines if they will actually do business with you.
In this week's article, we discuss the strategy behind brand building and the three basic steps to start building the right branding strategy for your business.
Read More
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SBA Warns Small Businesses of Fraudulent Attempts Offering to Help Them Secure SBA Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is warning small businesses to use caution if they are contacted by firms offering to help them apply for funds available through SBA programs.
SBA and SBA's Office of the Inspector General (SBA OIG) have received several complaints from small businesses about abusive marketing practices, scams, and exorbitant fees charged by firms offering to help them obtain a loan, grant, or other federal funds, from SBA. Some of these complaints include:
- Firms charging small businesses high fees to provide assistance applying to SBA funding programs. Some firms allegedly guaranteed that the small business would obtain SBA funding if they paid the fee. SBA does not endorse or give preference to specific private companies or their clients.
- Firms charging small businesses for services never requested after the small business gave bank account and routing information to a caller claiming to be a firm offering assistance. SBA recommends that small businesses never provide social security numbers, bank account information, or credit card numbers to anyone; and, never over the telephone.
- Firms alleging that a small business would be issued a "forfeiture letter" that would make the small business ineligible for any SBA funding for three years if the small business refused to use the firm's services.
When electing to use a third party to apply for SBA funding programs, small businesses should also bear in mind:
SBA's Office of the Inspector General will investigate and respond to all complaints. SBA encourages anyone with knowledge of a misrepresentation regarding SBA Business Loan Programs, or any other SBA program, to contact SBA OIG by calling the OIG Hotline toll-free at (800) 767-0385, or submitting an online report at the SBA OIG Web page ( www.sba.gov/ig), and click the link for "Report Fraud Waste or Abuse." |
Exit Your Company the Right Way
By Guest Contributor / E-myth
When an artist begins a painting, he typically has a vision in his mind of what the painting will look like when it is finished. When a football team takes the field, they know the definition of success - a victory. The same is true for your business. When defining what "a win" means to your business, you must consider the short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term.
In Exit Your Company the Right Way, Mark Jordan of VERCOR, an investment bank that creates liquidity for middle market business owners, shares the three most common exit planning strategies and a warning story about poor family succession planning.
Read more |
About Grants.gov
Grants.gov was established as a governmental resource named the E-Grants Initiative, part of the President's 2002 Fiscal Year Management Agenda to improve government services to the public.
What is a Grant?
Grants are not benefits or entitlements. A federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States. Federal grants are not federal assistance or loans to individuals.
A federal grant may not used to acquire property or services for the federal government's direct benefit. The 26 federal agencies offer over 1,000 grant programs annually in various categories.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT?
We have all seen them; late night infomercials, websites, and reference guides, advertising "millions in free money" Don't believe the hype! Although there are many grants on Grants.gov, few of them are available to individuals and none of them are available for personal financial assistance.
To find out if you are eligible to apply for grants on Grants.gov, click here to watch this helpful animated tutorial. There are many groups of organizations that are eligible to apply for government grants. Typically, most grantee organizations fall into the categories below.
Government Organizations
- State Governments
- Local Governments
- City or Township Governments
- Special District Governments
- Native American Tribal Governments (federally recognized)
- Native American Tribal Governments (other than federally recognized)
Education Organizations
- Independent School Districts
- Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
- Private Institutions of Higher Education
Public Housing Organizations
- Public Housing Authorities
- Indian Housing Authorities
Non-Profit Organizations
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
For-Profit Organizations (other than small businesses)
Small Businesses
Small business loans and small business grants may be awarded to companies that meet the size standards that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established for most industries in the economy. The most common size standards are as follows:
- 500 employees for most manufacturing and mining industries
- 100 employees for all wholesale trade industries
- $6 million for most retail and service industries
- $28.5 million for most general & heavy construction industries
- $12 million for all special trade contractors
- $0.75 million for most agricultural industries
Note that about one-fourth of industries have a size standard that is different from these levels. They vary from $0.75 million to $28.5 million for size standards based on average annual revenues and from 100 to 1500 employees for size standards based on number of employees.
With few exceptions, all federal agencies, and many state and local governments, use the size standards established by SBA. You can search for further information and for loan opportunities at the SBA website at www.sba.gov.
Individuals
An individual submits a grant on their behalf, and not on behalf of a company, organization, institution, or government. Individuals sign the grant application and its associated certifications and assurances that are necessary to fulfill the requirements of the application process. So, if you register as an Individual, you will only be able to apply to grant opportunities that are open to individuals. An individual cannot submit a grant application to a grant opportunity that is just open to organizations. |
Want Free Press for your Small Business?
 Here's one way to do it!
WAFF Channel 48 is offering an opportunity for you to showcase your business for FREE! Just call 533-4848 to schedule your Business Break interview. The shows airs between 6:30 and 6:45 a.m You get to choose 5 questions that you would like to be asked during the 2-minute interview.
Please note: This will not air on the noon news, which is reserved for community activities.
Want Free Press? Here's another way to do it!
Have you received WBCNA counseling that has been helpful to you?
Have you attended a WBCNA workshop that you found beneficial?
