Ten Tiny Things Every Small Business Owner Should Do in 2009
Guy Kawasaki of How to Change the World December 31st, 2008. On this, the last day of 2008, I provide a list of ten tiny things that every small business owner should do in 2009—hopefully in early 2009. Don’t consider it a New Year’s resolution because there’s a whole psychology behind such things. Just do it. Guy Kawasaki
What to do when business gets too personalSometimes, managers have to set aside emotions for the sake of the bottom line, says veteran entrepreneur Norm Brodsky, who shares a couple of stories about personal relationships negatively affecting businesses. "You simply can't make good business decisions unless you are able to put emotions aside and analyze a situation objectively. I believe there is no more important -- or difficult -- skill for an entrepreneur to learn." Inc.com
Why we don’t have corporate jobs, a year-end review of some odd office behaviorsThe Globe and Mail chronicles workplace oddities from 2008 in its year-end "Office Awards." Among the incidents that caught the newspaper's attention: employees who lost their jobs for bathing at work, a worker who sued his employer after being waterboarded in a sales meeting and the suspension of a Japanese worker who managed to log 780,000 visits to pornography sites on a company computer before being sent home. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Campus Life….
The GYM is opening Monday, January 5!
The Business Incubator Center is excited to be opening a gym on campus that will provide all Incubator Client Companies and their Staff the opportunity to meet their fitness goals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to using the gym for personal goals, we will be upping the ante for those of you who want a little extra drive with competitions; the first one starting January 9th.
For more details or to get a guided tour of our 540 sf facility, contact Kjersti ( khudson@gjincubator.org ) or Katie at the front desk. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2009!
Join us on LinkedIn
Collaboration amongst peers is one of the most important benefits to being part of the Business Incubator Center community. To help enrich this aspect of the program, we would like to suggest that if you are not already a user of the social networking site LinkedIn, please consider joining! The Business Incubator Center now has a group on LinkedIn, and we would like to invite all of you to join us. The more people who are in the group, the more valuable a resource it will become to the Business Incubator Center community. As the community grows, you will be able to find colleagues who may be in similar industries or facing similar growth issues, and it will serve as just one more way that the community can help businesses grow and prosper.
The Business Incubator Centerhttp://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1554637/
To learn more about how to use LinkedIn to help grow your business go to: http://learn.linkedin.com/entrepreneurs/
TOASTMASTERS: Become the Speaker & Leader You Want to Be
Join us as the downtown Toastmasters meeting moves to the Incubator Campus! Toastmasters participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian. There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.
Good communicators tend to be good leaders. Incubator Clients are welcome! Attend a meeting or two to observe and participate as much as you like, but membership is required for additional participation.
When: Every Thursday at noon
Where: in the Training Room
Video Lab Training Session
Topic: Learn to use the new video lab…and make better use of your website.
When: Call Chris to schedule a time
Where: in the video lab on the second floor of the technology building
What Matters Most: Values-Based Approach to Time and Life Management
Achieve what matters most and gain better control of your personal and professional life through values-based time and life management skills. What Matters Most is adapted from the work of Steven Covey, a recognized expert in time and life management. This class will help you focus on your personal values and priorities, then execute around those priorities. The principles and processes we’ll discuss can help set your course for a more successful and fulfilling life. Cost: $69.
When: Tuesday, January 13 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LEADING EDGE – Business Plan Development Program
The Leading Edge Program is an intensive training course that provides business owners and entrepreneurs with expert guidance in the areas of cash flow management, marketing, finance, personnel, legal issues, and more. Each participant will receive hands-on assistance in preparing a complete business plan. Tuition is $275, and includes the NXLEVEL Guide for Entrepreneurs and the NXLEVEL Business Plan Workbook and Resource Guide.
When: February 10th to May 12th
12 Sessions
Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
Western Colorado Venture Forum
Thursday, October 2nd
Two Rivers Convention Center
Discounted registration for Incubator Program participants: $40 for the full-day of training, $40 for the banquet, or $75 for both.
This year’s theme is “Money Day” and will feature a day of Training for Entrepreneurs, the Elevator Pitch Competition, and the Annual Banquet.
Training for Entrepreneurs
9:00am to 4:00pm
In these somewhat uncertain economic times learning how to avoid pitfalls and brushing up on your business skills is imperative. This is a perfect opportunity for start-up or existing business owners and managers to learn about doing business on the Western Slope. If you are just starting out, “Track A” includes How to Start a Business, Bookkeeping Basics, and Understanding Cash Flow. If you are already in business “Track B” includes Tax Strategies, Advanced Bookkeeping, Cash Management and Finance 101.
Elevator Pitch
4:30pm
During this year’s event five companies will give their “Elevator Pitch” to a panel of esteemed judges. The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize! The Elevator Pitch Competition has become a favorite activity of the Venture Forum.
What is an Elevator Pitch? An ‘Elevator Pitch” is a quick, concise way to communicate who you are, what you are trying to do, and how your goods or services can offer value to customers. The succinct overview is designed to capture interest and encourage further dialogue. Examples of targets for the Elevator Pitch are potential customers, investors, suppliers or employees.
The Venture Forum Banquet
6:00pm
Join us in a Celebration of Entrepreneurship in the Grand Valley! We’ll start out with a Cocktail Reception and Dinner so you have time to relax and network with new business people or catch up with old friends. Then join us in welcoming James Saad of Movers Suite Software as our keynote speaker. He has quite a story to tell about the true entrepreneurial spirit! We’ll wrap-up the evening with an Incubator Client Company Graduation Celebration and the announcement of the Elevator Pitch Winner. This will be a wonderful evening of sharing ideas and experiences with friends and colleagues – both old and new!
Discounted registration for Incubator Program participants: $40 for the full-day of training, $40 for the banquet, or $75 for both.
News….
Connect emotionally to prevent turnover
To help staunch turnover, leaders need to connect emotionally with their management teams. Exit interviews conducted by an impartial interviewer can provide bosses with a wealth of information about how they need to interact with staff so as to encourage them to stay with the organization. CEO Strategist
Angel Capital Summit * Rockies Venture Club * November 21 in Denver
The Rockies Venture Club is soliciting presenters for the second annual ANGEL CAPITAL SUMMIT, one of the largest early-stage investment gatherings in the country. The Summit will feature the smartest investors and the most innovative entrepreneurs in the Rocky Mountain Region, with an anticipated audience of over 500 entrepreneurs, private investors and service professionals. If you are looking to grow your business, this is the event you simply cannot miss. RVC is currently soliciting entrepreneurs who would like to present on their company at the conference. This unique process helps entrepreneurs and investors objectively see strengths and weak spots. In addition to other benefits, entrepreneurs can tighten their business concept before submitting a final nomination. Read about how to apply, how the selection process works, what happens if you are selected and your commitments. To apply, go to angelcapitalsummit.org.
Thursday, October 2nd
Two Rivers Convention Center
Discounted registration for Incubator Program participants: $40 for the full-day of training, $40 for the banquet, or $75 for both.
This year’s theme is “Money Day” and will feature a day of Training for Entrepreneurs, the Elevator Pitch Competition, and the Annual Banquet.
