2010 Alabama Women's Business Center of Excellence 2007 Non-Profit of the Year |
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| Women's Business Center of North Alabama
July 2010 Newsletter |
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| Sponsor this block and reach thousands of WBCNA Contacts with our affordable pricing. Email info@wbcna.org |
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July Lunch and Learn
Hattie Bryant
Producer & Host of PBS's
Small Business School
Friday, July 16 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Small Business School is a weekly, half-hour television show that began in 1994 and has been airing ever since. Small Business School's story begins with two small business owners, Bruce Camber and Hattie Bryant. They felt that there was something missing from television.
There was nothing about the men and women who are more likely to invent a new product, create a job and support their community than those big business folks who seek and get most of the media's attention. They also believed that there was something profoundly wrong with much of television. Too much programming capitalized on and glamorized exploitation; there was not enough about creativity and the processes of creating something of value. Thus, the program Small Business School began.
Hattie is the producer/creator of Small Business School. She's been a small business owner since 1979 when she provided employee training for small companies of 100 or fewer employees. She developed courses based on the real stories and successful experiences of these small business owners and employees. She's presented seminars in most states and is a widely-acclaimed public speaker.
In every show, she takes viewers on a discovery mission to find out why people have been so successful within the businesses that they start from their mind and passions.
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. The Lunch & Learn will be held at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce Auditorium at 225 Church Street in downtown Huntsville. Directions to Chamber of Commerce.
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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IRS HIRE Act Webinar on July 8, 2010
Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, enacted March 18, 2010, two new tax benefits are available to employers who hire certain previously unemployed workers ("qualified employees").
The first, referred to as the payroll tax exemption, provides employers with an exemption from the employer's 6.2 percent share of social security tax on wages paid to qualifying employees, effective for wages paid from March 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
In addition, for each qualified employee retained for at least 52 consecutive weeks, businesses will also be eligible for a general business tax credit, referred to as the new hire retention credit, of 6.2 percent of wages paid to the qualified employee over the 52 week period, up to a maximum credit of $1,000.
Small Businesses can learn more about the HIRE Act at a July 8, 2010 IRS HIRE Webinar. They can learn about:
The HIRE Act payroll tax exemption and retention income tax credit for employers who hire previously unemployed workers
Who qualifies as an eligible individual for each benefit
What businesses may claim each benefit
How business can claim those HIRE benefits To participate in this webinar, register online here via the Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration website. |
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5 Acronyms You Should Know
P & L COGS EBITDA BEP CR & QR
 No, those aren't text messages from your teenager. And they aren't computer parts or government agencies either. They're acronyms or abbreviations for financial terms that are important to the financial health of your business. If you have no idea what they are or don't understand the role they play in your business' finances,
then you'll want to read our latest article: 5 Acronyms You Should Know.
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Alabama Wholesale Market: July 11-12
Alabama Wholesale Market (AWM)
Provides Alabama Companies an Arena to Showcase their Products and Services to Credential Buyers
Alabama companies have an excellent opportunity to meet with potential new customers during the 2010 Alabama Wholesale Market to be held July 11-12 at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum, located at 702 E. Veterans Drive, Florence, Alabama. The AWM is limited exclusively to Alabama companies and their products.
Examples of Alabama products that could be exhibited include: gifts, jewelry, specialty apparel, pottery, decorative accessories, gourmet foods, garden accessories, personal accessories, art and framed art, linens, bath care products, aromatherapy products, candles, gourmet coffees and teas, children's accessories, specialty furniture, store supplies such as gift wrap, spiritual products, services used by retailers or exhibitors and more.
A special discounted Exhibitor registration rate of $295 has been extended through Wednesday June 30, 2010. Buyers and exhibitors can register for the Alabama Wholesale Market online at www.AlabamaWholesaleMarket.com. Visit the Market on Facebook for a current list of registered buyers and exhibitors. There are currently 34 exhibitors registered and 150 buyers from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Tennessee.
The Shoals Entrepreneurial Center/Culinary Center is coordinating the market, with support from the United States Department of Agriculture, Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, University of North Alabama, Northwest Shoals Community College and local and state tourism offices, as well as Mitchell Printing, and the Southeast Alabama Council for Economic Development.
For more information, contact the Giles McDaniel at the Shoals Culinary Center at 256.764.0044 or 256.760.9014 or shoalsculinary@shoalsec.com. |
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The Art of Partnering
Lewis and Clark,
Sears and Roebuck,
Hewlett-Packard,
the Wright Brothers.
What do these names all have in common?
Aside from being almost universally recognized, they were also incredibly successful partners. Despite the seeming preponderance of advice regarding the challenges and pitfalls of having a business partner there can be great value and tremendous benefits to being part of a successful partnership.
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Entrepreneurs Book Club
 "Everything I Know About Business I Learned
from my Mama"
By Tim Knox
Wednesday, July 14, 5:30-6:30 PM
Huntsville/Madison County Public Library - Main
Benjamin Franklin said "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest" and we firmly believe that. In order to promote knowledge and to help you grow as an entrepreneur, WBCNA's Entrepreneurs Book Club meets to discuss focused readings within small business literature.
Join us on Wednesday, July 14 to discuss"Everything I Know About Business, I Learned From my Mama," by local author and serial entrepreneur Tim Knox.
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. For a list of additional recommended books, click here. Purchases made through our associate store at Amazon.com result in up to 15% of the total purchase costs being returned to the WBCNA!
