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Small Business Connections February 2011 |
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Welcome to Small Business Connections!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College is here to serve your small business needs. We offer free business counseling to entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as a variety of small business workshops.
Call us today at (630) 906-4143 to learn how we can help you start or grow your business. |
| Small Business Spotlight |
Austin BBQ - "Authentic Texas Taste"
 To say that Doug Pierce is a BBQ aficionado would be an extreme understatement. He was bitten by the BBQ bug in 2003 when he purchased a high-end Weber grill and was looking for something more exciting to cook than burgers, steak and chicken. After extensive research on techniques and recipes, and a lot of practice smoking, Doug perfected his own rub and began cooking beef brisket for friends and neighbors. Here's what one of his friends had to say:
"I have had brisket here in the Chicago area, and have nearly always been disappointed. So when I heard there was brisket, I really didn't expect much. I grabbed a few slices, and began to walk to my car. I took a bite while walking, was amazed, then looked down to see what was in my hands. Another bite, another step. I took another bite, decided the shopping trip could wait, and my next step was to turn around and get back in line to get more of that brisket. It was that good, and it reminded me of brisket I had eaten in Texas, where I was born and raised."
Doug has visited virtually every BBQ restaurant in the Chicagoland area, and many more across several states. After honing his skills for nearly five years, and cooking for larger and larger parties (taste testers), Doug came to the IL SBDC at Waubonsee for help with a business plan for his restaurant. Eleven months later, Doug and his wife Ellen opened Austin BBQ in downtown Wheaton.
You can smell the aroma two blocks away, and once inside you know why. A huge fire-engine red wood burning smoker is prominent behind the counter. If you appear even a little interested, he will offer the blue-ribbon tour, and show off his new toy. Just like his BBQ recipes, Doug meticulously researched smokers, and even went to Texas for a trial run in the manufacturer's test kitchen. Once the smoker was selected, Doug spent months searching for a location that would accommodate it.
Ribs, pulled pork and chicken are on his menu, but it's the Texas brisket and California Tri-Tip that really catch his customers' attention. He serves his homemade sauce on the side. A variety of homemade sides including beans (also from the smoker), blue cheese or regular potato salad and coleslaw, cornbread, and hushpuppies top off the meal. For the more adventurous, there are Armadillo eggs and Texas Hot Guts (jalapeno sausage.) You can wash it all down with Cloud Juice (bottled rainwater from Dripping Springs, TX).
Austin BBQ is located at 226 W. Front Street in Wheaton, and can be reached at 630-690-0526. His web site, www.austinbbq.net, is "coming soon." For now, check out their menu and slide show as the first Austin BBQ brisket arrives. You'll know you are getting close by the delightful smell of brisket slow smoked over an oak fire - and you won't be disappointed when you try it. |
| IL SBDC News and Events | |
Construction Industry: Environmental Issues 101 Workshop
The Illinois Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is offering workshops to provide businesses with the opportunity to educate  themselves on the environmental issues impacting the construction industries.
Learn the lastest on: Asbestos, radon, stormwater, lead, waste disposal, OSHA, endangered species reviews and energy incentives. Knowledgable speakers will cover the regulations and answer questions.
The dates and locations for each workshop are as follows:
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 IL SBDC at McHenry County College in McHenry, IL Directions, (815) 455-6098 Wednesday, February 9, 2011 IL SBDC at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, IL Directions, (815) 802-8207 Tuesday, February 22, 2011 IL SBDC at John Wood Community College in Quincy, IL Directions, (217) 641-4971 Thursday, March 3, 2011 IL SBDC at Olney Central College in Olney, IL Directions, (618) 395-3011 All workshops are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and registration is required. There is non-refundable $50 fee. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. You can register online by clicking the link below or call (800) 252-3998. Click here for more information on small business regulatory compliance assistance. Register and Pay Online Secrets of Google AdWords Workshops The IL SBDC at Joliet Junior College will host a two-part training event on Google AdWords. AdWords 101 will be on Monday, February 21st and AdWords 201 will take place the following day on Tuesday, February 22nd. Both workshops are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and participants can register for one or both classes. For more information or to register view the event page or contact Joliet Junior College at (815) 280-1400. |
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Biz Buzz | |
Taxing Times - Tax News for Small Business | |
One Page Form for Health Care Tax Credit
The IRS released final guidance for small employers eligible to claim the new small business health care tax credit for the 2010 tax year.
New Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, and newly revised Form 990-T are now available on IRS.gov. The IRS also posted on its website the instructions to Form 8941 and Notice 2010-82, both of which can help small employers correctly figure and claim the credit.