Training for Entrepreneurs
9:00am to 4:00pm
In these somewhat uncertain economic times learning how to avoid pitfalls and brushing up on your business skills is imperative. This is a perfect opportunity for start-up or existing business owners and managers to learn about doing business on the Western Slope. If you are just starting out, “Track A” includes How to Start a Business, Bookkeeping Basics, and Understanding Cash Flow. If you are already in business “Track B” includes Tax Strategies, Advanced Bookkeeping, Cash Management and Finance 101.
Elevator Pitch
4:30pm
During this year’s event five companies will give their “Elevator Pitch” to a panel of esteemed judges. The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize! The Elevator Pitch Competition has become a favorite activity of the Venture Forum.
What is an Elevator Pitch? An ‘Elevator Pitch” is a quick, concise way to communicate who you are, what you are trying to do, and how your goods or services can offer value to customers. The succinct overview is designed to capture interest and encourage further dialogue. Examples of targets for the Elevator Pitch are potential customers, investors, suppliers or employees.
The Venture Forum Banquet
6:00pm
Join us in a Celebration of Entrepreneurship in the Grand Valley! We’ll start out with a Cocktail Reception and Dinner so you have time to relax and network with new business people or catch up with old friends. Then join us in welcoming James Saad of Movers Suite Software as our keynote speaker. He has quite a story to tell about the true entrepreneurial spirit! We’ll wrap-up the evening with an Incubator Client Company Graduation Celebration and the announcement of the Elevator Pitch Winner. This will be a wonderful evening of sharing ideas and experiences with friends and colleagues – both old and new!
Discounted registration for Incubator Program participants: $40 for the full-day of training, $40 for the banquet, or $75 for both.
News….
Connect emotionally to prevent turnover
To help staunch turnover, leaders need to connect emotionally with their management teams. Exit interviews conducted by an impartial interviewer can provide bosses with a wealth of information about how they need to interact with staff so as to encourage them to stay with the organization. CEO Strategist
Angel Capital Summit * Rockies Venture Club * November 21 in Denver
The Rockies Venture Club is soliciting presenters for the second annual ANGEL CAPITAL SUMMIT, one of the largest early-stage investment gatherings in the country. The Summit will feature the smartest investors and the most innovative entrepreneurs in the Rocky Mountain Region, with an anticipated audience of over 500 entrepreneurs, private investors and service professionals. If you are looking to grow your business, this is the event you simply cannot miss. RVC is currently soliciting entrepreneurs who would like to present on their company at the conference. This unique process helps entrepreneurs and investors objectively see strengths and weak spots. In addition to other benefits, entrepreneurs can tighten their business concept before submitting a final nomination. Read about how to apply, how the selection process works, what happens if you are selected and your commitments. To apply, go to angelcapitalsummit.org.
Friday, September 19, 2008
RVC: Angel Capital Summit
CALL FOR PRESENTERS
Entrepreneurship relies on one simple thing: support... support in the way of money and in the way of real world advice and input all geared to help early-stage ventures succeed. The Rockies Venture Club, Colorado's premier entrepreneurial networking organization, has celebrated over two decades supporting the spirit of entrepreneurship and in helping to launch countless start-up businesses.
The Rockies Venture Club is proud to announce it is soliciting presenters for the second annual ANGEL CAPITAL SUMMIT, one of the largest early-stage investment gatherings in the country. The Summit will feature the smartest investors and the most innovative entrepreneurs in the Rocky Mountain Region, with an anticipated audience of over 500 entrepreneurs, private investors and service professionals. If you are looking to grow your business, this is the event you simply cannot miss.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Apply
We don't simply review each nomination, then "pick the winners." Our unique process helps entrepreneurs and investors objectively see strengths and weak spots. In addition to other benefits, entrepreneurs can tighten their business concept before submitting a final nomination.Read about how to apply, how the selection process works, what happens if you are selected and your commitments.
Get Started
To apply, go to angelcapitalsummit.org. There, you will find step-by-step instructions. Make sure your apply through the RVC group. The RVC will be notified automatically when you submit your application. You must submit your application by Friday, October 10. You will be notified early the following week whether you have been selected to audition in front of our screening committee. The screening committee will hold auditions between October 22nd and 24th. Please keep those dates open on your calendar. After presenting to the RVC screening committee, the RVC will pass along its final selections to the ACS Executive Screening Team who will then choose the companies to present at the ACS. There is no fee to apply. However, once selected to present, companies will be required to submit a registration form and a $300/$350 fee (members/non-members). There will be a mandatory "pitch practice" one week before the event.For information on Rockies Venture Club visit www.rockiesventureclub.org. Questions?
Call the RVC office at 303.831.4174, or visit www.angelcapitalsummit.org.
Entrepreneurship relies on one simple thing: support... support in the way of money and in the way of real world advice and input all geared to help early-stage ventures succeed. The Rockies Venture Club, Colorado's premier entrepreneurial networking organization, has celebrated over two decades supporting the spirit of entrepreneurship and in helping to launch countless start-up businesses.
The Rockies Venture Club is proud to announce it is soliciting presenters for the second annual ANGEL CAPITAL SUMMIT, one of the largest early-stage investment gatherings in the country. The Summit will feature the smartest investors and the most innovative entrepreneurs in the Rocky Mountain Region, with an anticipated audience of over 500 entrepreneurs, private investors and service professionals. If you are looking to grow your business, this is the event you simply cannot miss.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Apply
We don't simply review each nomination, then "pick the winners." Our unique process helps entrepreneurs and investors objectively see strengths and weak spots. In addition to other benefits, entrepreneurs can tighten their business concept before submitting a final nomination.Read about how to apply, how the selection process works, what happens if you are selected and your commitments.
Get Started
To apply, go to angelcapitalsummit.org. There, you will find step-by-step instructions. Make sure your apply through the RVC group. The RVC will be notified automatically when you submit your application. You must submit your application by Friday, October 10. You will be notified early the following week whether you have been selected to audition in front of our screening committee. The screening committee will hold auditions between October 22nd and 24th. Please keep those dates open on your calendar. After presenting to the RVC screening committee, the RVC will pass along its final selections to the ACS Executive Screening Team who will then choose the companies to present at the ACS. There is no fee to apply. However, once selected to present, companies will be required to submit a registration form and a $300/$350 fee (members/non-members). There will be a mandatory "pitch practice" one week before the event.For information on Rockies Venture Club visit www.rockiesventureclub.org. Questions?
Call the RVC office at 303.831.4174, or visit www.angelcapitalsummit.org.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
Stanford Offers Entrepreneurship Podcasts and Video Clips
The Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP) in the School of Engineering at Stanford University continues to host a website with more than 1,200 free, high-quality podcasts and video clips of entrepreneurial thought leaders from Silicon Valley and beyond. The Entrepreneurship Corner (ECorner), sponsored in part by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, features clips recorded during guest lectures at Stanford University. More than 200 speakers, including Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of HP, offer insights on the following: creativity and innovation; opportunity recognition; finance and venture capital; leadership and adversity; and, other related topics. http://ecorner.stanford.edu .
