November 2010
Topic of the Month: Start-Ups

With the wealth of information and opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate, connect and thrive, we have decided to bring more focus to our Hannah Grimes Times E-Newsletter by choosing a topic of the month.  What better place to start than with start-ups.

Only have a minute?
Click here to view a daily wisdom about start-ups.

Have more than a minute?
What is the one thing you wish you knew BEFORE you started your business? Share your thoughts on Facebook, LinkedIn or shoot us an email.

Looking to Grow the NH Economy?
Look No Further

In the US in 2009, 558,000 new businesses were started per month by new and repeat entrepreneurs, representing the highest year on record.  This rate has been relatively stable in the past, so the growth is notable.  Here at Hannah Grimes, 2009 brought an 800% increase in program attendance, with an additional 80% growth in attendance on tap for 2010.

From 1980 to 2001, all of the net U.S. job growth came from firms less than five years old, while older firms, net, actually lost jobs.

In the five years from 2003 to 2007, New Hampshire saw just 1% in growth in the number of Employer Firms, companies with payroll, while Nonemployer Firms grew 4.7% during that same period.

In a 2008 Kauffman Foundation study about young businesses, the authors note that one-third of job creation is due to the entry of new establishments.  Furthermore, beyond initial entry, surviving new businesses have very high employment growth rates in their early years.  New businesses also have a high exit rate, but job losses by younger firms peak at two years then decline after that.

These "young survivors" also have higher productivity levels than more mature establishments, and those productivity levels continue to grow during the next five years.  Research shows that the entry of these new firms result in a more productive economy overall.

The study notes that 75% of all businesses in the US are Nonemployer Firms and that these businesses are the seeds of about 25% of new Employer Firms.  The research also shows that these businesses have particularly high output growth the year before transitioning to having employees and in the year of transition status.

Looking to grow the NH economy?  Look no further.  Let's get behind our small businesses and assist them in the growth they are striving for.  Let's help them build skills and problem solve through their first high risk years so that we can benefit from the jobs and productivity that they create.

Keep up the good work,
MAK
Mary Ann Kristiansen
Hannah Grimes Center Executive Director
[email protected]
HANNAH GRIMES NEWS & EVENTS
Four Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Workshop
Before You Start, Are You Ready?

Monday, November 29, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Hannah Grimes Center, Keene
Register Now!
Thinking of starting your own business? We can help you decide if starting a small business is the right thing for you. We will discuss the 4 critical areas you need to be aware of and how to negotiate your first steps.

Research by the Kauffman Foundation for Entrepreneurship suggests that 10.1 million entrepreneurs are attempting to put 5.6 million new firms in place at any given time in the US.  As a potential new business owner - you need a firm foundation upon which to make your decisions and need the path to success clearly detailed.  Research also shows that entrepreneurs who take advantage of this type of assistance have a greater likelihood of success than those who do not.  This event is sponsored by Ocean Bank.


Keene's
Green Business of the Year Award

Now Accepting Nominations
Keene Cities for Climate Protection Committee
Nominations Due February 4, 2011

The Keene Cities for Climate Protection seeks nominations for its Keene Green Business of the Year Award recognizing socially responsible businesses for implementing programs that result in environmental improvements, cost savings, energy conservation, environmental stewardship, greenhouse gas reductions, or resource use efficiency.  Last year's award winner was Keene based Filtrine Manufacturing.  Nomination information can be found at http://www.keenechallenge.com or by calling 603-352-5474.

This honor is being awarded by the Keene Cities for Climate Protection Committee in partnership with the Hannah Grimes Center, the Monadnock Sustainability Network and the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce.
No Workshops in December
Stay tuned for our 2011 Line-Up
CLASSIFIEDS
Entrepreneurial Needs & Offerings*
Space Available: Small commercial space for rent; 900 sq. ft.; ground floor with ample parking; unique with windows; includes bathroom with shower; 9' ceilings; behind New England Fabrics; $750 includes heat; call Liz @ 603-357-4238.

*The Hannah Grimes Center is posting these classifieds as a service to readers and does not imply endorsement.  Add your own classified ad: Send a 20-30 word description of your service or product that is directly supporting entrepreneurs to [email protected].  Make sure to include the best way to contact you.
MONADNOCK REGION EVENTS
Businesses & Social Responsibility: What are the Costs & Benefits?
AUNE Chapter of Net Impact
Thursday, November 18, 7:00 p.m.
AUNE Community Room, Keene
Local business leaders will talk about their businesses and about what considerations went in to the decision to run their operations with social responsibility an explicit part of the business model. Possible topics include issues related to employee compensation, environmental impact, sourcing of parts and ingredients, and investing responsibly. Come ask questions about what concerns you: http://www.antiochne.edu.

