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Happy holidays Alaska,
As we are slowly sneaking up on Christmas and for many of us a few days off, this should hit your inbox a little earlier in the week than usual.
The website www.businessblogshub.com recently provided some statistics on what makes up the "typical" entrepreneur. Here are some of their findings (and some of mine):
- The average age of business founders when they start their business is 40. (My Mom always said men don't know what they want until they're 40......)
- 52% of business founders were the first in their immediate family to do so. (After the first one did it, the other family members knew better than to follow in his/her footsteps)
- 40% of business founders had no children when they started their business. (Not very smart, own children = cheap labor)
- 70% of business founders were married when they started the businesses. (2 years later, 30% were still married)
- 75% have worked as employees at other companies for more than 6 years before launching their own companies. (And many wish they were still there)
- 95.1% have bachelors degree and almost half of them, more advanced degrees (So much knowledge and yet they still started their own business?)
- Entrepreneurs are overwhelmingly firstborn (42.5%) (As the third-born, I believe that it is important to differentiate between entrepreneurs, and successful entrepreneurs - yes Hansi, you're going under the bus again)
- Women are more than twice as likely to purchase a franchise than men. (Women don't mind asking for directions either)
The biggest obstacles facing startup companies is access to capital (.......and unfortunately always will be)
According to the site, the top problems facing small business:
- Cost of health insurance
- Cost of fuel/gas
- Federal taxes on business income
- Property taxes
- Tax complexity
- Unreasonable government regulations
- State taxes on business income
- Cost of supplies/inventories
- Electricity costs
- Workers compensation costs
(That seems like a weird list. What happened to employee cost, turnover and management? What about the disillusionment of thinking you were going to count your money in Aruba during your 3 months off per year, while instead you are working your tenth 12-hour day in a row and haven't had a vacation in three years? )
Regardless of all the statistics and probabilities, in the end we are in business because we love it. I am both an employee and business owner and I care for both equally, because what one doesn't provide, the other one does. But make no mistake my friends; my heart is and will always be with the entrepreneur. Please celebrate a safe and Merry Christmas!
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As expected with the short week and the holidays, bid opportunities are thin. Because the various State of Alaska RPPs involve work all over the state, I have begun listing them separately at the top of the bid opportunities. None today, sorry!
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Lastly, our ace ROPE counselor Grant Larsen dug up this little holiday nugget. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHNNPM7pJA&feature=player_embedded
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Still not sure what to do over the Christmas holidays? Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay, LLC waterfront lodging on Lowell Point, south of Seward is open year round and has great wintertime rates. Why not spend a day or two in one of their beautiful cabins, all with scenic views and some directly on the beach. Seward is a great spot any time of the year and you can find the Angel's Rest at: http://www.angelsrest.com/
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Federal Money Available to Businesses Impacted by Imports
The Juneau Economic Development Council recently reported that, U.S. Economic Development Administration, with assistance from the Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, is making available grants to businesses that are struggling to compete with imports. NWTAAC is one of eleven nonprofit organizations in the nation that administer EDA grants to help American firms become more competitive.
According to Client Development Manager Patrick Meuleman, NWTAAC has money available and is actively pursuing interested businesses. Eligible companies can receive up to $75,000 in matching grant funding for projects of their choice aimed at improving competitiveness. Examples might include website design, industry certifications, export assistance and other types of technical assistance.
Visit www.nwtaac.org for detailed information and testimonials, or contact Meuleman at 208-343-6855, 800-667-8087, or patrick@nwtaac.org.
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This is the last week for the -
Christmas at the Reindeer Farm in Palmer
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Christmas Eve, Noon-9:00pm
Admission of $7 per adult and $5 per child 3-11, toddlers free, will include:
- Reindeer Tour-Feed and pet Santa's Reindeer before the big day!
- Christmas Lights Choreographed to music. You can't miss it!
- Additional Activities: Photos with Santa's sleigh and Reindeer
- Hay Rides
- Hot Chocolate and Roast a S 'More!
Call 907-745-4000 or visit www.reindeerfarm.com for more information
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Why not start the new year by getting ahead of the game? Check out the wide variety of the workshops offered by the Alaska Small Business Development Centers and its partner programs around the state? They include:
Anchorage: Employer Payroll Tax Workshop - Jan 28
Business Bookkeeping - Beginners - Jan 12, Feb 9
Bethel: Start Your Business - Jan 6
Tax Planning - Jan 14, 15
Payroll for Quickbooks - Jan 27
Fairbanks: Payroll/1099 - Jan 12
Starting a Small Business - Jan 19
Homer Business Start Up -- Jan 21, Feb 7
Juneau Starting a Small Business - Dec 28
Seward Basic Bookkeeping - Jan 13
Keeping Records for Taxes - Jan 13; Business Start Up - Jan 14
Soldotna Business Start Up - Jan 11, Feb 9
Wasilla Intro to Starting a Business - Jan 11, Jan 18, Feb 2, Feb 9
Basic Business Bookkeeping - Feb 1
To see them all visit: http://aksbdc.org/small-business-workshops/
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The Alaska EXPO Foodservice & Hospitality Show
Dena'ina Convention Center on February 4th 2011
This unparalleled commercial show, which is not open to the public is the largest restaurant, foodservice, hospitality & lodging industry trade show held in this state. Over 2,000 Companies will be invited to attend.
Attendees represented:
Chefs, General Managers, Purchasers, Marketing Managers, Restaurant Owners
Associations, Bar, Nightclub, Bed & Breakfasts, Café, Coffeehouse,
Teahouse, Catering, Consulting, Government Agencies, Grocery, Convenience Store,
Hospital, Nursing Home, Clinics, Hotel, Motel, Inns, Non-Profit Organizations, Press,
Media, Institutional Foodservice, Lodges, Resort, Golf Course, Restaurant - Fast Food,
Restaurant - Full Service, Oil & Mining Camps and Schools & Universities
New for 2011, The Alaska Expo will be hosting the 42nd Annual Alaska School Nutrition Association vendor show. The Alaska School Nutrition Association is the Alaska affiliate of the National School Nutrition Association, which represents more than 55,000 food industry professionals involved in school foodservice programs.
Also new this year will be a New Buyers Guide mailing out to over 2,000 professionals in the industry. This is a resource that attendees will be able to use and reach out to exhibitors throughout 2011, when they're looking for products and equipment.
For additional show details, visit the event website: www.alaskaexpo.biz
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Alaska Top Forty Under 40 Awards - Now accepting nominations
Sponsored by the Alaska Journal of Commerce, the awards recognize the state's top young professionals younger than age 40 who have demonstrated professional excellence and a commitment to their community. Attached is a flyer that you can post to encourage nominations to this prestigious recognition program.
Criteria for Selection:
- Must be younger than age 40 on January 1, 2011
- Must live and work in Alaska year-round
- Must have demonstrated professional excellence in their field
- Must display a commitment to the community
Find nomination forms at http://www.alaskajournal.com/SplashPages/Top40/index.shtml.
Simply download the form, fill it out, and e-mail it as an attachment to editor@alaskajournal.com.
An event to honor those selected is set for March 2011.
For questions, contact: Melissa Campbell, Managing Editor of the Alaska Journal of Commerce - (907) 275-2158, or editor@alaskajournal.com
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