Five tips for successful entrepreneurs
Five entrepreneurial "life skills" are detailed in this Small Business Trends blog. Among the wisdom are these gems: Stop being a control freak, consider a problem before going to bed so your subconscious works it out in your sleep, and expand a business incrementally to avoid wasting time and money on the wrong endeavors. Small Business Trends
Before you terminate someone, know when you can
The increasing number of lawsuits filed by employees after they've been terminated makes it difficult to know when you can legally fire someone. This piece lays out some general guidelines and says you're generally protected if you fire someone for consistent incompetence, repeated unexcused absenteeism or meaningful violation of company policy. The New York Times/AllBusiness.com
8th Annual Western Colorado
Venture Forum
Thursday October 2, 2008
Elevator Pitch Competition – Cash Prize $1,000!!!!
Elevator Pitch - A quick, concise way to communicate who you are, what you are trying to do, and how your goods or services can offer value to customers. The succinct overview is designed to capture interest and encourage further dialogue. Examples of targets for the Elevator Pitch are potential customers, investors, suppliers or employees.
Please keep your pitch to 90 seconds! No props are allowed. Use the criteria listed below to prepare your pitch. Do not omit or add – you will all be judged on the same criteria. If you could use some practice, we have two “dry run” opportunities scheduled. Dry runs will take place on Friday, September 12 and Monday, September 15, at 2:30 p.m. in the Training Room at the Business Incubator Center. Please let us know if you plan to attend.
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business. Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
When: Thursday, Sept 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
The Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP) in the School of Engineering at Stanford University continues to host a website with more than 1,200 free, high-quality podcasts and video clips of entrepreneurial thought leaders from Silicon Valley and beyond. The Entrepreneurship Corner (ECorner), sponsored in part by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, features clips recorded during guest lectures at Stanford University. More than 200 speakers, including Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of HP, offer insights on the following: creativity and innovation; opportunity recognition; finance and venture capital; leadership and adversity; and, other related topics. http://ecorner.stanford.edu .
Five tips for successful entrepreneurs
Five entrepreneurial "life skills" are detailed in this Small Business Trends blog. Among the wisdom are these gems: Stop being a control freak, consider a problem before going to bed so your subconscious works it out in your sleep, and expand a business incrementally to avoid wasting time and money on the wrong endeavors. Small Business Trends
Before you terminate someone, know when you can
The increasing number of lawsuits filed by employees after they've been terminated makes it difficult to know when you can legally fire someone. This piece lays out some general guidelines and says you're generally protected if you fire someone for consistent incompetence, repeated unexcused absenteeism or meaningful violation of company policy. The New York Times/AllBusiness.com
8th Annual Western Colorado
Venture Forum
Thursday October 2, 2008
Elevator Pitch Competition – Cash Prize $1,000!!!!
Elevator Pitch - A quick, concise way to communicate who you are, what you are trying to do, and how your goods or services can offer value to customers. The succinct overview is designed to capture interest and encourage further dialogue. Examples of targets for the Elevator Pitch are potential customers, investors, suppliers or employees.
Please keep your pitch to 90 seconds! No props are allowed. Use the criteria listed below to prepare your pitch. Do not omit or add – you will all be judged on the same criteria. If you could use some practice, we have two “dry run” opportunities scheduled. Dry runs will take place on Friday, September 12 and Monday, September 15, at 2:30 p.m. in the Training Room at the Business Incubator Center. Please let us know if you plan to attend.
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business. Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
When: Thursday, Sept 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Monday, August 11, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
Pre-screening potential employees is a click away
Businesses are utilizing social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and MySpace to find the best and brightest employees. Internet search tools are free; however, companies can access prospective employees' criminal records, address history, sex offenses and marriage records through the Internet for a fee. Snow Magazine/NFIB.com
The 7 Elements of a Viral Video Campaign, by Jerry Bader
With the overwhelming number of websites, blogs, social networking sites and other media platforms being utilized by brands on the Internet to reach consumers, establishing differentiation from the competition is more difficult than ever. However, by following the seven elements to a viral video campaigns detailed in this white paper, brands can gain a competitive advantage by embracing the full potential of emerging technologies and online marketing strategies. Brand Channel
Credit card competition gives boost to startups
Credit card companies and banks have been pursuing small business because the consumer market is saturated. The competition is good news for entrepreneurs who may launch new businesses by raising capital through credit card charges as conventional lending continues to be tight. The Wall Street Journal
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Topic: The Public Safety Initiative
Speakers: Deputy Police Chief Troy Smith
Project Manager Jim Shanks
Police Officer and member of the Police Officers Association Suzette Freidenberger
City Councilmember Teresa Coons
Where & When: Tuesday, August 19 at noon in the training room
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
LEADING EDGE – Business Plan Development Program
The Leading Edge Program is an intensive training course that provides business owners and entrepreneurs with expert guidance in the areas of cash flow management, marketing, finance, personnel, legal issues, and more. Each participant will receive hands-on assistance in preparing a complete business plan. Tuition is $275, and includes the NXLEVEL Guide for Entrepreneurs and the NXLEVEL Business Plan Workbook and Resource Guide.
When: August 26 to November 18
12 Sessions
Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. Topics include: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In addition, the course covers state withholding taxes, sales tax issues and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, August 14 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business. Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
When: Thursday, Sept 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Additional upcoming workshops….
Wells Fargo / Financial Management for the Closely Held Business
Businesses face tough challenges and unique opportunities. They key to financial success or failure during these challenges and opportunities lies in the decisions made by the owners and operators on the business. Now you can learn to better manage and control company finances through business-tested financial management techniques and turn better decisions into maximized profits.
This two day seminar explains, in simple, clear, language, what financial management is, why it can greatly improve your profitability and how you can effectively communicate with financial advisors.
When: August 12 & 13, 2008 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $300
Where: The Double Tree Hotel 743 Horizon Drive
Registration: call (970) 248-4830
Businesses are utilizing social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and MySpace to find the best and brightest employees. Internet search tools are free; however, companies can access prospective employees' criminal records, address history, sex offenses and marriage records through the Internet for a fee. Snow Magazine/NFIB.com
The 7 Elements of a Viral Video Campaign, by Jerry Bader
With the overwhelming number of websites, blogs, social networking sites and other media platforms being utilized by brands on the Internet to reach consumers, establishing differentiation from the competition is more difficult than ever. However, by following the seven elements to a viral video campaigns detailed in this white paper, brands can gain a competitive advantage by embracing the full potential of emerging technologies and online marketing strategies. Brand Channel
Credit card competition gives boost to startups
Credit card companies and banks have been pursuing small business because the consumer market is saturated. The competition is good news for entrepreneurs who may launch new businesses by raising capital through credit card charges as conventional lending continues to be tight. The Wall Street Journal
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Topic: The Public Safety Initiative
Speakers: Deputy Police Chief Troy Smith
Project Manager Jim Shanks
Police Officer and member of the Police Officers Association Suzette Freidenberger
City Councilmember Teresa Coons
Where & When: Tuesday, August 19 at noon in the training room
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
LEADING EDGE – Business Plan Development Program
The Leading Edge Program is an intensive training course that provides business owners and entrepreneurs with expert guidance in the areas of cash flow management, marketing, finance, personnel, legal issues, and more. Each participant will receive hands-on assistance in preparing a complete business plan. Tuition is $275, and includes the NXLEVEL Guide for Entrepreneurs and the NXLEVEL Business Plan Workbook and Resource Guide.
