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
April 2011 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!
Martinson and Beason Attorneys, P.C. 115 North Side Square Huntsville, AL 35801 www.martinsonandbeason.com
In Business Since: 1937
Number of Employees: 7
CEO: Mac Martinson
Describe your services: We are a full service law firm and handle all cases including business formation for corporations, LLC, Limited Partnerships, etc. We also handle business and shareholder Planning, car wrecks, employment discrimination (both employer and employee), probate, guardianships and real estate.
Type of customers: Anyone from individuals just starting out to a company that recently sold for $950M. We are a family firm, and we represent many family businesses from manufacturing and Government services to people with an idea for a product, whether its a consumer good or even a computer program.
What sets your company apart from your competitors? Personal service. We are small enough to be able to relate to small business and have worked with enough to know the pitfalls of starting a new venture.
What is your company's biggest accomplishment? Working with a large corporation and steering them through some difficult litigation so that they could be sold. Also, we are proud of our work with a small start-up that was sued by a large corporation for trade secret violations. Once they weathered the storm of litigation, they were able to successfully sell their company.
Your advice to budding entrepreneurs: Be prepared for whatever is comping up. If you are leaving a company, be prepared for a fight. It has been said it is easier to kill a baby rattlesnake than a big one. Protect your ideas and business so that someone doesn't leave you and begin to compete against you.
Your hopes for the WBCNA? We hope that the WBCNA continues to successfully guide and mentor innovators and entrepreneurs so that they will be successful and create new jobs for North Alabama.
Favorite quote: "Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them."
-Albert Einstein
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April Lunch and Learn
"Finding Keepers: Tips for Hiring
(and Keeping) Good Employees"
Sponsored by:
Friday, April 22, 2011
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
(last half hour reserved for networking)
Speaker: Lori King-Taylor, Trinity Performance Solutions
The WBCNA has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville-Madison County to present monthly Lunch & Learns. The topic for April's Lunch & Learn is "Finding Keepers---Tips for Hiring (and Keeping) Good Employees" and our speaker is Lori King-Taylor of Trinity Performance Solutions.
Please note that we moved the Lunch & Learn to the 4th Friday because of Spring Break (they are normally on the 3rd Friday of every month).
Keepers. They are your best employees. They have the best ideas, execute business plans flawlessly, create a strong culture and provide the highest value to your company. Keepers are by definition a rare breed---difficult to find and even harder to hold on to. Find out how to:
- Build your hiring practices around the unique attributes of your organization
- Stay competitive in your home market or worldwide
- Attract skilled workers with an employer brand that communicates the values and mission of your company
- Understand the attitudes, behaviors and future needs of the most productive employees
Lori King-Taylor, M.Ed., has extensive experience in leadership development and organizational effectiveness and has worked with a wide variety of industries including automotive, financial services, manufacturing, aerospace, technical and non-profit organizations. Ms. King-Taylor specializes in helping companies and their employees develop the skills and strategies needed to improve individual, team and organizational performance.
A highly-effective workshop facilitator, consultant and executive coach, she has worked with individuals at all levels at the organization. She specializes in human performance development including areas of effective communication skills, executive image, leadership development, motivation, conflict resolution, meeting facilitation and change management.
Ms. King-Taylor holds a Master of Education degree in Training and Organizational Development from Penn State University. She is certified to administer the Professional DynaMetric Program (PDP), the Index of Emotional Intelligence as well as the DiSC Profile.
The Lunch & Learn will be held at the Chamber of Commerce Auditorium at 225 Church Street in downtown Huntsville. A map with directions can be found on the website.
Reservations are required. The cost is $20 for WBCNA clients and Chamber members. Please call 256-535-2038 for the discount code prior to registering online. Cost for all others is $25. Credit card payment is required at the time of online registration. Reservations can be made online via our calendar at www.wbcna.org.
Registration/Cancellation Policy: Lunch registrations and/or cancellations must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday before the Lunch & Learn. If you are unable to attend and do not cancel by the deadline, you will be responsible for payment.
