2010 Winner, Better Business Bureau of North Alabama Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
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
December 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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Welcome our Newest Society of 75 Member
2225 Drake Avenue, Suite 2
Huntsville, Alabama 35805
In Business Since: 2006
Executive Officer: Michelle English, CEO
Number of Employees: 5
Type of Customers: Department of Defense agencies, Prime Contractors and commercial robotics companies serving all domains of unmanned systems.
Company Overview: DeVivo provides software and systems engineering for robotics and unmanned systems. Our areas of expertise within this industry are interoperability and communications.
What sets your company apart from competitors: DeVivo is the industry leader in the development of standards for the unmanned systems. Our unique expertise is instrumental in enabling government agencies and commercial robotics enterprises to prepare for the future of robotics systems.
Your hopes for the Women's Business Center of North Alabama: It is our hope that the many business owners that are being helped today will be willing to mentor new generations of entrepreneurs tomorrow, ensuring that the WBCNA is able to continue its mission for many years.
Your advice to budding entrepreneurs: You can't be an expert in every area of your business. Seek out advice and services from professionals, other business owners and small business support organizations. Developing a network of support around your business relieves pressure in areas of your business where you are weak, or have little time to spend, so that you can concentrate on growing your business.
Favorite Quote: "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back." -Maya Angelou
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WBCNA Wins 2010 BBB Torch Award
WBCNA was named the winner in the Non-Profit Category in recognition of values which include: complete client confidentiality, responsiveness to client needs, constructive feedback, fair and equal treatment for all, respect for clients and their endeavors and adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Joanne Randolph, President, Stephanie Sellers, Program Manager, and Kimberly Ford, Board Chair, accepted the award.
The BBB awarded the 2010 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics to: WaveLink, Inc. in the Small Business Category (1 to 25 employees); LogiCore Corporation in the Mid-Size Company Category (26-99 employees); Sigmatech, Inc. in the Large Business Category (100+ employees) and the Women's Business Center of North Alabama in the Non-Profit Category.
Source: BBB of North Alabama, November 22, 2010
Click here to read the entire article. |
December Lunch and Learn
"The Awesome Power of Goal Setting:
Ten Tips for Triumph"
Friday, December 17
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Speaker: Joanne Randolph, WBCNA
Heed the advice offered by Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat, Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe and Stephen Covey. When you begin your new year with solid direction and desired outcomes in mind, you set yourself up for an awesome year.
Ms. Randolph has a BS degree in Management from the UAHuntsville and spent the first 20 years of her career in the IT industry, working for NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center and Grumman Data Systems. Ms. Randolph began exploring small business opportunities in the early 90's, an adventure that equipped her with experience in entrepreneurship, business management, mentoring, business incubation, international marketing, property management, and telecommunications. Ms. Randolph is the former President & CEO of BizTech, Huntsville's technology incubator, which she helped launch in 1997.
The SBA selected Ms. Randolph as the 2007 "Women in Business Champion" for the State of Alabama and the 6-state region. In 2006, Ms. Randolph was selected as the 2006 Small Business Advocate of the Year by the National Small Business Association (NSBA) for the Lower South Region comprised of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and Texas.
The Lunch & Learn will be held at the Chamber of Commerce at 225 Church Street in downtown Huntsville. A map with directions can be found on the website. Reservations are required and can be made online via our calendar at www.wbcna.org. The cost is $20 for WBCNA clients and Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce members. Please call 256-535-2038 for the discount code prior to registering online. Cost for all others is $25. Credit card payment is available at the time of online registration. Cash, check (payable to WBCNA) and debit/Visa/Mastercard payments are accepted at the door. Registration/Cancellation Policy: 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. |
WBCNA Volunteer Spotlight:
Adrienne Stephens
Adrienne Stephens has been an owner of Rocket City Sitters, a local  on-call babysitting service since its formation in July 2009. Her professional background is in business, with previous experience in the fields of marketing, event planning and advertising. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. With Rocket City Sitters, she has become an active member in the community, serving as an Ambassador and a Mentor for the Madison Chamber of Commerce (MCC), receiving the 2010 MCC Ambassador of the Year Award. With Rocket City Sitters, she has donated time and resources to Panoply Arts Festival, Heart of the Valley YMCA, and the Children's Learning Garden at the Madison Library.