When: August 26 to November 18
12 Sessions
Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. Topics include: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In addition, the course covers state withholding taxes, sales tax issues and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, August 14 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business. Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
When: Thursday, Sept 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Additional upcoming workshops….
Wells Fargo / Financial Management for the Closely Held Business
Businesses face tough challenges and unique opportunities. They key to financial success or failure during these challenges and opportunities lies in the decisions made by the owners and operators on the business. Now you can learn to better manage and control company finances through business-tested financial management techniques and turn better decisions into maximized profits.
This two day seminar explains, in simple, clear, language, what financial management is, why it can greatly improve your profitability and how you can effectively communicate with financial advisors.
When: August 12 & 13, 2008 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $300
Where: The Double Tree Hotel 743 Horizon Drive
Registration: call (970) 248-4830
Monday, July 28, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
Grand Junction weathers slowdown after boom times By David Lewis
The home-sales outlook in Grand Junction and its satellite towns of Fruita, Clifton, Palisade, Mack and Loma seems to be teetering away from optimism these days, a strange sensation in a market that has been so robust for so long. ColoradoBiz
Next Steps in Open Innovation
Open innovation—once championed nearly exclusively by forward-thinking web geeks—is becoming an increasingly popular concept in mainstream circles. Companies like Procter & Gamble are opening their product development processes so that customers and other partners can offer their ideas and input. Some companies are now moving beyond this basic concept to an even more open process known as “distributed cocreation.” This model, profiled in a new McKinsey Quarterly article, is being effectively deployed by LEGO toys and by the Threadless t-shirt company. The Threadless approach is instructive. Anyone can develop his or her own t-shirt design. Website visitors vote on their preferred designs, and the top vote getters move into production. Other firms, like Wikipedia and Red Hat, also employ variants of this approach. McKinsey researchers believe more traditional firms can also deploy this model as long as they can identify ways to motivate outside co-creators, and structure problems and governance mechanisms in way that promotes participation in collaborative problem solving. Access the June 2008 McKinsey Quarterly article, “The Next Step in Open Innovation,” by Jacques Bughin, Vincent Choi, and Brad Johnson.
Lawn service provides cuts on demand
Kevin Malarney has been so successful with his on-demand lawn-cutting service in Grand Rapids, Mich., that he is offering Cut Only franchises. Cut Only targets people who cannot afford a lawn service but want their lawns cut when needed. Customers call in to get their home on the schedule and hang a flag on their door with a payment. Then a Cut Only crew member swings by to cut and trim the lawn. PRO Magazine
Tips for letting employees go gracefully
There's an art to letting employees go from startups gracefully, and a key is to focus on the future. One way to start is to let the worker know that you understand how difficult it is to be in a startup company and let them know the door is always open for them to come back. American City Business Journals
Social networking creates endless connections for business
The water cooler just isn’t what it used to be. Nowadays, office gossip isn’t the only game in town, with a slew of social-networking websites offering users the means to create a custom profile and instantly communicate with friends — real and imagined — all over the world. ColoradoBiz
Networking sites add new voice for small businesses
Small businesses are combining forces in social-networking sites to boost their profiles and share information about their niches. Creating a successful network site involves picking the appropriate format, attracting users and bringing them back, and keeping the content fresh. The Wall Street Journal/Independent Street blog
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Speaker: City of Grand Junction
Topic: The Public Safety Initiative.
Where & When: Tuesday, August 19 at noon in the training room
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
LEADING EDGE – Business Plan Development Program
The Leading Edge Program is an intensive training course that provides business owners and entrepreneurs with expert guidance in the areas of cash flow management, marketing, finance, personnel, legal issues, and more. Each participant will receive hands-on assistance in preparing a complete business plan. Tuition is $275, and includes the NXLEVEL Guide for Entrepreneurs and the NXLEVEL Business Plan Workbook and Resource Guide.
When: August 26 to November 18 / 12 Sessions
Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. Topics include: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In addition, the course covers state withholding taxes, sales tax issues and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, August 14 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business. Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
When: Thursday, Sept 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Additional upcoming workshops….
Wells Fargo / Financial Management for the Closely Held Business
Businesses face tough challenges and unique opportunities. They key to financial success or failure during these challenges and opportunities lies in the decisions made by the owners and operators on the business. Now you can learn to better manage and control company finances through business-tested financial management techniques and turn better decisions into maximized profits.
This two day seminar explains, in simple, clear, language, what financial management is, why it can greatly improve your profitability and how you can effectively communicate with financial advisors.
When: August 12 & 13, 2008 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $300
Where: The Double Tree Hotel 743 Horizon Drive
Registration: call (970) 248-4830
The home-sales outlook in Grand Junction and its satellite towns of Fruita, Clifton, Palisade, Mack and Loma seems to be teetering away from optimism these days, a strange sensation in a market that has been so robust for so long. ColoradoBiz
Next Steps in Open Innovation
Open innovation—once championed nearly exclusively by forward-thinking web geeks—is becoming an increasingly popular concept in mainstream circles. Companies like Procter & Gamble are opening their product development processes so that customers and other partners can offer their ideas and input. Some companies are now moving beyond this basic concept to an even more open process known as “distributed cocreation.” This model, profiled in a new McKinsey Quarterly article, is being effectively deployed by LEGO toys and by the Threadless t-shirt company. The Threadless approach is instructive. Anyone can develop his or her own t-shirt design. Website visitors vote on their preferred designs, and the top vote getters move into production. Other firms, like Wikipedia and Red Hat, also employ variants of this approach. McKinsey researchers believe more traditional firms can also deploy this model as long as they can identify ways to motivate outside co-creators, and structure problems and governance mechanisms in way that promotes participation in collaborative problem solving. Access the June 2008 McKinsey Quarterly article, “The Next Step in Open Innovation,” by Jacques Bughin, Vincent Choi, and Brad Johnson.
Lawn service provides cuts on demand
Kevin Malarney has been so successful with his on-demand lawn-cutting service in Grand Rapids, Mich., that he is offering Cut Only franchises. Cut Only targets people who cannot afford a lawn service but want their lawns cut when needed. Customers call in to get their home on the schedule and hang a flag on their door with a payment. Then a Cut Only crew member swings by to cut and trim the lawn. PRO Magazine
Tips for letting employees go gracefully
There's an art to letting employees go from startups gracefully, and a key is to focus on the future. One way to start is to let the worker know that you understand how difficult it is to be in a startup company and let them know the door is always open for them to come back. American City Business Journals
Social networking creates endless connections for business
The water cooler just isn’t what it used to be. Nowadays, office gossip isn’t the only game in town, with a slew of social-networking websites offering users the means to create a custom profile and instantly communicate with friends — real and imagined — all over the world. ColoradoBiz
Networking sites add new voice for small businesses
Small businesses are combining forces in social-networking sites to boost their profiles and share information about their niches. Creating a successful network site involves picking the appropriate format, attracting users and bringing them back, and keeping the content fresh. The Wall Street Journal/Independent Street blog
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Speaker: City of Grand Junction
Topic: The Public Safety Initiative.