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WBCNA Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Derington
Kathy Derington began her career at Huntsville Hospital in software and system support using the PeopleSoft HR and Payroll software suite. She performed upgrades and worked with users to help achieve the most out of technology. Later, Kathy was a consultant at CSC working in the Global PeopleSoft Support Center in Huntsville. Most recently working for SirsiDynix in the Client Care Center helping librarians embrace technology in both the Unix and Windows operating environments.
Significant achievements in her career include educating a customer on how to secure data in the event of a system failure, which increased the customer's confidence that her data would be secure. This resulted in the customer writing a letter of commendation to the VP over Client Care. She has a Bachelors degree in English with a minor in History and a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems from UAHuntsville.
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| NEW! Veteran's Business Assistance Center
 WBNCA Announces the Establishment of the Veteran's Business Assistance Center (VBAC) Presented by: 
Our nation's Veterans are the embodiment of leadership, service and perseverance. It is only natural that many of these individuals are taking steps towards becoming entrepreneurs in their civilian life and professional careers.
To better serve the needs of the growing number of Veterans who want to start a new business or expand an existing one in North Alabama, WBCNA established the Veteran's Business Assistance Center (VBAC). The VBAC provides critical training and resources to Veterans in our region who are starting or growing small businesses that contribute to our community's economic growth and job creation.
"We are coaching more and more Veterans who want to own their own business," says Joanne Randolph, President & CEO of WBCNA. "We have already reached out to Veterans who are successful business owners and they have generously offered their support in helping other Veterans get started and to grow." Business coaches who have already offered their services are:
- Larry Anderson, President of ALATEC, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
- Joe Fitzgerald, President of Decision Sciences Company and Founder of Honor Flight
- Ron Klein, CEO of Belzon, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
- Rob Kuehn, President & CEO of Silver Eagle Consulting, a Veteran Owned Small Business
- Kris McGuire, CEO of Victory Solutions, Inc., a Service Disabled Veteran and Woman Owned Small Business
Randolph also recognized the leadership commitment and support of Redstone Federal Credit Union (RFCU) in the establishment of the VBAC. "Redstone Federal Credit Union offers tremendous resources and assistance to Veterans and all small business owners. As our partner, they will serve a critical role in connecting WBCNA clients with resources to grow."
John Cook, AVP Business Services for RFCU remarked, "The value that the Women's Business Center of North Alabama brings in providing knowledge for starting a business, as well as providing numerous opportunities to make and build relationships with industry leaders is well established and well known. It is our pleasure at Redstone Federal Credit Union to support the WBCNA and its commitment to the outreach of veteran-owned businesses in our community.
Cook continued, "We are pleased to be a part of enabling this important group of businesses to be successful in generating revenue, operating profitably and adding jobs to the local economy. One of our main missions at Redstone is to expand access to loaned capital for small businesses, making it easier for them to start, expand and grow. Redstone Federal Credit Union is well positioned to assist veteran-owned businesses because of its commitment to delivering a wide range of business financial service solutions and it being a highly active SBA lender in Alabama."
While the WBCNA has been coaching and training Veterans for years, we are enhancing these offerings to better serve the Veteran entrepreneurial community in North Alabama. The following services are being offered to all U.S. Military Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members, and Active Duty business owners and start-up entrepreneurs in North Alabama:
- One-on-one business coaching by successful Veteran business owners
- Business training (starting a business, writing a business plan, marketing, accounting, etc.)
- Access to financing (up to $500,000 available through the SBA Patriot Express Loan Program for qualified borrowers.)
- Certification Assistance
- Networking opportunities and business matchmaking
- Website resources for Veterans
- Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Training
Most of these services are free and only minimal fees are charged for training (GI Bill benefits may cover entrepreneurial training costs). Entrepreneurs can also access small business resources available from RFCU by visiting their business solutions site.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 256-535-2038. WBCNA is conveniently located at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 225 Church Street.
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Noted Clemson Economist to Speak about Huntsville Economy
"The U.S. Economic Outlook: Where is the New Knowledge Economy? Where are the Entrepreneurs?"
Thursday, April 7, 2011 6:30 p.m.