About Rocket City Sitters
Rocket City Sitters is a local business that matches families with qualified, experienced babysitters. Families are matched to a sitter who is infant and child CPR and first aid certified, has several years of extensive childcare experience, is at least 18 years old with their own transportation, and has passed a thorough background and reference check. Rocket City Sitters earned the 2010 Madison Chamber of Commerce Start-up of the Year Award and recently won first place in the 2010 Madison Business Expo & Kids Day Exhibitor Booth competition. Read more via Rock City Sitters' website: www.rocketcitysitters.com.
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Give to WBCNA through the Combined Federal Campaign- Deadline December 15th!
Federal and military personnel can give to the WBCNA through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)! WBCNA's CFC code is 69023.
The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
Click here for questions & answers about donating through the CFC.
Visit the Combined Federal Campaign's homepage here.
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FastTrac NewVenture Madison begins January 11
10-Week Entrepreneurial Program for Small Business Owners and Aspiring Entrepreneurs presented in partnership with:
Madison Session Meets Tuesday Evenings beginning January 11, 2011
5:30-9:00 p.m., Tuesday evenings
Madison Chamber of Commerce, 130 Park Square Lane
Tim Knox, Certified FastTrac Facilitator
Deadline to Register: December 27
WBCNA, in partnership with the Madison Chamber of Commerce, is offering its flagship entrepreneurial program entitled FastTrac® NewVenture™ in Madison, Alabama starting on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and ending on March 15, 2011. FastTrac meets once a week on Tuesday evenings for 10 weeks at the Madison Chamber of Commerce.
You want to start or grow a business. Everyone tells you that you need a business plan, but you're not so sure. Or you have an outline and find it to be too daunting and overwhelming---you just don't know how to get started. This program is right for you. Comments from local entrepreneurs who have recently graduated are an affirmation of the benefits of this program:
"I didn't know what I didn't know," said one graduate.
Another added, "This should be mandatory for everyone starting or growing a business!"
The road to successful entrepreneurship begins with a passion for an idea, a business plan based on research and analysis, and the persistence to pursue the vision. Whether you have always dreamed of being an entrepreneur or recent circumstances triggered thoughts about starting a business, FastTrac NewVenture is designed to introduce you to the key elements of successful entrepreneurship. Each of the ten sessions covers a different topic:
Session 1: Exploring Entrepreneurship
Session 2: Identifying/Meeting Market Needs
Session 3: Setting Financial Goals
Session 4: Planning the Product/Service
Session 5: Researching/Analyzing the Market
Session 6: Reaching the Market
Session 7: Building the Organization & Team
Session 8: Planning for a Profitable Business
Session 9: Cash Flow & Seeking Funds
Session 10: Implementing Next Steps
FastTrac is not your ordinary workshop! You are working on your business in non-traditional, hands-on coaching sessions. Opportunities to network and learn from your peers, as well as seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals who work with start-up businesses, are a key part of the experience.
FastTrac is sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation and was designed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. Hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs around the country have graduated from these programs and will tell you that it was invaluable to them.
Location: Madison Chamber of Commerce 130 Park Square Lane (in the new YMCA Building)
The cost is $300.00 and payable by credit card online or by cash or check made payable to WBNCA. Reservations required at www.wbcna.org or by calling 256-535-2038. Scholarships are available for qualified clients. Call WBCNA for more information. |
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FastTrac TechVenture begins January 11
10-Week Entrepreneurial Program for Technology & Life Sciences Entrepreneurs Sponsored by The Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation (VCSI) Advanced Defense Technologies (ADT) Cluster Team, BizTech and WBCNA
Meets Tuesday Evenings beginning January 11, 2011
5:30 p.m-9:00 p.m.
BizTech, 515 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville
VCSI ADT, BizTech and WBCNA have partnered to sponsor FastTrac® Tech,™ a Kauffman Foundation program designed for entrepreneurs in the fields of technology or life sciences. FastTrac Tech is a ten-week program that will meet once per week on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. beginning on January 11, 2011, and concluding on March 15, 2011. The program will be held at BizTech in Huntsville. FastTrac Tech focuses on the specific needs of entrepreneurs with business ideas based upon:
- Developing and marketing technology.
- Developing technology that enables creation or enhancements of a non-technical business.
- Developing biotechnology and life sciences products and/or services.