Panelists:
  • Paul Millman, Chroma Technology Corp, Bellows Falls, Vermont
  • Steve Walker, New England Wood Pellet, Jaffrey, New Hampshire
  • Bill Whyte, W.S. Badger Company, Gilsum, New Hampshire


QuickBooks� Payroll - The Payoff!
Lynn C. Rust, CPA
Thursday, November 18, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Lynn C. Rust, CPA Office, West Swanzey

Sign up for a payroll course that pays off. This overview touches on setup, payroll expense and liabilities, payroll tax forms, and reports. QuickBooks� payroll covers all the important areas: direct deposit; EFTPS signup; employees; preparing paychecks; preparing state and federal tax forms and paying state and federal unemployment liabilities; and more. Three hours of easy-to-understand training with our top-notch QuickBooks� trainers, Lynn C. Rust and Selena Wilder. It's learning that leaves.  Cost: $80 (Due in Advance).  Contact: 603-358-6565, [email protected].


Networking with
Ann & Michelle Connor

Hannah Grimes Center
Friday, November 19, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Hannah Grimes Center, Keene

Networking is not just about attending Business After Hours Events.  This workshop will offer innovative ways to approach networking differently.  Goals for the workshop:
  • Address some common reservations about networking
  • Provide strategies for effective networking
  • Networking as a marketing tool
Register online or call 603-352-5063. Cost: Free.
* ALSO: Women Empowered By Business Webinar on November 18: Network Like a Fox



Business Process Analysis
KSC Continuing Education
Friday, November 19, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Keene State College, Keene

Designed for business leaders who want to improve efficiency and ultimately achieve increased ROI. Learn to reduce waste, create solutions, complete projects on time, improve efficiency, and document requirements. Cost: $45.  Contact: 603-358-2942, [email protected].


Open House
KSC Continuing Education
Wednesday, December 1, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
KSC Elliot Center Atrium, Keene

For employers looking for employee/personnel training, high school graduates, transfer students, and those interested in professional development, personal enrichment, or learning in retirement. Continuing Education, Admissions, Graduate Studies, MBA, and other college personnel on hand to talk to you and answer questions. Find out what Keene State College offers you. Refreshments provided.  Cost: Free. Contact: Colleen Brennan, 603-358-2392, [email protected].


Terminating Employees:
Managing the Process

River Valley Community College
Wednesday, December 8, Noon-1:00 p.m.
RVCC Academic Center, Keene

You want to prevent unwarranted unemployment claims or litigation for discriminatory practices. If you have "bad" employees on your payroll, let me walk you through the process of either salvaging them or following the disciplinary path to a justifiable termination. Fee: $29; http://www.rivervalley.edu.


Introduction to QuickBooks 2010
Solutions For Today
Tuesday & Thursday, December 7 & 9, 6 -9 p.m.
Hannah Grimes Center

Learn the basics of QuickBooks such as how to:         
  • Set up a company
  • Work with customers
  • Work with vendors
  • Set up invoicing, banking & reports
If you want to work hands-on, bring your laptop and follow along.  Classes are $125.00 for both.  Payment required in advance.
Registration: 603-209-3035 or [email protected].


Looking for More?
Business Workshops & Networking Opportunities

Beyond the Monadnock Region:

Business Basics, Manchester
http://www.nhsbdc.org/business-basics

2010 NHBSR Member Social & Annual Meeting, Manchester
https://www.nhbsr.org

NH Economic Development Summit, Manchester
http://blog.nheconomy.com

More Event Listings:

LOCAL LIVING ECONOMY EVENTS
Events that help business owners give backs and strengthen our region's local living economy.

Chairing the Board:
What Does it Mean?

Antioch New England University
Thursday, December 2, 7:00 p.m.
AUNE Community Room, Keene

Whether it's an arts organization or an educational institution, a nonprofit corporation has a board of trustees that governs its operation. Despite great differences in scale or mission, there are commonalities to board governance and to the relations between the board and the institution it serves. Join panelists to explore what is involved in running a board, what it is that boards do, and how panelists have learned to navigate the rules and personalities that surround every decision they make: http://www.antiochne.edu.

Panelists:
  • Jeff Miller, board chair, Monadnock United Way
  • Ted Kuchinski, board chair, MoCo Arts
  • Ted Leach, board chair, Harris Center for Conservation Education
START-UP NEWS & RESOURCES
8 Poker Tactics
That Apply to Start-ups
Originally Posted on VentureBeat.com
By Emmanuel Marot

While the rules of poker are simple and the game itself is quite accessible, success typically requires more skill than luck. There's a wisdom there that we can take from the game and apply to the startup life.


First Things First:
Finding Help Through the NH Small Business Development Center

Evaluate Your Business Idea:  Before going too far with your Business Plan, you may want to fill out Evaluating Your Business Idea (online fill-in .pdf).  You can also find this resource, and many othes, in our Resource Library: http://www.nhsbdc.org/node/69


Small Business 101:
How to Get Started

Originally Posted on NYTimes.com
By Barbara Whitaker

"Starting a business is actually easy. You can get business cards and an address at Mailboxes, etc.," said Bill Morland, chairman of the Orange County chapter of Score, a nonprofit association that works with the S.B.A. to educate and assist entrepreneurs. "But you're not really in business until you sell something, and that isn't easy."

Are You Starting (or Thinking About Starting) a Business?


Join the Facebook Fanpage:

Starting a Business in the Monadnock Region.

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HGC NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS
MONADNOCK REGION BUSINESS EVENTS
LOCAL LIVING ECONOMY EVENTS
BUSINESS NEWS & RESOURCES
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