Where & When: Tuesday, August 19 at noon in the training room
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
LEADING EDGE – Business Plan Development Program
The Leading Edge Program is an intensive training course that provides business owners and entrepreneurs with expert guidance in the areas of cash flow management, marketing, finance, personnel, legal issues, and more. Each participant will receive hands-on assistance in preparing a complete business plan. Tuition is $275, and includes the NXLEVEL Guide for Entrepreneurs and the NXLEVEL Business Plan Workbook and Resource Guide.
When: August 26 to November 18 / 12 Sessions
Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. Topics include: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In addition, the course covers state withholding taxes, sales tax issues and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, August 14 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, Sept 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business. Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
When: Thursday, Sept 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Additional upcoming workshops….
Wells Fargo / Financial Management for the Closely Held Business
Businesses face tough challenges and unique opportunities. They key to financial success or failure during these challenges and opportunities lies in the decisions made by the owners and operators on the business. Now you can learn to better manage and control company finances through business-tested financial management techniques and turn better decisions into maximized profits.
This two day seminar explains, in simple, clear, language, what financial management is, why it can greatly improve your profitability and how you can effectively communicate with financial advisors.
When: August 12 & 13, 2008 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $300
Where: The Double Tree Hotel 743 Horizon Drive
Registration: call (970) 248-4830
Monday, July 14, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
Effective entrepreneurship
What do Steve Ells of Chipotle and the founders of Starbucks have in common? “Life entrepreneurship.” By Gregg Vanourek and Christopher Gergen CO Biz Magazine
Entrepreneurs can get help from their peers
Entrepreneurs who are struggling to implement their ideas can gain from a peer network, taking advantage of lessons learned by those who already have started small businesses. In Chicago, for example, more than 600 chief executives and business owners are taking advantage of peer experience through Vistage International. Chicago Tribune
Myths about financing hinder some startups at outset
Many people who want to start a small business reject the idea because of false beliefs about startup financing, says Scott Shane at Kiplinger.com. Shane says some common myths are startups need a lot of money, venture capitalists invest in entrepreneurs and banks will not lend money to new companies. Akron Beacon Journal (Ohio)
Advice: Be proactive in breaking gender, race barriers
Women and minority entrepreneurs have to be proactive to get over barriers to gender, racial and age obstacles. USA TODAY columnist Gladys Edmunds recommends business owners follow the example set by abolitionist Harriet Tubman: develop a support system, ask for more opportunities and help other businesses break barriers too. USA TODAY
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Speaker: Bill Heller, Operations Manager, Occidental Oil & Gas Company
Topic: The Energy Industry, and a “from the field” view of the growth of that sector.
Bill’s practical, real-world perspective on what is really happening in the field should be extremely valuable in helping all of us understand the drivers shaping our economy. As the energy industry has such a significant impact on our local economy and, in turn, impacts the viability of so many new business ventures, this will be a very valuable presentation.
Where & When: Tuesday, July 15 at noon in the training room
Food: Lee Mathis & Shelli Mayo – another sneak-preview of their menu for the “Feast in the Fields” Event
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Human Resource Management 101
Finding and retaining employees is a hot topic in the Grand Valley these days. With unemployment low, wages climbing and increased competition, it is more important than ever to make sure you have your company’s human resource function performing to its highest potential.
Get your ducks in a row and make sure your policies and procedures are optimized to best serve your bottom line. Be ready to hire and train new talent, and have strategies in place to retain your top performers. Understand how clear communication, skill development and positive company culture are management practices that successful companies use to outperform the competition. Cost: $55.00 and includes continental breakfast.
SEMINAR AGENDA
· Bechtel & Santo, LLP will discuss contents and maintenance of personnel files, including written reprimands and performance appraisals.
· Autopaychecks Inc. will present payroll and benefits taxation.
· Global Rainmakers will discuss retaining employees in a tight labor market.
When: Thursday, July 17 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Additional upcoming workshops….
QuickBooks Pro 2008
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 1)
When: Friday, July 24 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 2)
When: Saturday, July 25 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $145
Where: Mesa County Workforce Center
2897 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-2215
What do Steve Ells of Chipotle and the founders of Starbucks have in common? “Life entrepreneurship.” By Gregg Vanourek and Christopher Gergen CO Biz Magazine
Entrepreneurs can get help from their peers
Entrepreneurs who are struggling to implement their ideas can gain from a peer network, taking advantage of lessons learned by those who already have started small businesses. In Chicago, for example, more than 600 chief executives and business owners are taking advantage of peer experience through Vistage International. Chicago Tribune
Myths about financing hinder some startups at outset
Many people who want to start a small business reject the idea because of false beliefs about startup financing, says Scott Shane at Kiplinger.com. Shane says some common myths are startups need a lot of money, venture capitalists invest in entrepreneurs and banks will not lend money to new companies. Akron Beacon Journal (Ohio)
Advice: Be proactive in breaking gender, race barriers
Women and minority entrepreneurs have to be proactive to get over barriers to gender, racial and age obstacles. USA TODAY columnist Gladys Edmunds recommends business owners follow the example set by abolitionist Harriet Tubman: develop a support system, ask for more opportunities and help other businesses break barriers too. USA TODAY
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Speaker: Bill Heller, Operations Manager, Occidental Oil & Gas Company
Topic: The Energy Industry, and a “from the field” view of the growth of that sector.
Bill’s practical, real-world perspective on what is really happening in the field should be extremely valuable in helping all of us understand the drivers shaping our economy. As the energy industry has such a significant impact on our local economy and, in turn, impacts the viability of so many new business ventures, this will be a very valuable presentation.
Where & When: Tuesday, July 15 at noon in the training room
Food: Lee Mathis & Shelli Mayo – another sneak-preview of their menu for the “Feast in the Fields” Event
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Human Resource Management 101
Finding and retaining employees is a hot topic in the Grand Valley these days. With unemployment low, wages climbing and increased competition, it is more important than ever to make sure you have your company’s human resource function performing to its highest potential.
Get your ducks in a row and make sure your policies and procedures are optimized to best serve your bottom line. Be ready to hire and train new talent, and have strategies in place to retain your top performers. Understand how clear communication, skill development and positive company culture are management practices that successful companies use to outperform the competition. Cost: $55.00 and includes continental breakfast.
SEMINAR AGENDA
· Bechtel & Santo, LLP will discuss contents and maintenance of personnel files, including written reprimands and performance appraisals.
· Autopaychecks Inc. will present payroll and benefits taxation.
· Global Rainmakers will discuss retaining employees in a tight labor market.
When: Thursday, July 17 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Additional upcoming workshops….
QuickBooks Pro 2008
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 1)
When: Friday, July 24 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 2)
When: Saturday, July 25 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $145
Where: Mesa County Workforce Center
2897 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-2215
Friday, June 27, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
Distinguish yourself from competitors
Position your organization in your customer's mind with these five easy steps: assess your current position; figure out what you want your customers to perceive about your company; define your target market; look at current trends; and formulate the four levels that will dictate your positioning strategy. BusinessWeek
Small firms need to hire people who fit company culture
The culture of a small business depends a good deal on the owner, says John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas in Chicago. When hiring, consider that employees will be more successful if they fit into the culture of the company, he says. BusinessWeek/Today's Tip
Small vintners weather capital-intensive business
The expense, long-term outlook and dependency on nature make wine making a risky business, but a number of new entrepreneurs have succeeded. Wineries are capital-intensive because it takes years to develop a wine before it can be sold, says Cathy Corison, owner of Corison Winery in California's Napa Valley. Entrepreneur.com
Twitter, meetups and tweetups
Don’t hide behind your computer screen. Use social networking to get out there and meet your next customer (or mentor or employee). By Rob and Kristie McNealy Colorado Biz
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Speaker: Bill Heller, Operations Manager, Occidental Oil & Gas Company
Topic: The Energy Industry, and a “from the field” view of the growth of that sector.