The program is grounded in the proven, proprietary business-planning process used in other FastTrac programs. Each participating entrepreneur will work on the key aspects of starting or refining a business venture, including the business concept itself, marketing, management, and financials. The ten sessions will address the following:
Session 1: Exploring Entrepreneurship Session 2: Defining the Target Market Session 3: Conducting Market Research & Analysis Session 4: Testing Your Business Concept Session 5: Entering and Capturing the Market Session 6: Planning for Financial Success Session 7: Building & Compensating Your Team Session 8: Identifying Funding and Working with Investors Session 9: Protecting the Business & Intellectual Property Session 10: Monitoring Cash Flow
The overall objective for FastTrac Tech is to enable entrepreneurs to develop and effectively communicate-via elevator pitches, business plans, and investor presentations-their:
- Market opportunities.
- Business strategies.
- Value propositions.
- Financial models.
- Validity as an investment opportunity for equity sources.
Location: BizTech, 515 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville Alabama 35816 Cost: $275, payable by cash, check or credit card. ($125 VCSI Scholarship applied to the regular fee of $400) For more information or to register for FastTrac Tech, please visit WBCNA's online calendar at www.wbcna.org, email info@wbcna.org or call (256) 535-2038.
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2011 Direct Selling Expo- Calling All Volunteers!
The WBCNA is planning on hosting another Direct Selling Expo in September 2011. We are going to change the name and the venue for this event next year. We plan on calling it the "Home-Based Business Expo" and Anita Eno, Team National, has agreed to chair the event. As a reminder, the mission of the expo is to connect companies who have business opportunities (like Mary Kay, Silpada, and Amway) with individuals who are looking for them. This is a great venue for those in the direct selling industry who are trying to build their organizations and promote their products or services. Many of clients, and millions of Americans, are already in the industry or looking into it.
We are looking for volunteers who would like to help us with this event. If you have any interest, please send us an email at info@wbcna.org.
What is Direct Selling? Direct selling is the sale of a consumer product or service, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location, marketed through independent sales representatives who are sometimes also referred to as consultants, distributors or other titles.
Just about any product or service can be purchased through direct selling somewhere in the world. Many people think of cosmetics, wellness products and home décor as products that are often sold through direct sales, but add to that countless other product categories including kitchen products, jewelry, clothing, organic gardening supplies, spa products, scrapbooking supplies, rubber stamps and much, much more. For more information, check out the Direct Selling Association (DSA) website at www.dsa.org. For direct selling general FAQs, click here. |
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Holiday Luncheon and Q&A Session
Women's Business Enterprise Council South invites you to a luncheon entitled "Healthcare Cost Control for 2011"
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
PALCO Plant 2
300 Dunlop Blvd SW
Huntsville, AL 35824
Seize the opportunity to ask Tom Younger of J. Smith Lanier questions about how healthcare reform could impact you and your business.
Cost: Complimentary
Lunch is provided by PALCO
RSVP by calling 256-883-3400 x 3416 or emailing Janice Migliore at jmigliore@palcotelecom.com before December 10, 2010.
Click here to read the invitation.
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Free Webinars for Non-Profit Organizations
The Reference and Adult Services Department of theHuntsville-Madison County Public Library sponsors regular webinars for non-profits on a wide range of topics. As a cooperating collection of the Foundation Center, the Library has access to databases and print materials of interest to non-profits seeking funding and advice for best practices. All of the below webinars are free of charge and open to the public. They will be held in the Second Floor Events Room of the Main Library at 915 Monroe Street.
Proposal Budgeting Basics
December 16, 2010 - 1:00-2:00 PM
This webinar is geared to the novice grant seeker and will answer budgeting questions such as:
·What kinds of expenses are covered under "personnel"?
·What level of detail do you need to include for non-personnel expenses?
·What types of expenses can be included in the "overhead" category?
·What is the relationship between the budget for your project and the overall budget for your nonprofit organization?
Introduction to Fundraising Planning
January 19, 2011 - 2:00-3:00 PM
Learn a basic planning process for diversifying your organization's base of support. A successful nonprofit organization needs to cultivate multiple revenue streams through sound financial planning. If your organization has never developed a fundraising plan or calendar, this hour-long session is for you. It provides an overview of the process of strategically thinking through the components of a fundraising plan. You'll learn how to:
·Conduct an assets inventory
·Develop a case statement
·Identify fundraising partners
·Prepare a fundraising plan and calendar
Introduction to Fundraising Planning will show you how to analyze your organization's situation and develop a fundraising plan that will include a variety of revenue sources.