UAHuntsville
Noted economist, academician and former White House advisor, Bruce Yandle will lecture at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAHuntsville) on Thursday, April 7. Yandle's visit is sponsored by the UAHuntsville College of Business Administration's Koch Distinguished Speaker series, which is funded by the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Yandle's talk is entitled, "The U.S. Economic Outlook: Where is the New Knowledge Economy? Where are the Entrepreneurs?" and will be presented at 6:30 p.m., in the Chan Auditorium of the Business Administration Building. His presentation will include the economic outlook for Alabama, specifically Huntsville, and other similar metro areas. Yandle's talk will also include a discussion of the recovery from the Great Recession and the 2011 outlook for the U.S. economy.
Additionally, he will give a presentation on the knowledge economy, where it is found across the states and southeastern metro areas, and one-person firms, a new category of entrepreneurs, and their link to the new knowledge economy.
Yandle is an Alumni Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus, at Clemson University, and Dean Emeritus of Clemson's College of Business & Behavioral Science. He is also a Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Economics with George Mason University's Mercatus Center, where he lectures regularly on Capitol Hill. A senior fellow with PERC in Bozeman, Mont., Yandle has taught in graduate programs in France, Germany, Italy, and Czech Republic. He served on the White House staff during the Ford and Carter administrations and later as Executive Director of the Federal Trade Commission in the Reagan administration.
He is on the board of the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism and has been a board member with the Foundation for Economic Education and president of the Association of Private Enterprise Education. He was a member and chairman of South Carolina's State Board of Economic Advisors and served as chairman of the board of trustees of Spartanburg Methodist College.
Yandle is an author and editor of 16 books, and writes a quarterly newsletter on the economy distributed by Clemson's Strom Thurmond Institute. Prior to entering an academic career, Yandle was in the power transmission machinery business for 15 years.
The College of Business Administration's Koch Distinguished Speaker Series provides an on-going dialog among faculty, students, and the Huntsville community on the role of entrepreneurship in regional economic development.
To reserve seating, please call (256) 824-6736 or click here.
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WBEC South Annual Expo - April 13-14
"Defining the Times"
April 13-14, 2011
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mark your calendars for April 13-14 when the Women's Business Enterprise Council South (WBEC South) defines the times at its 2011 Women's Business Opportunity Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two-day event will feature one-on-one Matchmaker sessions, a welcome reception, workshops, keynote luncheon, and exhibits.
This year, WBEC South expects over 400 attendees comprised of women business owners, business leaders, purchasing/procurement offices, supplier diversity personnel and government officials from the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Florida with an estimated 50 exhibitors to fill the exhibit hall at Thursday afternoon's Expo.
Wednesday, April 13, attendees will kick off the expo with a reception at The Stage Door Canteen located on the National World War II campus. The reception will include a tribute to the women pioneers from the 1940s to present day, as well as WBENC Certified WBEs celebrating their 5- and 10-year anniversaries of certification.
Thursday, April 14, will begin with a series of workshops tailored to business leaders and corporate procurement/supplier diversity personnel. The Keynote Luncheon will begin at 11:45am and include a welcome address from Louisiana's First Lady, Supriya Jindal. The Keynote Address by Tina Savas, co-author of Women of True Grit, will follow. The luncheon will conclude with an awards presentation honoring "Corporate Advocate of the Year," "Corporation of the Year," "WBE Advocate of the Year" and "WBE Supplier of the Year" for the under $1mm, $1-10mm, and over $10mm categories.
The event is open to the public. Online registration, pricing, and more event details can be found at www.wbecsouth.org/expo |
| Free "Research for Entrepreneurs" Class
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 9:30am-12:30pm
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is offering a free class entitled, "Research for Entrepreneurs" on Wednesday, April 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The class will be taught by Mary Wallace More, the Reference & Adult Services Manager.
Attendees will learn how to conduct research for business plans and marketing plans. Resources discussed will include free Internet resources, Alabama Virtual Library databases, and Huntsville-Madison County Public Library books, periodicals, and databases.