Bill’s practical, real-world perspective on what is really happening in the field should be extremely valuable in helping all of us understand the drivers shaping our economy. As the energy industry has such a significant impact on our local economy and, in turn, impacts the viability of so many new business ventures, this will be a very valuable presentation.
Where & When: Tuesday, July 15 at noon in the training room
Food: Lee Mathis & Shelli Mayo – another sneak-preview of their menu for the “Feast in the Fields” Event
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Human Resource Management 101
Finding and retaining employees is a hot topic in the Grand Valley these days. With unemployment low, wages climbing and increased competition, it is more important than ever to make sure you have your company’s human resource function performing to its highest potential.
Get your ducks in a row and make sure your policies and procedures are optimized to best serve your bottom line. Be ready to hire and train new talent, and have strategies in place to retain your top performers. Understand how clear communication, skill development and positive company culture are management practices that successful companies use to outperform the competition. Cost: $55.00 and includes continental breakfast.
SEMINAR AGENDA
· Bechtel & Santo, LLP will discuss contents and maintenance of personnel files, including written reprimands and performance appraisals.
· Autopaychecks Inc. will present payroll and benefits taxation.
· Global Rainmakers will discuss retaining employees in a tight labor market.
When: Thursday, July 17 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Additional upcoming workshops….
QuickBooks Pro 2008
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 1)
When: Friday, July 24 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 2)
When: Saturday, July 25 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $145
Where: Mesa County Workforce Center
2897 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-2215
Position your organization in your customer's mind with these five easy steps: assess your current position; figure out what you want your customers to perceive about your company; define your target market; look at current trends; and formulate the four levels that will dictate your positioning strategy. BusinessWeek
Small firms need to hire people who fit company culture
The culture of a small business depends a good deal on the owner, says John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas in Chicago. When hiring, consider that employees will be more successful if they fit into the culture of the company, he says. BusinessWeek/Today's Tip
Small vintners weather capital-intensive business
The expense, long-term outlook and dependency on nature make wine making a risky business, but a number of new entrepreneurs have succeeded. Wineries are capital-intensive because it takes years to develop a wine before it can be sold, says Cathy Corison, owner of Corison Winery in California's Napa Valley. Entrepreneur.com
Twitter, meetups and tweetups
Don’t hide behind your computer screen. Use social networking to get out there and meet your next customer (or mentor or employee). By Rob and Kristie McNealy Colorado Biz
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Speaker: Bill Heller, Operations Manager, Occidental Oil & Gas Company
Topic: The Energy Industry, and a “from the field” view of the growth of that sector.
Bill’s practical, real-world perspective on what is really happening in the field should be extremely valuable in helping all of us understand the drivers shaping our economy. As the energy industry has such a significant impact on our local economy and, in turn, impacts the viability of so many new business ventures, this will be a very valuable presentation.
Where & When: Tuesday, July 15 at noon in the training room
Food: Lee Mathis & Shelli Mayo – another sneak-preview of their menu for the “Feast in the Fields” Event
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Human Resource Management 101
Finding and retaining employees is a hot topic in the Grand Valley these days. With unemployment low, wages climbing and increased competition, it is more important than ever to make sure you have your company’s human resource function performing to its highest potential.
Get your ducks in a row and make sure your policies and procedures are optimized to best serve your bottom line. Be ready to hire and train new talent, and have strategies in place to retain your top performers. Understand how clear communication, skill development and positive company culture are management practices that successful companies use to outperform the competition. Cost: $55.00 and includes continental breakfast.
SEMINAR AGENDA
· Bechtel & Santo, LLP will discuss contents and maintenance of personnel files, including written reprimands and performance appraisals.
· Autopaychecks Inc. will present payroll and benefits taxation.
· Global Rainmakers will discuss retaining employees in a tight labor market.
When: Thursday, July 17 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Additional upcoming workshops….
QuickBooks Pro 2008
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 1)
When: Friday, July 24 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- QuickBooks Pro Basic (Part 2)
When: Saturday, July 25 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $145
Where: Mesa County Workforce Center
2897 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-2215
Friday, June 13, 2008
Executive Edge: Konrad Krauland
Textile manufacturer finds PowerPro fishing line is his biggest catch. By Bob Kretschman ColoradoBiz
Setting the right price for your product
New retailers will discover that there is no universally accepted "right price" for a specific product. Establishing a retail price requires striking a balance between a price that is too high to be competitive or affordable, and a price that is too low to be profitable. MSNBC/Entrepreneur.com
Failure to delegate can sink growth plans
One of the biggest obstacles many entrepreneurs face is their own unwillingness to delegate, says Romanus Wolter, the author of "Kick Start Your Success" and "Kick Start Your Dream Business." Wolter offers several tips on how to take advantage of other people's skills including trusting colleagues in areas where the entrepreneur is weaker, experiment by assigning tasks to others and building a team by sharing the vision for the company. Entrepreneur
A Practical Guide to Branding
Define your brand identity—your product's "personality"—before you spend a dime on advertising or marketing. BusinessWeek
Innovative shippers use strategies to weather downturn
Good shippers are responding to the tough economy and soaring gas prices by changing the way they go to market. The truly innovative firms are using a combination of strategies and partnerships to weather the storm. Logistics Management
Showing how social networks work for your business
There are simple ways to use social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and MySpace to your business's advantage. Using these networks by posting news and information, finding talent or even doing research on potential employees increases attention to your business and reaches new audiences. BusinessWeek/Today's Tip
Campus Life….
Client Company Lunch
Speaker: Steve Thompson - What to expect when you leave the Incubator: Construction Management and Site Development
Where & When: Tuesday, May 20 at noon in the training room
Food: Lee Mathis & Shelli Mayo – a special sneak-preview of his menu for the “Feast in the Fields” Event
Lunch Menu:
Spring Salad w/ a Balsamic Dressing
Bloody Mary Shrimp Empanadas with Peach Salsa
Curried Chicken w/ Peaches
Cheesecake Bytes
No TAB this month
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. To start, Pamela J. Belcher CPA will discuss such topics as: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In the afternoon, Colorado Department of Revenue representative Bruce Kolisek, as well as representatives from the Department of Labor Employment, will discuss state withholding taxes, sales tax issue and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 19 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday, June 2, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
Prices for sale of small businesses drop
Prices seem to be softening for business owners who have put their companies up for sale this year. Analysts say tighter credit standards, increased costs and a loss of customers are to blame. The New York Times
Rock stars can be role models for business leaders
Rock stars have more in common with business leaders than some may think, and they can serve as valuable models. They show that optimal performance requires exceptional dedication to practice and a tremendous thirst for learning. BusinessWeek
Grape Expectations
Piero Incisa della Rocchetta is the export manager for the Tuscan wine brand, Tenuta San Guido, known for its Super-Tuscan (Sassicaia) wines that go for hundreds or thousands of dollars a bottle. In our interview, he discusses how he goes about branding Tenuta San Guido on a worldwide scale and how that compares to his small, family vineyard. Brand Channel
Peer mentors offer productive partnerships
Peer mentors can be highly useful for entrepreneurs as sources of motivation and as trusted colleagues in whom to confide. Three relationships described in this article show how peer partnerships can come in many forms and offer extensive benefits. Entrepreneur.com
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Pattie Snidow, the Northwest Area Director for USDA Rural Development will be leading this seminar for private sector small businesses in rural towns of population of 50,000 or less, or agriculture producers. This grant program covers energy efficiency upgrades to commercial building or installation of market proven products for Renewable Energy for up to 25% of the total project cost.