Introduction to Corporate Giving
January 20, 2011 - 1:00-2:00 PM
Explore the world of corporate support and get started with resources on corporate giving. Join us for an introduction to the world of corporate support for nonprofits and to the effective utilization of the Foundation Center's resources on corporate giving. We'll answer such questions as:
·What are the motivations behind corporate giving?
·How do companies support nonprofit organizations?
·How can I match my organization's needs with the interests of a corporation?
·How can I make the most effective use of Foundation Center resources to locate corporate funders?
Prior attendance at "Grantseeking Basics" is strongly recommended.
For more information, please contact:
Mary Wallace Moore
Reference & Adult Services Manager
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library
PO Box 443
Huntsville AL 35804
256-532-5972
mmoore@hmcpl.org
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Know Your Credit Score for the Holiday Shopping Season
It's hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner, but now's the time to start stocking up on gifts. That way, once December arrives, you can relax and enjoy family and friends stress-free. Another way to keep your cool as winter comes is to stay on top of your finances and credit. By reviewing your current credit situation and taking steps to spend smartly, your holiday celebrations will go off without a hitch! Checking your credit reports and scores
One of the best ways to prepare for holiday spending before you even leave the house is obtaining your credit report and score from all three nationwide credit reporting agencies. Doing so can help you ensure that the information reported about you is accurate and gives you a better sense of where you stand. If your debt-to-credit ratio is higher than you would like, you might want to consider a more modest spending level this season and give yourself the gift of healthier finances! It's important to know your credit score and the buying power it provides during the shopping season. With Equifax Complete™ and Equifax 3-Bureau Credit Report & Scores you can get your credit score from all three nationwide bureaus, giving you the most complete picture of your credit. By finding out and understanding your credit score, you can better negotiate with lenders - a skill that could help you save on large holiday purchases if you are eligible for lower interest rates. Now that's something you'll be grateful for long after the holidays are over. Making a budget and spending smart
Don't forget that all of the fun and events of the season can sneak up on your wallet. From long distance calls to entertaining company, maintaining a budget can help keep you merry AFTER the festivities are over. There are a number of good ways you can stretch your dollar: - Determine how much you would like to spend on each gift ahead of time
- Try to find deals both online and in stores
- Consider homemade gifts to add a personal touch
- Or, try cutting your costs in other ways to help you afford that "perfect" gift
Source: Equifax November 2010 Newsletter |
SBA Lender Activity Report
 The Alabama District Office of the SBA issued a lender activity report for the period of October 1, 2010-October 31, 2010. Fifty-four loans totaling over $19.1 million were issued. 504 Certified Development Companies issued 12 loans totaling over $3.7 million during the same period.
To view the entire report, click here.
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Nominations Open for 2011 Tech Awards
An annual program of the Tech Museum of Innovation, the Tech Awards are designed to inspire global engagement in applying technology to humanity's most pressing problems.The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and companies from around the world that are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address urgent issues in the areas of education, equality, environment, health and economic development.
Each year, candidates are nominated and then invited to submit applications. Individuals, for-profit companies, and not-for-profit organizations are eligible. Self-nominations are accepted. Awards will be presented in five categories: health, education, the environment, economic development and equality.
Three laureates in each category will be honored and one laureate per category will receive $50,000. Laureates will be honored at an annual gala event and inducted into the Tech Awards Network. The goal of the awards network is to create opportunities for learning, networking and exposure to assist the laureates in furthering their work.
Nominations are accepted year-round. Nominees that meet the eligibility guidelines will be invited to submit a more detailed application. Visit the Tech Awards Web site for complete program information, including profiles of previous award recipients.
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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 Committee
- 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 & FastTrac).
Call Stephanie at (256) 535-2038 if you are interested and want to know more about how YOU can make a difference!
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Free Business Plan Review from the WBCNA
 The WBCNA Business Plan Review Committee is comprised of bankers,
entrepreneurs, lenders, accountants, and others who can review your
business plan and offer suggestions on how to make it stronger.
The need for business planning and a business plan for a new venture
cannot be overemphasized. It forces entrepreneurs to consider every
facet of the business and places decisions on paper; where they can be
evaluated and considered before getting started.
Writing a Business Plan can be a time-consuming task. Software programs
or instruction manuals can assist you with preparing your plan, but it
is still important to polish and perfect the document before submitting
it to investors or lenders. The best way to refine a Business Plan is to
have it reviewed by other business professionals who are accustomed to
seeing and reviewing Business Plans.
