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
October 2011 Newsletter
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Newsletter Sponsored by
www.services-sps.com |
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Society of 75 Member Profile
Diversified Business Solutions
3322 Memorial Parkway SW Suite 639-A
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
256-536-0095
www.dbs-hsv.com
In Business Since: February 2008
Executive Officer: Beverly Lang
Number of Employees: 6
Describe what your company does:
DBS provides an unsurpassed quality of products and services to its clients including Certified QuickBooks support, General accounting, Tax, Outsourcing and IT support. Our company is pro-active and results oriented with broad experience in all aspects of accounting and financial management. Type of customers: We serve any company that currently uses or plans to switch to QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Point of Sale. Customers in need of an outsourced bookkeeping service, payroll service or help with Merchant service accounts. We also assist Any company or individual seeking training or additional knowledge about QuickBooks software and services. What sets your company apart from your competitors: DBS is a responsive resource for our customers and partner companies earning trust and building positive relationships through performance. DBS's team of professionals provide cost efficient solutions resulting in "best value" customer service that consistently delivers focused results. Your advice to budding entrepreneurs: If you have the potential to create an excellent product or service, believe in what you do and you have all the ingredients to find success. You need to fully commit to the venture. Too often people say "I'll try it for a year and can always go back to a corporate job if it doesn't work out." That's fine, but clients, partners, colleagues and employees can sense that, and if you're not "all in" they won't be either. Your hopes for the Women's Business Center of North Alabama: To grow and provide more business knowledge to start-up companies. Favorite Quote: "Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today." -James Dean |
October Lunch and Learn
"Learning Styles and Your Employees:
Which corner do you live in?"
Sponsored by:
Friday, October 21, 2011
11:15 a.m. Registration
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Luncheon & Program
(last half hour reserved for networking)
Speaker: Cindi Branham, Net Focus Marketing
[Huntsville, AL] - The WBCNA has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville-Madison County to present a Lunch & Learn session in October. The Lunch & Learn event will take place on Friday, October 21, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m. The topic for October's Lunch & Learn is "Learning Styles and Your Employees: Which corner do you live in?" and our speaker is Cindi Branham. The event is sponsored by AddStar.
Every wonder why - with some employees - their first answer to any request or suggestion you make is always negative? Can't figure out why your business partner or staff member isn't grasping your idea for a new project, or a solution to an existing problem, when it's so obvious to you and you were sure they'd go along? Do you love to gather information, but can't seem to make a decision, no matter how much data is before you? There's a reason for these reactions.
Recognizing this and changing your approach can make your own life less stressful, and your communications more effective. And it can help your "success rate" in interpersonal communications. We're all different. That much is sure. But how we take in and assimilate information is a bit of a science. It can be crucial for you to not only understand your own learning style, but especially that of those you find yourself interacting with - occasionally or often. Participants will understand their Learning Style and take away a tool that will help them to both develop and enhance their everyday communications. 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 $25. A $5 discount is available for WBCNA clients and Chamber members. Please call 256-535-2038 for the discount code prior to registering online. 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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| Small Biz Open Mic
Got Small Business Problems? Congress wants to hear about them. GOP Members want Small Business Owners to Sound Off
Republican members of the House Small Business Committee are launching an online initiative to invite small-business owners to share their stories and opinions on policies.
The Small Biz Open Mic, which will be hosted on the GOP's committee website, will allow business owners to send their feedback directly to the committee, whether it's through a written response or a video testimonial. "To do our jobs well, we need to hear directly from small companies about how government is hurting or helping their business," Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) said in a statement. "With their help, we can make certain that Washington supports policies that allow small businesses to thrive and pave the way to economic growth, innovation and job creation."
Click here to access the House Committee on Small Business website.
Click here to access Small Biz Open Mic online.
Source: Roll Call, September 15, 2011. Access the original article.
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Meet the Franchisors Expo - October 12
An educational and interactive exposition co-hosted by The Central Alabama Women's Business Center, the Alabama SBDC Network, FranNet, Alabama Franchise Alliance and Duell Hunt.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
1pm-4pm
Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Birmingham, Alabama
If you want the freedom and control of owning your own business then this event is for you!