Included in the Affordable Care Act enacted in March, the small business health care tax credit is designed to encourage both small businesses and small tax-exempt organizations to offer health insurance coverage to their employess for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. In general, the credit is available to small employers that pay at least half of the premiums for single health insurance coverage for their employees.
More information about the credit, including a step-by-step guide to claiming the credit and answers to frequently asked questions, is available on the Affordable Care Act page on IRS.gov.
2011 IRS Standard Mileage Rates
The IRS has issued the 2011 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) will be:
- 51 cents/mile for business miles driven
- 19 cents/mile for medical or moving purposes
- 14 cents/mile driven in service of charitable organizations
A taxpayer may not use the business standard milage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 170 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.
IRS Revenue Procedure 2010-51 contains additional information regarding the standard mileage rates.
Small Business Jobs Tax Credit
Use an easy, online system to register your newly created jobs.
Wondering if the time is right to add the next position to grow your small business? Act now and earn a tax credit.
To help spur on your success, the State of Illinois is offering tax credits when you create a new, full-time position. After hiring the employee, your business can apply online to receive a $2500 tax credit against withholding taxes which will be awarded after July 1, 2011. The credits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information on the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit or to apply, simply go online to jobstaxcredit.illinois.gov.
Waubonsee to Provide Free Tax Assistance
WCC Aurora Campus will serve its seventh year as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. Free tax assistance will be provided to Schedule C low income filers by students and volunteers. Visit the Center for Economic Progress website for date information, eligibility requirements, and what materials to bring. You can also call Waubonsee directly at (630) 466-7900, ext. 2992 or view the event flyer in english and spanish. |
| Biz Bitz | |
Free Microsoft webinars
 One of the major concerns of small businesses today is their investment in technology. In fact for many, it's the second-largest expense they'll make. Deciding when to invest, why to upgrade, and how to deploy new software, operating systems, or servers can be confusing.
These webcasts are a great opportunity to find answers to many of your questions about Microsoft's software solutions such as Windows 7, Microsoft Office, and Online Services.
FREE Webinar: Microsoft-Upgrade Your Desktop With Windows 7
Feb. 22, 2011 2-2:45 p.m. CST
FREE Webinar: Microsoft-Online Services/Office 365
March 21, 2011 2-2:45 p.m. CST
Details coming soon!
FREE Webinar: Microsoft-How To Build A Technology Plan Into Your Business Plan
April 26, 2011 2-2:45pm CST
FREE Webinar: Microsoft-Build Your Online Marketing
May 17, 2011 2-2:45pm CST
Details coming soon!
More information can be found on www.asbdc-us.org
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Event
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event "Current Realities of Entrepreneurship and Small Business in America." The speaker Raman Chadha, Executive Director and Clinical Professor at the DePaul University Coleman Entrepreneurship Center, will address the myths and realities of entrepreneurship and what lies ahead for small business in these economic times.
This event will take place on February 17 from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Visit the Batavia Chamber of Commerce events page for further information and to register.
A Look Back - NY Times 10th Annual Year in Ideas
For the last 10 years, the New York Times has published an annual collection of ideas, or in their view a "high-to-low, silly-to-serious selection of ingenuity and innovation."
To say the least, these innovations exemplify the wide direction in which the entrepreneurial spirit can manifest itself, good or bad. There's a share of ideas that could benefit the business-minded individual, such as the gauging of economic conditions in "D.I.Y Macroeconomics" or "Social Media as Social Index." Equally, the many unconventional ideas are included just for the sheer fun of it.
Ranging from cutting edge genius to quirky 'un'neccessities, check out the NY Times' picks for 2010 Year in Ideas. | |
| Get Smart: Small Business Workshops at Waubonsee | |
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Thursday, Mar. 10, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Sugar Grove)
Wednesday, Apr. 13, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Thursday, Apr. 28, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Plano)
Tuesday, May 10, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Sugar Grove)
Marketing for Small Business
Tuesday, Mar. 22, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Is Franchising Right for You?
Wednesday, Apr. 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Aurora)
Marketing in the 21st Century
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6 - 8 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Thursday, Apr. 21, 6 - 8 p.m., $30 (Sugar Grove)
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law
Thursday, Apr. 14, 6 - 8:30 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Check seminar details for the full list, class descriptions, locations, ticket numbers, prices and registration information, or call the Illinois SBDC office at (630) 906-4143. |
A variety of QuickBooks and Excel classes are available to meet your small business accounting needs. Click here for complete class descriptions, locations, dates, times and costs. |
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Illinois SBDC at Waubonsee Community College
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or DCEO.
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