WBCNA's Business Plan Review Committee will help you answer these important questions: Is your business plan complete or are there missing components? Have you thought through everything? Is marketing sufficiently addressed? Is the format readable and free of typographical and grammatical errors?
To learn how WBCNA can assist you with Business Plan review, please call 256-535-2038 or email info@wbcna.org.
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Easy Ways to Get Free Press for your Business
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.
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WBCNA's 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," hosted by Marianne and Darin Windham, is a weekly hour-long program focusing on entrepreneurs who share their best practices and lessons learned with listeners. Upcoming guests for the month of December include:
- December 7: Meaghan Chitwood, Executive Director of BNI of North Alabama
- December 14: Peggy Cooper, Owner of Miche Bag of Alabama
If you would like to come on the air to talk about your business, the cost is ONLY $100. Please contact the WBCNA at 256-535-2038.
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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
Help! I Need a Marketing Plan!- December 9
Financing Your Small Business-sponsored by RFCU December 15
QuickBites with QuickBooks- sponsored by Sam's Club of South Huntsville- December 15
MORGAN COUNTY
Loan Clinic, Eva-December 7
Loan Clinic,Trinity-
December 14
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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.
If you would like more information on the GPAC and doing business with the government, call (256) 535-2038. |
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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 Small Business Workshop
December 7, 2010
"8(a) and Hub Zone Certification" and "Doing Business with the Federal Government"
SBA District Office
801 Tom Martin Drive, Suite #201
Birmingham, AL 35211
For more information or to sign up, please contact Susan Baxter at (205) 290-7101
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Foreign Military Sales Training Seminar
"What you Need to Know When Doing Business in Foreign Military Sales"
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 8:30am - 4:45pm
Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, 225 Church Street, Huntsville Alabama
The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce is offering a training class for companies and individuals who want to do business in foreign military sales. Mr. Anthony J. Perfilio, who is the author of the leading textbook on Foreign Military Sales, will be teaching the class. His textbook will be provided to everyone who attends the course; the instruction will follow the textbook. Mr. Perfilio is a retired member of the Senior Executive Service. He has over 31 years of practice experience as an attorney and legal services manager for the Department of the Air Force. He had legal oversight of all foreign military sales processed by the Air Force Materiel Command. Prior to retiring as Director, Air Force Materiel Command Law Office, he also supervised all Air Force contract dispute resolution before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and all legal services in connection with acquisition of major weapon systems by the Aeronautical Systems Center, research and development by the Air Force Research Laboratory, and foreign military sales by the Air Force Security Assistance Center.
Cost to attend: $250 per person, which includes lunch and reference materials
Click here to register. For more information, please contact Mitzi Floyd at mfloyd@hsvchamber.org.
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BID Designs Empowering Business Conference
"Tomorrow Never Happens Twice"
In Partnership with WBCNA
January 11-12, 2011
The Ledges in Huntsville, AL
www.empoweringbusinessconference.com
The BID Designs Empowering Business Conference (EBC) is a unique business development training conference for federal contractors of all sizes. This compelling training conference provides proposal, strategy and capture, and specialized business development topics of interest to all federal contractors who are working to be more effective and efficient in their processes. Over the 2 day period, attendees will gain expert insight into the topics of their choice and will leave with a powerful knowledge set designed to help them apply new ideas, innovations, and efficiencies. Plus, all attendees are invited to a special roundtable open discussion on the final day of the training. In addition, all speakers and keynotes are industry professionals and local community leaders who know, work within, and understand our community and issues we face.
This year's theme, "Tomorrow Never Happens Twice" sets the stage for common themes throughout all of our sessions. Meaning, in federal contracting, we have little time to miss key opportunities. Our conference will provide you with key knowledge points to help you better focus and achieve your vision.
Who Should Attend: Any federal contractor involved in business development looking for more information, insight, and realistic principles needed to succeed. Perfect for anyone in your company that participates in business development or marketing activities from junior to executive.
Pricing: December 1-December 30 Single: $575 Group: $475* December 31- January 7 Single: $675 Group: $575*
*5 or more attendees from same organization. To read more about BID Designs, visit their website at www.bid-designs.com.