If your answer is yes to either of these questions, we want to showcase you on our home page. Client photos and testimonials are rotated continuously at the top of the WBCNA home page. Just send us a photo and short testimonial and we'll add it to our rotation.
Want Free Press? Here's yet another way to do it!
When is the last time you submitted a Press Release to the local media? Did you know you can get free press when something "newsworthy" happens with your business; i.e., hiring new employees, getting a new contract awarded, etc. Don't know how to write a Press Release. No problem. Just go to the Resources page on our website and go to the "How To" section, and you will find "How to Write a Press Release." If you need help, just call the office and schedule an appointment with a business coach. Why not---it's free!
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Cyber Security Summit
On June 9th the North Alabama chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) will host their second annual Cyber Security Summit. Following last year's sold out event, this year's Summit, co-presented by ADTRAN, will bring together 175 cyber security professionals with an exciting program of presentations by cyber experts and vendor exhibits.
Make plans to attend now! Companies interested in sponsorship or exhibit space can find details in the attached Exhibitor and Sponsor Packet or just contact us at infosecseminar@northalabama.issa.org. Information on our chapter and the seminar is also available at the chapter website: http://northalabama.issa.org. Registration will open in mid-April for ISSA members and early May for the general public. We'll see you there!
Exhibitor & Sponsor Packet information link.
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2010 Business Opportunities Matchmaker
Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 9:00am - 3:30pm
Holiday Inn, Decatur, Alabama
Speaker: Nancy Small, Director, Army Material Command Office of
Small Business Programs
Interested in selling your product to government agencies or prime contractors? Then this is the place to be! WBCNA has partnered with the Decatur Chamber of Commerce to provide a forum for small business owners to meet representatives from multiple government agencies, prime contractors and subcontractors looking for business opportunities with small business owners. The event includes continental breakfast, lunch and invaluable one-on-one time with government agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors. Don't miss it!
Buyers Include:
AL DOT · AL MBOC · AMCOM · Army Corps of Engineers · BAE Systems · Boeing · City of Decatur · DESE
EG&G · GSA · Infopro · Intergraph · NASA-MSFC · Northrop-Grumman · Raytheon · SAIC · SBA · SCI-SANMINA Teledyne Brown · TOYOTA The cost is $90.00 Please contact the Decatur Chamber of Commerce at 256-353-5312 or at www.dcc.org or www.wbcna.org to register. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2010. The meeting will be held at Holiday Inn in Decatur on Thursday, May 6. |
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May 3-4, 2010
Von Braun Center - East Hall
Huntsville, AL
For more information go to www.ausaredstone.org
"Evolving Missiles and Fires into the New Decade"
The purpose of the symposium is to provide an open forum for the presentation of current and future Army tactical missile programs in a collaborative government and industry environment. The forum provides senior government and industry program managers and their staffs with many opportunities to meet and interact with their counterparts. In addition, the forum will allow industry leaders an opportunity to assess their IRAD programs in light of current and future program directions with an eye toward win/win collaboration with their government customers.
The conference is a one-day, unclassified event. The morning session will begin with a Team Redstone Overview by the AMCOM Commanding General, MG James Myles, followed in the afternoon with a State-of-the-PEO briefing by BG(P) Genaro J. Dellarocco. During the morning, we have invited Army Senior Leaders from the Army Staff, HQ TRADOC, The Missile Defense Agency, and the Commanding Generals from all tactical missile User Centers to speak on their Tactical Missile perspectives. The sit down luncheon with a special luncheon presentation will be followed by afternoon presentations by all of the Project Managers of PEO Missiles and Space-managed programs.
The conference will take place on Tuesday, 4 May, in the East Hall of the Von Braun Center. Preceding the conference on Monday, 3 May, is an optional golf tournament at Valley Hill Country Club followed by an icebreaker social at The Summit at Big Spring in Downtown Huntsville at 5:00 p.m.