Semi-Absentee Models, Business to Consumer Models (B2C), Executive Models, Business to Business (B2B), Latest Developments in Franchise Fianancing, Single, Multiple and Master Territory Options
Featured franchises include leaders in the categories of Personal Care, Cleaning and Maintenance, Senior Care, Staffing B2B, Pest Control/Home Services, Security and Investigations, Digital Imaging/Signage & Graphics and Funding Options.
Schedule of Events:
12:30pm - Registration and Raffle Sign Up
1:00pm - Presentations: Informative presentations provided by leading
franchisors looking to expand into Alabama, as well as, business
experts that can assist you in buying and growing your business.
2:15pm - Break: Light Refreshments served
2:30pm - Meet the Franchisors: Take this time to travel from table to table
and learn more about the franchise companies that interest you.
3:50pm - Closing Remarks and Raffles: Raffles include a Flip Video
Camera, American Express Gift Cards and More!
Must be present to win.
Listen to informative presentations on:
- Making the transition to your own business through franchise ownership.
- Traditional and alternative forms of business financing in a tight credit market.
- Legal considerations and options for starting and buying a business.
- Several fast growing, affordable, scalable and highly ranked franchise companies looking to move into Alabama.
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SBA Export Express Loan Program
Borrego Springs Bank connects small businesses with unsecured working capital.
According to the Wall Street Journal, exports are up 25.6% over 2009.
Through the newest addition to the already popular Borrego Express Capital platform, small businesses who have been in operation for at least 12 months and are either currently or intend to export their products in the next 12 months may qualify for up to $50,000 in unsecured financing.
Small businesses which have been in operation for at least 24 months and are either already exporting or intend to export their products within the next 12 months may qualify for up to $100,000 in unsecured financing. These loans are fully amortized over 7 years.
For more information about the Export Express Loan Program at Borrego Springs Bank, please contact either Fred Crispen, Terry Crispen or Diane Skoriak at (866) 644-0042 or visit us online at www.borregospringsbank.com/sba_cap.asp.
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Alabama SBA Lender Activity
For the period running October 1, 2010 through August 31, 2011, the SBA reports the following Alabama SBA lender activity:
- 382 Loans
- $174,301,100 total loan amount
To read the entire report, including the number and amount of loans made by individual lenders, click here.
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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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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 Karessa Acosta at (256) 535-2038 or email Karessa.Acosta@wbcna.org 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 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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QUICK LINKS
WBCNA Services
More About Us
About our Training
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UPCOMING WBCNA EVENTS
AND WORKSHOPS
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HUNTSVILLE
QuickBites with QuickBooks- October 4
Government Facility Security Clearance Workshop- Presented by BID Designs- October 26
Successful Proposal Strategies for Small Business- Sponsored & Presented by BID Designs- October 19
October Lunch & Learn- Sponsored by AddStar - October 21
Full Day WBCNA/WIPP Federal Procurement Program- Sponsored by BID Designs, CDPA, PC and Northrop Grumman - October 26WID Leadership Workshop- October 27Every Tuesday: Talk Radio for Entrepreneurs
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NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES AND WORKSHOPS ACROSS
NORTH ALABAMA
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MADISON COUNTY
Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce CEO Roundtables Reception- October 6
Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours- October 25
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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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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:
 www.bid-designs.com
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:
 www.redfcu.org
If you would like more information on the VBAC and our specialized Veteran's resources, call (256) 535-2038.------------------------------------------------
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| WBCNA & WIPP Full Day Training Event- October 26, 2011
Presented by:
WBCNA and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) have partnered to offer a full day of training events for businesses who want to do government contracting. Two training sessions as well as a networking lunch are scheduled for the day and participants can register for the entire day or can participate in individual events. The afternoon training session offered by WIPP is free to attend.
"A Roadmap to Success in Government Contracting"
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Von Braun Center East Hall
8:30am-1:00pm
$99.00 per person
Includes a copy of the book "Government Contracting Made Easier" by Judy Bradt and Lunch.
Sponsored by:
Plus, for the first time ever in Huntsville:
Women Owned Small Business Procurement Program:
"Moving Forward and Winning Contracts"
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
1:30pm-4:30pm
This portion of the event is free.
$100 Billion in federal contracts are awarded annually to small business owners. This day long program will help you navigate the road to success in contracting and help grow your business to the next level.