Location: Computer Training Center
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library
915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Please call 256-532-2356 to reserve a seat.
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SBA "Small Business Jobs Act Tour" coming to Huntsville on April 15
Small business owners can give input on and learn about new tools to create jobs through contracting, lending, exporting, counseling and training.
The U.S. Small Business Administration invites small business owners and entrepreneurs to attend one of 13 "Jobs Act Tour" events that highlight new tools and resources coming out of the Small Business Jobs Act, which was signed into law on Sept. 27, 2010. Sessions will include opportunities to comment on new federal contracting provisions and to learn about new SBA tools and resources targeted at increasing access to capital, expanding exporting, and providing more counseling and training. The free, one-day forum will be hosted by SBA experts and leaders. Sessions include:
- Jobs Act Provisions Affecting Small Business Participation in Federal Contracting (public comments will be taken)
- Opportunities in Accessing Capital & New SBA Loan Programs
- Resources for Counseling and Training
- Exporting Opportunities for Small Businesses
- Roundtable for current and prospective SBA lenders
Date: April 15, 2011
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Chan Auditorium, College of Business 801 Sparkman Drive Huntsville, AL 35899
Registration: For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/HUNTSVILLE |
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An Easy Overview of SBA 504 Loans
SBA 504 Loans are an excellent tool for lenders and small businesses alike. Riverside Capital has provided a simple and easy-to-understand overview of SBA 504 Loans. These loans are used to finance:
- Owner-occupied commercial real estate (including new construction or purchase and renovation of existing facility)
- Long-lived equipment
The loan structure is typically:
- 50% of loan proceeds from a private lender, probably a local bank
- 40% from the SBA
- 10% down payment from the Borrower; 15-20% in certain cases. (This saves valuable working capital, especially since most conventional loans now require 15-25% down.)
Project amounts generally range from $250,000 to as much as $10-12 million depending on the type of project. Repayment periods are longer than conventional bank loans: 20 years for owner-occupied commercial real estate and 10 years for long-lived equipment loans. Below-market, fixed interest rates are the norm for 504 loans. As of February 28, 2011, refinancing of debt using 504 loans may also be an opportunity for small business owners.
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Small Business Health Care Tax Deduction Increase Passes House
By a vote of 83-6, the House passed House Bill (HB) 61, by Representative April Weaver, R-Brierfield, which allows qualifying employers and employees to deduct from their state income tax an additional 50 percent of the amount spent on health insurance premiums. Qualifying employers are those with less than 25 employees, and the qualifying employees are those whose annual wages do not exceed $50,000.
The bill would help the smallest, most vulnerable, yet essential employers provide health coverage to their employees. The measure is considered an incentive for job creation and a way to reduce the number of citizens who otherwise would be added to the State's Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Plan) rolls.
If enacted, this measure would increase the 150 percent deduction, achieved during the 2008 legislative session, up to a deduction of 200 percent of qualifying premium payments. HB 61 has been assigned to the Senate Job Creation and Economic Development Committee, while its companion bill, SB 159, by Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper, received a favorable report from the Senate Health Committee this week.
Rep. Weaver was commended for her first sponsored bill in the Shelby County Reporter this week: "Even though Weaver is new to politics, it's safe to say she gets it. In today's economy, small businesses are where the jobs are. If our government representatives can help small businesses stay viable, it's their responsibility to do so."
Source: Business Council of Alabama
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National Small Business Week May 18-20
SBA Salutes Small Businesses that Drive America's Economy The nation's top entrepreneurs will be honored at the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week events May 18-20 in Washington, D.C. Under the theme, "Empowering Entrepreneurs," a series of events and educational forums will mark the 58th anniversary of the agency and the 48th 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 administration 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, and awards will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including the year's top SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center and Women's Business Center.
Interested parties can register online at www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com where additional information is available. The event will also be webcast live at the web site.
"Small business owners and employees across America are proving their resiliency as they continue to drive the nation out of recession through economic growth and job creation," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "National Small Business Week gives us an opportunity to honor their achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and determination that makes them the engine of our economy and our nation's economic recovery."