Price:
Conference/Registration Fee Schedule
Before April 10 $285 / After April 10 $320
Corporate Sponsorship
Platinum Sponsorship $1250
Gold Sponsorship $750
Silver Sponsorship $250
Schedule:
Monday, May 3, 2010
Reception/Icebreaker ~ The Summit at Big Spring (100 Church Street, Eighth Floor, Huntsville, AL 35801)
1700 - 1930 (For Conference Attendees)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 ~ EAST HALL, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
0700 - 0800 Registration and Continental Breakfast
0800 - 0815 Opening Remarks/Welcome AUSA
0815 - 1400 Army Senior Leadership Perspectives
Mr. Steve Cornelius, AMRDEC Missile S&T Overview (ACCEPTED)
MG James Myles, Commander, Aviation and Missile Command (ACCEPTED)
BG Robert M. Dyess, Jr., Director, Requirements Integration Directorate Army Training and Doctrine Command (ACCEPTED)
LTG Patrick O'Reilly, Director, Missile Defense Agency (INVITED)
LTG Robert Lennox, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8 (INVITED)
LTG James Pillsbury, Deputy Commander, US Army Material Command - KEYNOTE Speaker (ACCEPTED)
MG Michael Ferriter, Commander of Fort Benning and the U.S. Army Infantry Center (INVITED)
MG David D. Halverson, Commanding General, U.S. Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill (ACCEPTED)
MG James O. Barclay III, Commander, U.S. Army Aviation Center for Excellence and Fort Rucker (INVITED)
BG Roger Mathews, Chief of Air Defense Artillery (INVITED)
BG Ross Ridge, Chief of Field Artillery (INVITED)
PEO/PROJECT MANAGERS' OVERVIEWS
1400 - 1430 State of PEO Missiles & Space - MG Genaro J. Dellarocco
1430 - 1450 Joint Attack Munitions Systems - COL Michael Cavalier
1450 - 1510 Close Combat Weapon Systems - Mr. William Ruta
1510 - 1530 Non-Line of Sight Launch System - COL Douglas A. Dever
1530 - 1600 BREAK
1600 - 1620 Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems - COL David J. Rice
1620 - 1640 Lower Tier Project Office - Mr. Darryl J. Colvin
1640 - 1700 Cruise Missile Defense Systems - COL Warren O'Donell
1700 - 1720 Integrated Air and Missile Defense - Mr. Robert L. Thomas
1720 - 1740 Upper Tier Project Office - COL Michael R. Steves
1740 - 1800 Closing Remarks/Adjourn - MG Genaro J. Dellarocco
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7th Annual National Small Business Conference
"Small Business in Economic Recovery"
Are you, as a business owner in today's recovering economy, looking to strengthen and grow your business operations within the Department of Defense, with small, medium, and large companies? The answer in the current rebuilding economy is a resounding yes. And at the NDIA 7th Annual National Small Business Conference in Huntsville, Alabama, on Tuesday, May 25-Wednesday, May 26, you can do just that.
The theme of the 2010 conference is "Small Business in Economic Recovery". Although this is a small business conference focused primarily on work with the Department of Defense, attendees and exhibitors from all types and sizes of business will be present in order to maximize the chance to identify potential teaming partners, discover niche technologies, and meet small business contracting requirements.
Speakers throughout the event will provide outlooks on the future of small business as a whole, identify small business opportunities, and discuss branding and strategic communications. Potential speakers include representatives from NASA, Congress, Navy, Army, Air Force, and the DHS.
May 25 - 26, 2010
Von Braun Center
WWW.NDIA.ORG/MEETINGS/0140
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Career Fair
Career Fair
Saturday, April 17th 2010
9 AM - 12 PM; JayCees
Huntsville, Alabama
In conjunction with the Inaugural
Veterans' Family Day events, Still Serving Veterans will host a Career Fair for
Veterans and their family members, who are interested in employment
opportunities in our area.
Injured Active Duty Service members,
and those who will soon retire or ETS, seeking civilian employment are strongly
encouraged to attend!!
Contact Still Serving Veterans for
event details: 256-883-7054 or email wkoch@stillservingveterans.org
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) will
add well more than 5,000 jobs to our community over the next few years. For local, accurate info on BRAC,
please go to the official website: http://www.tennessee-valley.org/For information on Still Serving Veterans go to www.stillservingveterans.org
DEFINITION OF A VETERAN: A Veteran - whether Active
Duty, Retired, National Guard or Reserve - is someone who at one point in their
life wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America",
for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is Honor,
and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand
that. --Author Unknown
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MyVetwork: " Refresh Every Vet Project"
MyVetwork is the online social networking community custom designed to be the most valuable and sustainable community of individuals in the US military - whether active duty, retired or veteran - and their spouses, families and friends. MyVetwork is provided at no cost to individual users. MyVetwork's objectives for individual users is to provide our US military and those who care about them with a means to interact with and support each other in ways that range from the lighthearted and entertaining to deep and meaningful connections that they wish to sustain.
MyVetwork, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization which helps vets get jobs, came within the top 50 of 1000+ contenders in the Pepsi's Good Idea Grant Competition for February. As a runner-up, Pepsi invited them back for March and while competition is keen, MyVetwork is attempting to win a grant in the $250K Education category. The proceeds from the Pepsi grant will be used to increase employment opportunities for veterans. We need the support of friends and colleagues like you to help us by voting for the project in the grant contest. MyVetwork needs your vote to obtain the grant so visitwww.refresheverything.com/refresheveryvetand vote as many times as you like, it would be greatly appreciated.
Learn more...
About MyVetwork
MyVetwork was created as an interactive exchange where a broad variety of experts - including veterans of earlier conflicts - provide timely news of particular interest to military personnel, distributed in sophisticated, graphically exciting format; job and career advice; information about educational opportunities, advice regarding health care, access to coaching and mentoring services, and a variety of other resources valuable to recently separated veterans demobilizing from the military, whether they are recuperating from injury, moving on to further their education, or planning careers in public or private sectors.
About The Veterans Corporation
The National Veterans Business Development Corporation (also now known as The Veterans Corporation and TVC) was established by Congress under Public Law 106-50 to expand the provision of and improve access to technical assistance regarding entrepreneurship for veterans. TVC works with and organizes public and private resources and the business development staffs of each Federal department and assists veterans and service-disabled veterans with the formation and expansion of small businesses.
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