This event is designed to help you:
- Hear from experts on Government contracting
- Network with other small business owners
- Learn from authors who specialize in procurement
- Get information about the latest developments, including the new WOSB set aside program.
- Learn crucial strategies to successfully market your business to the Federal government
- Analyze existing marketplace for competition
- Define key market characteristics for your message
- Link strategy with market characteristics
There is no charge to attend the Give Me 5 program. The Give Me 5 program is part of a full day of programming and includes a networking lunch and an evening reception. To register, log on to the WBCNA Calendar via www.wbcna.org to reserve your space. Please note that space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sponsorships and exhibit booth space are available. Please call (256) 535-2038 with additional questions about this event.
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Proposal Series for Government Contractors
Successful Proposal Strategies for Small Business
Presented by:
A new series presented by BID Designs that helps small and mid-sized businesses as well as non-profit organizations and public-sector agencies to achieve effective, efficient, and disciplined business development, proposal development, and capture management processes. The ultimate goal: increased contract awards and enhanced levels of revenue. Session 4: Planning, Managing, and Developing the Proposal October 19, 2011 Session 5: Proposal Reviews and Production to Ensure Compliance and Responsiveness December 7, 2012 For more information about each individual session and to register, please visit the Calendar via www.wbcna.org. To learn more about BID Designs and their services for proposal consulting and capture management, please visit www.bid-designs.com. |
Leadership Challenges in National Defense Workshop- October 27
Presented by The Tennessee Valley Chapter of Women in Defense (WID)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Huntsville Marriott, Huntsville, Alabama
Current Agenda:
- 11:00-12:30 Luncheon: Keynote Speaker LTG Robert Lennox, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8
- 12:45-1:45 General Session: BG Heidi Brown, Deputy, Test & Assessment, MDA (invited) and Coach Michael Burt, Author, Speaker, Radio Host
- 2:00-5:00 Focus Panels: Leading with Principle, Leadership Challenges in Acquisition & Contracting, Leadership in Cyber Security
- 5:30-7:00 Reception
To register for the event, please visit the WBCNA Calendar via www.wbcna.org. Early bird registration discounts end on October 15, 2011.
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WOSB Program Third Party Certification - Update
The SBA has approved four organizations to act as Third Party Certifiers under the WOSB Program. The four organizations and contact information are:
Women Owned Small Businesses may elect to use the services of a Third Party Certifier to demonstrate eligibility for the program, or they may self-certify using the process outlined here on this website. SBA will only accept third party certification from these entities, and firms are still subject to the same eligibility requirements to participate in the program. Please note, at the request of WBENC, SBA has approved WBENC only for the certification of WOSBs.
Source: Ana Harvey, Assistant Administrator, Office of Women's Business Ownership, SBA
To access the official SBA release, click here.
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SBA "QuickPay" Program
SBA Administrator Mills statement on the President's "QuickPay" announcement today to cut in half - from 30 days to 15 days - the amount of time it takes federal agencies to pay small businesses for the products and services they deliver to the federal government:
"The thousands of small businesses that provide great products and services to the federal government have a big reason to cheer the President's 'QuickPay' announcement today. When small contractors get their money in 15 days instead of 30, it results in a permanent infusion of cash flow into their businesses. They can put that money towards working capital, expanding their businesses, marketing their products, and creating jobs. Their financial footing gets stronger - permanently. With nearly $100 billion each year in federal contracts going to small businesses, cutting in half the time they get paid is a powerful way to help put America back to work now. QuickPay is a smart and powerful boost that effectively delivers billions more dollars into the hands of small contractors so that they can do what they do best - create jobs."
Source: SBA Release 10-51, September 14, 2011
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WIPP Online Training
Training 132: Creating a Culture of Courage- The New Leadership Challenge
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 2pm CT In an ever-evolving business landscape, courage is an increasingly vital skill; we can no longer be averse to taking risks or remain complacent. Creating a Culture of Courage enables every employee and every organization to meet the demands of an uncertain future. You'll learn how to create a strong, productive could be culture/team etc that not only embraces, but thrives on change. In her humorous, poignant presentation, Cindy Solomon will leave you realizing that you can accomplish anything - in both your personal and professional life!