Click here to read the entire SBA release. |
SBA Proposes Increase in Size Standards to Expand Eligibility for Small Business Programs
The U.S. Small Business Administration published a proposed rule for comment in The Federal Register. The proposal would adjust the size definition of small businesses in professional, scientific and technical services and other services sectors, increasing the revenue-based size definition businesses need to meet to qualify as small businesses. They apply to businesses in 36 industries and one sub-industry in professional, scientific and technical services, and one industry in other services sectors.
As part of its ongoing comprehensive review of all size standards, the SBA evaluated 46 industries and three sub-industries in these sectors. Of these, the SBA proposes to increase size standards for 36 industries and one sub-industry and retain current standards for the remaining 10 industries and two sub-industries. SBA's size standards vary from industry to industry to account for differences among them.
The changes would allow some small businesses that are close to exceeding their current size standards to retain small business eligibility under higher size standards, giving federal agencies a larger selection of small businesses to choose from for small business procurement opportunities. SBA estimates as many as 9,450 additional firms will become eligible for SBA programs as a result of the proposed revisions, if they are adopted.
Click here to read the entire SBA Announcement.
Comments can be submitted on this proposed rule on or before May 16, 2011, online at: www.regulations.gov , where they will be posted, or mailed to Khem R. Sharma, chief, Size Standards Division, 409 3rd St., SW, Mail Code 6530, Washington, DC 20416.
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Calling All Volunteers!
The WBCNA is planning on hosting another Direct Selling Expo in September 2011, but we're calling it the "Home-Based Business Expo" so it will resonate with the general public. 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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Census Data on Women-Owned Small Businesses Provides New Insights
Growth of Woman-Owned firms continues, but keeps up pace only until 100-employee and $1M revenue marks.
A new analysis of recently-released Census data on women-owned enterprises in the United States finds that the growth in the number of women-owned firms continues at rates exceeding the national average, and that growth in revenue and employment keeps up the pace with all firms, but only until women-owned firms reach the 100-employee level or the $1 million revenue marks.
Women-owned firms are now estimated to number just over 8.1 million, generating nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing 7.7 million workers. The new report, The American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Businesses Report: A Summary of Important Trends, 1997-2011, also provides estimates of the number and economic contributions of women-owned firms by industry, by state, and by revenue and employment class of firm.
Learn more about and download the 53-page report free at OPENforum.com/women, and read the full study news release here.
Source: Womanable.com
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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
Creative Media Events- April 5
Government Contract Accounting Made Easy- April 5
Help! I Need A Business Plan!- April 6
QuickBites with QuickBooks- sponsored by Sam's Club of South Huntsville- April 19
MORGAN COUNTY
Lunch & Learn- April 14
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NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES AND WORKSHOPS ACROSS
NORTH ALABAMA
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MADISON COUNTY
Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce Best Places to Work- April 19
Business After Hours-
April 26
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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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FREE Business Plan Review from 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?
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Have you thought through everything?
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Is marketing sufficiently addressed?
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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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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.
The GPAC is presented by:
 If you would like more information on the GPAC and doing business with the government, call (256) 535-2038.
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VBAC offers critical training and resources to the Veterans in our region who are starting or growing small businesses that contribute to our community's economic growth and job creation.
Services are available for:
-All U.S. Military Veterans
-Service-Disabled Veterans -Reservists
-National Guard Members
-Active Duty business owners and start-up entrepreneurs in North Alabama.
The VBAC is presented by:
If you would like more information on the VBAC and our specialized Veteran's resources, call (256) 535-2038.------------------------------------------------
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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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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. 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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SBA Lender Activity Report
The Alabama District Office of the SBA issued a lender activity report for the period of October 1, 2010-February 28, 2011. To view the entire report, click here. |
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Storage Space Available at INERGI
INERGI is opening up our storage facility to new businesses! If you are looking for storage space that is ITAR certified, security badge protected and/or located here in Huntsville in a HUBZone, they are renting space for 15˘ a cubic foot!