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7th Annual Defense Acquisition University Alumni Association-South Region Conference and Expo
February 22-23, 2011
Von Braun Center, Huntsville Alabama
On the night of April 2, 2008, the lives of six U.S. Marines were spared after an improvised device exploded underneath their vehicle. Fortunately for these men they were riding in a mine resistant ambush protected truck, commonly called an MRAP. These vehicles were put into wide-spread production following the onset of the second Iraq War. However, the MRAP program would not exist if it had not been for the diligent decision making of the acquisition community. In the fast-paced, ever-changing defense community it is often difficult to identify practical approaches while navigating the acquisition process. Defense Acquisition University (DAU) teaches the entire defense acquisition community how to make better decisions by freely providing a roadmap and the necessary tools. This roadmap often includes instructing students how to think critically, teaching them about government processes, and demonstrating sound acquisition decisions. In the end, DAU helps people arrive at good acquisition destinations, which ultimately benefit the Warfighter and the American taxpayers. The South Region Alumni Association of DAU takes DAU's mission even further by ensuring the acquisition community remains up-to-date on federal acquisition policy and industry developments. To help accomplish this goal, the Alumni Association will host its 7th Annual Defense Acquisition University Alumni Association-South Region Conference & Expo, February 22-23, 2011, at the Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama.
The conference is attended by DoD program and acquisition leadership from the OSD, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, as well as industry leaders from across the nation. It is a premier conference to network with current and future program management, and to meet and engage government and industry to gain information on the latest management tools and capabilities. The conference provides a great opportunity for your organization to exhibit and thereby to provide information about your product and service offerings and capabilities to hundreds of potential customers from both Government and industry. There perhaps is no better forum where you can exhibit, provide information and discuss your capabilities with program/acquisition managers than at this Conference. To view the Conference Agenda and to register to attend, visit www.regonline.com/dauaa-south_conferenceFor more information, if you have any questions or you wish to sign-up to sponsor and exhibit, contact Ms. Helen Purcell at Helen.Purcell@dau.mil or telephone 256-922-8771.
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WIPP's Women, Money and Opportunity programs offer courses to help you sustain and grow your business
Training 110: Putting Your Business in Order-The Business Plan
Thursday, December 9, 2010 1:00 p.m. CST
Topics covered include:
· What do banks and investors really want to see in your business plan?
· Write a strong, marketable business plan to win the investment you need
· Not for start-ups, this webinar is designed for small business owners committed to
expanding their businesses
Course Instructor: Mary Ellen Hickman, Partner, Hickman Consulting Partners, LLC
Click here to register.
Training 207: Setting up an Accounting System for Government Contractors
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 1:00 p.m. CST
his course will focus primarily on QuickBooks, as we:
· Learn how to structure an accounting system
· Overview of DCAA cost requirements for accounting systems
· PLUS hands on use of the SF 1408 as a class guide
Course Instructor: Michelle Hoffman, Hoffman CFO Consulting
Click here to register.
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SBA Expands Federal Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has published its final rule on federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs), which goes into effect on February 4th. This rule was based on The Rand Report, a study commissioned by the SBA from the Kauffman-Rand Foundation.
The report presents disparity ratios for WOSBs, computed in four ways:
- Number of contracts for the population of all employer firms
- Total contract dollars for the population of all employer firms
- Number of contracts of all firms that have registered as potential bidders for federal contract
- Total contract dollars for the population of all firms that have registered as potential bidders for federal contracts.
To read the full report, visit: http://www.Rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR442
By implementing the existing statutory where 5 percent of federal contracting dollars go to WOSBs, the final rule provides even more opportunities for women in business. NAWBO advocated for this 5 percent federal procurement goal and other steps designed to assure women business owners access their fair share of federal contracts and contract dollars.
Using NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes, the final rule identifies 83 industries in which women-owned small business are under-represented. It authorizes a set-aside of federal contracts for WOSBs and economically disadvantaged women owned small businesses (EDWOSBs) where the anticipated contract price does not exceed $5 million for manufacturing contracts and $3 million for other contracts. (A listing of these 83 NAICS codes can be found on the WBCNA website on our GPAC page).
In addition to allocating set government funds, the final rule removes requirements mentioned in previous versions in which federal agencies had to certify that they had engaged in discrimination against WOSBs in order for the contracting program to apply to their agency. In theory, WOSBs will now self-certify their status or seek third-party certifiers like government entities and private certifications groups.
The SBA is currently developing the process in which entities can become approved to certify businesses as either WOSBs or EDWOSBs. In the meantime, women business owners and NAWBO members nationwide celebrate new contracting opportunities on the horizon!
Source: National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
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