Maximum Grant - Energy Efficiency $250,000 / Renewable Energy $500,000
In addition, loan guarantees with your local bank could be available to support most of the project.
When: Thursday, June 5 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Instructor Helen Roe works with the Loan Fund of Mesa County and was recognized as the 2005-06 Outstanding Woman Accountant by the American Society of Women Accountants. Both classes include a question and answer period. Take advantage of this opportunity to have Helen address your specific questions! Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, June 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class, designed for new and existing businesses, will help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business.
When: Thursday, June 12, from 1:00-4:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. To start, Pamela J. Belcher CPA will discuss such topics as: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In the afternoon, Colorado Department of Revenue representative Bruce Kolisek, as well as representatives from the Department of Labor Employment, will discuss state withholding taxes, sales tax issue and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 19 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Start Food-Related a Business
Come learn all the basics of starting a food related business. You will learn about health regulations, packaging requirements, licensing requirements, business planning and how to fund it all. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 26 from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Excerpt from the Incubator Handbook….
Program Requirements:
Client Companies agree to participate in the Incubator Program, which includes a commitment to:
Prices seem to be softening for business owners who have put their companies up for sale this year. Analysts say tighter credit standards, increased costs and a loss of customers are to blame. The New York Times
Rock stars can be role models for business leaders
Rock stars have more in common with business leaders than some may think, and they can serve as valuable models. They show that optimal performance requires exceptional dedication to practice and a tremendous thirst for learning. BusinessWeek
Grape Expectations
Piero Incisa della Rocchetta is the export manager for the Tuscan wine brand, Tenuta San Guido, known for its Super-Tuscan (Sassicaia) wines that go for hundreds or thousands of dollars a bottle. In our interview, he discusses how he goes about branding Tenuta San Guido on a worldwide scale and how that compares to his small, family vineyard. Brand Channel
Peer mentors offer productive partnerships
Peer mentors can be highly useful for entrepreneurs as sources of motivation and as trusted colleagues in whom to confide. Three relationships described in this article show how peer partnerships can come in many forms and offer extensive benefits. Entrepreneur.com
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Pattie Snidow, the Northwest Area Director for USDA Rural Development will be leading this seminar for private sector small businesses in rural towns of population of 50,000 or less, or agriculture producers. This grant program covers energy efficiency upgrades to commercial building or installation of market proven products for Renewable Energy for up to 25% of the total project cost.
Maximum Grant - Energy Efficiency $250,000 / Renewable Energy $500,000
In addition, loan guarantees with your local bank could be available to support most of the project.
When: Thursday, June 5 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Instructor Helen Roe works with the Loan Fund of Mesa County and was recognized as the 2005-06 Outstanding Woman Accountant by the American Society of Women Accountants. Both classes include a question and answer period. Take advantage of this opportunity to have Helen address your specific questions! Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, June 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class, designed for new and existing businesses, will help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business.
When: Thursday, June 12, from 1:00-4:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. To start, Pamela J. Belcher CPA will discuss such topics as: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In the afternoon, Colorado Department of Revenue representative Bruce Kolisek, as well as representatives from the Department of Labor Employment, will discuss state withholding taxes, sales tax issue and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 19 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Start Food-Related a Business
Come learn all the basics of starting a food related business. You will learn about health regulations, packaging requirements, licensing requirements, business planning and how to fund it all. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 26 from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Excerpt from the Incubator Handbook….
Program Requirements:
Client Companies agree to participate in the Incubator Program, which includes a commitment to:
- Complete a Business Plan within the first 2 years of occupancy. Assistance in completing the Business Plan is available through the aforementioned Management Assistance program.
- Meet, at a minimum, semi-annually with BIC staff and provide them with up-to-date financial statements for the purpose of evaluating ICC’s financial performance and reporting aggregate numbers.
- Attend, at minimum, one business related class or workshop per year.
- Attend, at a minimum, seven networking events per year such as the monthly Client Lunch.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS
May 11, 2008
Grand Junction MSA Strong In Economic Prosperity
The 2008 Aelera Regional Economic Prosperity Index (REPI) ranked the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) 34th in the country for economic prosperity. The Grand Junction MSA's strong performance in employment growth, output growth, wage growth and unemployment rates, contributed to its high ranking on the Index.
The Grand Junction area economy performed significantly below average in indicators designed to measure the areas future competitive position. One such indicator, 'Young Knowledge Workers,' measures the percentage of population aged 25 -35 with a bachelor's degree or higher. Another measure, the 'Knowledge Economy' indicator, examines the percentage of workforce employed in "knowledge-intensive occupations".
According to Ann Driggers of GJEP, 'this report gives us plenty of good news, but at the same time demonstrates that we have much yet to accomplish to create a truly strong, diverse and sustainable economy. In order to do this we need to focus our attentions on growing the industries and job opportunities of the future, specifically those in a knowledge-based economy".
To view the full report follow this link: 2008 Aelera Regional Economic Prosperity Index
Moms set to juggle time, roles when they run a business
Mothers who quit their work and start businesses usually do it out of consideration for their families, not for personal reasons, says USA TODAY columnist Steve Strauss. A few mothers who have taken the leap into entrepreneurship shared their stories with Strauss. USA TODAY
Grand Junction: 9th Fastest Growing Population in the U.S.
Grand Junction: A Top Winter 2008 Jet-Setting Destination
Campus Life….
People Choice Award WINNER
Please join us in congratulating Katie Brierly of Guera's Chili on her First Place award at the Arbor Day Chili Cook-Off at the Lincoln Park Barn. If you have not already tried Katie’s Chili, you are missing out. We love it!
No TAB this month
Client Company Lunch
Topic: Video for your website: How to use it, Where to use it, and Why to use it.
Speaker: Joel Leon
Where & When: Tuesday, May 20 at noon in the training room
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
How to Start Construction-Related a Business
Want to know what the Planning Department requires for a contractor’s license? Bob Lee Director of the City/County Building Department can tell you how to get your license and become a building contractor. Julie Morey will address licensing requirements, the business planning process and how to apply for a business loan. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, May 22 from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Pattie Snidow, the Northwest Area Director for USDA Rural Development will be leading this seminar for private sector small businesses in rural towns of population of 50,000 or less, or agriculture producers. This grant program covers energy efficiency upgrades to commercial building or installation of market proven products for Renewable Energy for up to 25% of the total project cost.