For additional information, contact INERGI by calling 256-704-7700 ext. 139 or visiting their website via
www.inergi.com
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HASBAT April Lunch Meeting April 7, 2011
"Small Business Update and Overview"
Ms. Nancy Small, Office of Small Business Programs, Army Materiel Command
Thursday, April 7, 11:30am
New Location! The Heritage Club, Bridge Street Town Centre
The Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology (HASBAT) invites you to join their monthly luncheon on Thursday, April 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Heritage Club at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, Alabama. The agenda for the luncheon includes:
11:30 AM--12:00 PM: Social Time 12:00--1:00 PM: Luncheon and Forum
Cost to attend: $20 per person for member companies and $25 per person for non-member companies.
Registration: Please visit the HASBAT website to register by the close of business on Monday, April 4th.
Click here to register.
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30th International Space Development Conference May 18-22, 2011
The National Space Society presents:
"From the Ground Up---How Do We Get There?"
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama
May 18-22, 2011
Join the engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and private citizens who are building a spacefaring civilization. Topics covered throughout the conference include:
The Future of Space:- Space Solar Power
- ISS Missions
- Heavy Lift Launch
Technology: - Science
- Propulsion
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Space Settlement
- Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Life Support
Cost to Attend: Adults $280; NSS Members $200; Students $40. This is online registration pricing that expires May 1, 2011. Click here to visit the conference website and to register for the event.Additional pricing is available for tickets with meals. Email ISDC2011@NSS.org for additional information.
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236th Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner
June 15, 2011 5:00 p.m.
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama
On June 15, 2011, the Association of the United States Army, Redstone-Huntsville, Alabama Chapter will recognize the U.S. Army's 236th Birthday Celebration and welcome the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) to Huntsville with the black tie Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner. The 2011 Armed Forces Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner will occur during the Annual Armed Forces Week celebration to be conducted June 13-17, 2011. General Ann Dunwoody, Commander, United States Army Materiel Command, is our invited guest along with numerous military and civilian dignitaries. AMC is the senior government participant.
The Army Birthday Celebration &Salute Dinner will commence with a pre-function event at 5:00 p.m. in the North Hall, Salon 1 of the Von Braun Center. The open reception will commence at 5:30 p.m. in the East/West Hall of the Von Braun Center. The evening's celebration and festivities will continue with a spectacular dinner event including entertainment commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the North Hall of the Von Braun Center.
The Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner provides friends of the U.S. Army the opportunity to celebrate our Army's rich heritage, to pay tribute to our great Soldiers who are such a vital component of our community and to welcome AMC to Huntsville.
The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter, AUSA respectfully requests your sponsorship in demonstrating our support to the U.S. Army and its Soldiers and in spending a night of celebration with our Soldiers, past and present.
For additional information a sponsorship package, click here.
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FREE SBIR/STTR Training Programs
On September 20, 2010 SBA Administrator, Karen Mills announced the selection of the Huntsville Advanced Defense Technology(ADT) Cluster as one of 10 Regional Clusters funded by the SBA to provide training, counseling, mentoring, matchmaking and other services to small businesses that focus on DoD technologies.
As part of this initiative the Cluster will be offering a series of free SBIR/STTR Training over the next 4 months at the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce. Snacks and lunch are provided.
- May 2, 2011: SBIR/STTR Costing and Budgeting 8am-4pm
- May 24, 2011: SBIR/STTR Commercialization 8am-4pm
- June 28, 2011: SBIR/STTR Proposal Writing 8am-4pm
Registration: Please call 256-372-8667 to register. For additional information, contact Eric Ohene-Nyako, Alabama A&M University, at 256-372-4786x4761.
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"Small Businesses Contribute to NASA's Mission"
Posted by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
March 24, 2011, 4:23 p.m. EDT
Click here to view the original blog post.
In his State of the Union Address, President Obama said, "What America does better than anyone - is spark the creativity and imagination of our people. We are the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook. In America, innovation doesn't just change our lives. It's how we make a living."
Nobody knows that better than those of us associated with NASA. Spaceflight today would not exist without the spark of innovation that drove us to build rockets and computers and robots. And small businesses helped us achieve our greatest missions.
