Capital Series for High Growth Businesses
High growth businesses interested in angel or venture capital funding can take advantage of a new three-part information series. "Equity 101: Thinking of Getting Funding? What You Should Know," begins in February and is sponsored by the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, Shenandoah University and the Mason Enterprise Center.
"The series of seminars will really lay out the pros and cons of getting into the equity funding world, share what to look for in investors, and guide participants on the information and terminology they need to succeed in this arena," said Loudoun County Small Business and Entrepreneurship Manager Deborah Roder.
The seminars are offered at $25 each or $60 for all three; registration is available online. The sessions will be taught February 27, March 6 and March 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the George Mason Loudoun campus. During the first two sessions, Dr. Bruce K. Gouldey, financial and managerial economist and associate professor of finance at the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business at Shenandoah University, will cover valuing your company, terms sheets and debt versus equity pros and cons. John Winn, JD, LLM, associate professor of business law at Shenandoah University, will cover issues to know when choosing the right business entity, and business structuring for those seeking equity financing. |
People You Should Know: Amy Millman
This month we spoke with Amy Millman, president of Springboard Enterprises, which is sponsoring "Dolphin Tank" - a kinder, gentler version of the popular "Shark Tank" TV series -- March 27 at AOL. (Interested in pitching? Details about this free event will be included in next month's newsletter.) Read Amy's story and advice for Loudoun entrepreneurs. |
SourceLink Goes Live
Following six months in development, Loudoun SourceLink has officially launched. The online portal was customized specifically for Loudoun entrepreneurs to access important resources that can help businesses grow. Some of the features are: |
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Ten Tips for Social Media Success
Entrepreneurs launching a new business today are wise to consider the options and opportunities provided by the world of social media. A 2012 Manta survey of 600 small business leaders showed 90 percent adopting an active role in social media, with 74 percent viewing it as important as in-person networking.
Among those leading the charge in Loudoun County is KME Internet Marketing co-founder Ted McLaughlan, who has 25 years' experience in IT consulting. Here are just a few of Ted's top suggestions for Internet marketing. |
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Read It and Reap
"Up, Down, or Sideways: How to Succeed When Times Are Good, Bad, or In-Between" by Mark Sanborn
The author of bestselling book, "The Fred Factor" describes how to prepare for the inevitable cycles in our lives that are full of ups and downs. In just one year, Sanborn was diagnosed with cancer, his business suffered huge losses and his investments tanked. He describes how these horrible events became opportunities which gave him insights about what truly matters. In "Up, Down, or Sideways" Sanborn introduces the reader to nine predictable, ever-present non-negotiables of life, and how to face them when the time comes. This book provides wisdom that is helpful in both professional and personal life. You can check it out for free from the Loudoun County Public Library. |
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Up-Skill
Idea Fusion™
The February Idea Fusion™ brings together Loudoun's network of tech startups, innovative entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and resource gurus at one of the county's coolest hotels. Network and check out the Ashburn location!
Date: February 19, 2013
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Aloft Dulles Airport North Hotel, 23900 Flagstaff Plaza, Ashburn
Cost: free, register online
Financing Advice for Early Stage Entrepreneurs
The Small Business and Entrepreneur Committee of the Northern Virginia Tech Council will host early-stage investors in the region as well as a company that has recently succeeded in the fundraising process. Learn how to meet and pitch to investors, and find out what really matters to investors before they invest.
Date: February 21, 2013
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Virginia Tech Research Center, Arlington
Cost: $25 to $55; register online
Selecting the Right Business Entity
The Loudoun Small Business Development Center is offering a session with Keith Troxell, a Loudoun tax attorney specializing in business planning, tax planning and business succession. He will help you answer that "best entity" question by reviewing and comparing the legal, tax and business aspects of basic forms of business organization.
Date: February 28, 2013
Time: 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Place: George Mason University, Loudoun Site
Cost: $25 online, $30 at the door
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Be a Winner
According to Loudoun SourceLink, what is the first step for small businesses in the Quick Start Checklist? Be the first person to write us with the correct answer and win a leather business card holder: LoudounBiz@loudoun.gov.
Congratulations to last month's winner, Donna Kulesza. She is the president of the Dulles Case Center, which will celebrate five years of business at a grand reopening February 28. |
Gut-Check From a Guru
"The question isn't 'what are we going to do,' the question is 'what aren't we going to do?'" -- Ferris Bueller's Day Off |
Pay It Forward
This monthly email newsletter is published by the Loudoun, Virginia Department of Economic Development to inform and connect Loudoun's thriving entrepreneurial community. As a leader with influence, please help our community by forwarding this newsletter to your business colleagues. Thanks! |
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Quick Links
Loudoun Virginia
Economic Development Entrepreneurship
Manager Debi Roder
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