Schedule
July-August 2010: "Developing the Leaders Around You," John C. Maxwell
September-October 2010: "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't," by Jim Collins |
WBCNA Needs You to Get Involved!
The WBCNA is currently overwhelmed with demand for our services (which is a good thing). We welcome your time and support as a WBCNA volunteer. Here's just a few ways to get involved: - Administrative Support
- Business Plan Review
- Michael Gerber Event (September 15, 2010)
- FastTrac Business Coach
- NEW! Business Coaches
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!
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Volunteer Business Coaches Needed
Do you have experience starting and growing a non-profit organization?
The WBCNA and our clients need your expertise. It has been a challenge to meet with all our non-profit clients. You can help by volunteering as little as 1-2 hours per month as a 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! |
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QUICK LINKS
WBCNA Services
More About Us
About our Training
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UPCOMING WBCNA EVENTSAND WORKSHOPS
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HUNTSVILLE
Entrepreneurs Book Club-
July 14
Small business Step By Step- July 15
July 28
Business Expo - October 28
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MORGAN 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 |
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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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3 Easy Ways to Get Free Press for your Business
Check Out WAFF's Business Break
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 choose 5 questions that you would like to be asked during the 2-minute interview.
Share Your WBCNA Testimonial
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, WBCNA wants 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.
Tell Your Story to the Local Media
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? Hiring new employees and getting a new contract awarded are just two examples of great news to share. If you don't know how to write a Press Release, vist the Resources page on our website. Under the "How To" section, you will find "How to Write a Press Release." If you need help, ask WBCNA Public Relations Specialist Leah Gradl for assistance. Her email is Leah.Gradl@wbcna.org. |
Talk Radio Show for Entrepreneurs
Every Tuesday on Your Morning Drive
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  WTKI (1450 AM) Huntsville and WEKI (1490 AM) Decatur have returned to the air with a business-slanted format they call "Talk Radio for Real Life." "Talk Radio for Entrepreneurs" is a weekly hour-long program focusing 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. |
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MDA SBIR Industry Day
July 28-29, 2010
 Embassy Suites/Von Braun CenterHuntsville, Alabama
The Missile Defense Agency's 6th Annual Industry Day is being held July 28-29, 2010, at the Embassy Suites & Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL. The conference is expected to draw representatives from small and large businesses in the high technology R&D sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one sessions with key MDA technical representatives and industry personnel as well as hear overview presentations from key MDA technology leaders.
The Industry Day will provide small businesses with a "one-stop shopping" opportunity to learn as much as they can about the MDA SBIR and STTR programs. The Industry Day will focus on enhancing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Small Business Community.
Technologies of Interest:
· Missile interceptors · Radar · Manufacturing · Directed energy · Electro-optics · Advanced materials · Battle Management · Command and Control · Modeling and Simulation · Space Power and Structures · Radiation Hardening · Propulsion, Guidance and Control
Reserve your hotel room before it's too late!! Deadline is July 6, 2010
Book your room at the Embassy Suites Hotel Huntsville by Tuesday, July 6, 2010 to receive the NDIA discounted rate; please ask for the NDIA/MDA Small Business room block by calling reservations at 1-800-EMBASSY. Please note there is a limited number of rooms reserved.
*Registration & Reception: Embassy Suites Hotel Huntsville - July 28, 2010
*Conference: Von Braun Center - July 29, 2010
One-on-One Appointments:
The week prior to the conference all registered attendees will receive an email with a link to sign up in advance for One-on-One appointments. Registered attendees will have the option to sign up for two (2)
appointments in advance. Some appointments will be reserved for onsite registrants.
Please note the maximum appointments per person are three (3). |
Navigating the Federal Procurement Maze
The results of a ground-breaking survey among current and wannabe Federal small business contractors are out in two well-cited reports. Here are just a few insights that have been uncovered thus far: - On average, it takes business owners 1.7 years of trying to land their first Federal contract - and there's no significant difference by gender or race;
- Active small business contractors invest an average of $83,000 annually in staff time and resources to pursue Federal contracting opportunities;
- The top tips from active small business contractors? 1) start small and work your way up, and 2) if at first you don't succeed, try, try - and try - again; persistence pays off;
- Once they become active Federal contractors, women and minority small business owners are just as successful as the average small business owner - both in terms of business size and level of contracting success;
- Women and minority business owners, however, are much more likely than average to be waiting at the starting gate - 48% of non-contractors are minorities and 39% are women, compared to a share of 25% and 28%, respectively, among active contractors;
- Women are more likely than average to be using the GSA schedule as an avenue for Federal contracts, while minority business owners place high value on developing relationships with procurement officials and attending as many meetings and match-making events as possible.
To learn more, click on these links to download and read the first two reports in the Victory in Procurement for Small Business survey series. |
2010 Women In Defense National Fall Conference
Join us at the WID 25th Anniversary Celebration
Where: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036 At the Women In Defense National Fall Conference, senior-level government and industry leaders will address national security topics you should know and understand.
You can gain information to help you: - Understand important national security issues in such areas as the defense budget, the Quadrennial Defense Review, legislation, management, and more
- Learn from women who have succeeded in challenging industry, political, and government positions,
- Network in an inclusive environment,
- Make contacts for your business and your professional growth.
Join us at The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel for networking and professional development to aid you in your career and your organization in achieving its mission. Questions? Please contact Julie Veldkamp, Meeting Planner at jveldkamp@ndia.org, (703)247-2577 |
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