Small businesses have always been an integral part of NASA. Small businesses have built parts for launch vehicles and planetary science missions, they help us manage our facilities and our data and help keep our organization running smoothly. Small business is crucial not only to NASA, but to the nation. And federal procurement opportunities for women, minority, veteran-owned and small businesses are critical to the economy and to sustaining economic development.
Today I am in Huntsville, Alabama, home to the Marshall Space Flight Center. I'm at Marshall to salute the center for its strong commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses, and present them with an award for managing the most effective small business program in the agency. In 2010, NASA awarded approximately $2.3 billion directly to small businesses, an increase of almost 15 percent from the year before. NASA's large, prime contractors awarded an additional $2 billion in subcontracts to small businesses.
Small businesses create jobs and power our economy. In fact, small businesses created 64 percent of the net new jobs in America over the past 15 years. And small business hire 40 percent of the high tech workers in the U.S. Small businesses are often started by people with an innovative product, a creative solution or just a passion for something. We are trying to change the way we do business at NASA, and we need the help of small business to get there. We need the energy and ideas that come from small business owners and their employees; we need their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
The President is urging government agencies to meet the combined goal of 23% for all federal contracting with small businesses, as well as specific goals for underserved small business groups that, for too long, have been left behind. NASA is working to help the Federal Government not only meet this standard, but also surpass it.
But partnering with small business is about more than reaching that goal. It's about bringing the innovation and ideas of small businesses into the fold. It's a larger effort to diversify our procurement and make the business of the federal government reflect the many perspectives of our entrepreneurs and make our procurement portfolio continue to be representative of small businesses.
Investment in space exploration has long pushed the boundaries of our nation's technical capabilities. And we've succeeded with the help of our innovative small business partners.
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13th Annual AUSA Tactical Missiles Conference
"Improving Affordability & Interoperability"
Conference April 26, 2011, the Von Braun Civic Center East Hall
Huntsville, Alabama The Annual AUSA Tactical Missiles Conference provides 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 Rogers, followed in the afternoon with a State-of-the-PEO briefing by BG Ole Knudson. 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 speaker will be followed by afternoon presentations from all of the Project Managers of PEO Missiles and Space-managed programs.
The conference will take place on Tuesday, 26 April, in the East Halls of the Von Braun Center. Preceding the conference on Monday, 25 April, 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.
Registration and agenda for the conference and related events can be found online by clicking here.
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Training: Gearing up to Win Federal Contracts
With the WOSB Federal Contract Program underway, the first women set-aside contracts are rolling out now. Find out how to self certify your company and get on the inside track to federal contract opportunities. Coming up, Give Me 5 is featuring two crucial webinars to prepare your company for new opportunities.
Training 351: Stand Out Responses to Sources Sought Notices
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 2:00 p.m. CST
In response to the recent Presidential directive that government agencies do a better job of market research, federal agencies have posted an unprecedented flood of new Sources Sought Notices on FedBizOpps - over 1,100 new Sources Sought opportunities since February 1! The savvy business person will take the time to review these opportunities, identify those that are a good fit for his/her company and respond accordingly. Attend this webinar to find out how to respond to a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) or Request For Information (RFI) and make your company stand out from the crowd - and even position your company to win contract!
Course instructor: Gloria Larkin, President, TargetGov
Click here to register.
Training 130: How to Certify for the WOSB Federal Contract Program (Part 2)Thursday, April 14, 2011 2:00 p.m. CST Due to the many questions and high attendance for this program on March 9th, we are offering a follow-up session with an extended Q&A. This session will provide further details on eligibility requirements and contract set-asides and the step by step requirements for certification, including: ˇ WOSB and EDWOSB Certification requirements ˇ Submitting documents to the SBA's WOSB Program Repository ˇ Update on 3rd Party Certifications ˇ Extended Q&A Course instructor: Angela Dingle, President, ExNihilo Management, LLC & Co-Chair WIPP Diversity Committee Click here to register. Source: Women Impacting Public Policy www.wipp.org |
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