Course Instructor: Cindy Solomon, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Executive Coach Click here to register for this course. |
Meet our GPAC Coaches
WBCNA recommends that every entrepreneur who wants to do business with the government get familiar with the process. Below is a list of GPAC business coaches that support WBCNA and its clients.
- Dr. Jay Billings, Defense Management Systems Corporation
- Defense Systems Acquisition, Project Management, Contract Management, Organizational Development, ISO 9000, ISO 14000
- Aerospace, Defense and Education
- Jeff Irons, ironSclad Solutions
- Communication, Strategic Planning, Marketing/Sales
- Aerospace, Defense
- Steve Reed, Go To Market Solutions
- Contracting, General Management, Marketing/Sales, Public Relations, Business Plans, Communication, Consulting, 8(a) issues, Government Contracting, IPOs, Marketing Research, Negotiation, Partnering, Recruiting, Software
- Advertising, Aerospace, Biotechnology, Computer H/W & S/W, Defense, Electronics, Healthcare, Mfg, Medical, Publishing, Telecommunication, Transportation
- Gerry Johnson, SAIC
- General Management, Consulting, Government Contracting, Recruiting, Team-Building
- Aerospace
- Janet Phillips, CohesionForce, Inc.
- Contracting, General Management, Human Resources, 8(a) Issues, Retail, Software Development, Team Building
- Computer Software, Defense
- Garfield Boon, Advoco Technology Solutions, Inc.
- Contracting, General Management, Federal Acquisition Process, Consulting, Government Contracting, Negotiation
- Defense
- Sharon Steelman, Bama Jammer Mini-Storage
- General Management, Marketing/Sales, Compensation/Incentives, 8(a) Issues, Retail
- Advertising
- Chad Rogers, Paradigm Technologies/MDA
- Marketing/Sales, Government Contracting
- Defense
- Dr. Roger Schwerman, SPS
- Engineering/Science, General Management, Public Relations, Business Plans, Government Contracting, International Business, Team Building
- Aerospace, Agriculture, Architecture, Defense, Environmental
If you would like to meet with one of these business coaches, please contact WBCNA at 256-535-2038 or email us at info@wbcna.org. |
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You've Served the American People...Now Let WBCNA Serve You! 
WBCNA has established a business coaching program that matches Veterans who want to start their own business or grow an existing one with seasoned professionals. Our VBAC Business Coaches are Veterans who are successful business owners and dedicated to helping Veterans to develop valuable relationships and action plans needed to be successful in business.
Participation is free.
Call WBCNA at 256-535-2038 to schedule an appointment.
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Veterans Resources: The VetGazette
Source: SBA.gov The Office of Veteran's Business Development's quarterly newsletter provides veterans and service disabled veteran entrepreneurs with up-to-date information on all of SBA's programs and services, available resources and related small business issues. Subscription to the newsletter is free, and it can be accessed by visiting www.web.sba.gov/list/. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the subscription for VetGazette. |
Meet our VBAC Business Coaches
WBCNA recommends that every Veteran entrepreneur who wants to do business with the government get familiar with the process. Below is a list of VBAC business coaches who are Veterans themselves, and who work to support WBCNA and its clients.
- Ron Klein, Belzon
- Contracting/Agreements, General Management, Business Plans, Consulting, Government Contracting, Strategic Planning
- Aerospace, Defense
- Robert J. Kuehn, Jr., Silver Eagle Consulting, Inc.
- General Management, Marketing/Sales, Strategic Planning, Process and Organizational Enhancement (IDIQ Contract Management), Business Writing (Pipeline Development, Oportunity Capture, Proposal Support, Color Review Team Support), Training (Leadership, Business Winning Functions), Business Plans, Consulting, Due Diligence, Marketing & Research, Strategic Planning, Team Building
- Aerospace, Defense
- Larry Anderson, Alatec, Inc.
- Contracting/Agreements, Finance, General Management, DoD Program Management
- Aerospace, Computer Software, Defense
- Kris McGuire, Victory Solutions, Inc.
- Public Relations, R&D, Business Plans, Consulting, Team-Building
- Aerospace, Defense
- Thad Mauldin, Qualis Corporation
- Bill Whipple, Logistics Plus Associates
- Joe Fitzgerald, Decision Sciences
If you would like to meet with one of these business coaches, please contact WBCNA at 256-535-2038 or email us at info@wbcna.org.
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