Maximum Grant - Energy Efficiency $250,000 / Renewable Energy $500,000
In addition, loan guarantees with your local bank could be available to support most of the project.
When: Thursday, June 5 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Instructor Helen Roe works with the Loan Fund of Mesa County and was recognized as the 2005-06 Outstanding Woman Accountant by the American Society of Women Accountants. Both classes include a question and answer period. Take advantage of this opportunity to have Helen address your specific questions! Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, June 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class, designed for new and existing businesses, will help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business.
When: Thursday, June 12, from 1:00-4:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. To start, Pamela J. Belcher CPA will discuss such topics as: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In the afternoon, Colorado Department of Revenue representative Bruce Kolisek, as well as representatives from the Department of Labor Employment, will discuss state withholding taxes, sales tax issue and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 19 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Start Food-Related a Business
Come learn all the basics of starting a food related business. You will learn about health regulations, packaging requirements, licensing requirements, business planning and how to fund it all. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 26 from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Grand Junction MSA Strong In Economic Prosperity
The 2008 Aelera Regional Economic Prosperity Index (REPI) ranked the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) 34th in the country for economic prosperity. The Grand Junction MSA's strong performance in employment growth, output growth, wage growth and unemployment rates, contributed to its high ranking on the Index.
The Grand Junction area economy performed significantly below average in indicators designed to measure the areas future competitive position. One such indicator, 'Young Knowledge Workers,' measures the percentage of population aged 25 -35 with a bachelor's degree or higher. Another measure, the 'Knowledge Economy' indicator, examines the percentage of workforce employed in "knowledge-intensive occupations".
According to Ann Driggers of GJEP, 'this report gives us plenty of good news, but at the same time demonstrates that we have much yet to accomplish to create a truly strong, diverse and sustainable economy. In order to do this we need to focus our attentions on growing the industries and job opportunities of the future, specifically those in a knowledge-based economy".
To view the full report follow this link: 2008 Aelera Regional Economic Prosperity Index
Moms set to juggle time, roles when they run a business
Mothers who quit their work and start businesses usually do it out of consideration for their families, not for personal reasons, says USA TODAY columnist Steve Strauss. A few mothers who have taken the leap into entrepreneurship shared their stories with Strauss. USA TODAY
Grand Junction: 9th Fastest Growing Population in the U.S.
Grand Junction: A Top Winter 2008 Jet-Setting Destination
Campus Life….
People Choice Award WINNER
Please join us in congratulating Katie Brierly of Guera's Chili on her First Place award at the Arbor Day Chili Cook-Off at the Lincoln Park Barn. If you have not already tried Katie’s Chili, you are missing out. We love it!
No TAB this month
Client Company Lunch
Topic: Video for your website: How to use it, Where to use it, and Why to use it.
Speaker: Joel Leon
Where & When: Tuesday, May 20 at noon in the training room
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
How to Start Construction-Related a Business
Want to know what the Planning Department requires for a contractor’s license? Bob Lee Director of the City/County Building Department can tell you how to get your license and become a building contractor. Julie Morey will address licensing requirements, the business planning process and how to apply for a business loan. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, May 22 from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Pattie Snidow, the Northwest Area Director for USDA Rural Development will be leading this seminar for private sector small businesses in rural towns of population of 50,000 or less, or agriculture producers. This grant program covers energy efficiency upgrades to commercial building or installation of market proven products for Renewable Energy for up to 25% of the total project cost.
Maximum Grant - Energy Efficiency $250,000 / Renewable Energy $500,000
In addition, loan guarantees with your local bank could be available to support most of the project.
When: Thursday, June 5 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Understanding Bookkeeping & Financial Statements
Instructor Helen Roe works with the Loan Fund of Mesa County and was recognized as the 2005-06 Outstanding Woman Accountant by the American Society of Women Accountants. Both classes include a question and answer period. Take advantage of this opportunity to have Helen address your specific questions! Cost is $45.00 per class or $55.00 when you register for both bookkeeping classes.
Session I
This class is designed for new business start-ups and focuses on how to set up business accounting records, how to track income and expenses and what types of expenses are deductible.
When: Wednesday, June 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Session II
This class, designed for new and existing businesses, will help you gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business.
When: Thursday, June 12, from 1:00-4:00 PM
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
Simple answers to business tax issues. To start, Pamela J. Belcher CPA will discuss such topics as: keeping track of and paying all your business taxes, computing and filing payroll taxes, satisfying state and federal guidelines, depreciating items like a home office, or automobile, and working with independent contractors versus employees. In the afternoon, Colorado Department of Revenue representative Bruce Kolisek, as well as representatives from the Department of Labor Employment, will discuss state withholding taxes, sales tax issue and unemployment and use tax. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 19 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Start Food-Related a Business
Come learn all the basics of starting a food related business. You will learn about health regulations, packaging requirements, licensing requirements, business planning and how to fund it all. Cost: $45.
When: Thursday, June 26 from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Monday, April 21, 2008
Business Incubator Center NEWS April 21, 2008
Campus life….
It’s Spring Cleaning Week!
As part of our annual “dump week”, we have extra trash bins and recycling options for everyone. E-mail Helen Roe (hroe@gjincubator.org) if you have paper shredding needs!
Business news….
Tips for generating word-of-mouth sales
The owner of a successful candle company offers a list of six tips for generating word-of-mouth buzz about your company. The tips include cultivating key talkers; sending out samples of your product; and simply creating a fantastic product that is buzz-worthy MarketingProfs/Daily Fix blog
Eight tips can help in getting past "hello"
A list of eight tips for overcoming social anxiety and feeling comfortable in making the first move in a sales situation include making the conversation all about the other person's thoughts and listening intently to their responses. Another tip is to rehearse icebreakers with a friend before going to a meeting or gathering. Forbes
Tips: How to get customers to refer their friends to you
Small-business owners say referrals are the way they generate most new business but they don't seem to have systematic approach to receiving referrals, says John Jantsch at ducttapemarketing.com. Small-business consultant Denise O'Berry offers tips on how to get customers to refer your business to people they know. The New York Times
New food businesses get B2B help in rented kitchens
Commercial kitchen rental companies have put a for-profit spin on incubators of new food businesses. Entrepreneurs like the owners of Kitchen For Hire in Brooklyn are helping other aspiring business owners -- many who are newly unemployed -- start up by getting them out of their small home kitchens and into larger facilities. The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)
Advice: How to get a natural food product on the shelf
A small business that has developed a natural food line needs to start locally in trying to get the line on grocery store shelves, advises Fortune Small Business. Start with a shopping trip to a local independent store to make sure the product is different from what the store has and study prices of other products in the store, says Bob Burke of Natural Products Consulting. CNNmoney.com/Fortune Small Business
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Talk to you soon,
Chris
Chris Reddin
Executive Director
Business Incubator Center
2591 B 3/4 RoadGrand Junction, CO 81503
creddin@gjincubator.org
ph: 970.243.5242
www.gjincubator.org
Celebrating 20 years as the Grand Valley’s Center for Entrepreneurship - Explore, Enrich, and Expand.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
News - April 8
Business Incubator Center NEWS April 8, 2008
Small U.S. Firms Make Big Global Sales
A rising wave of U.S. small businesses and start-ups are going cross-border and selling hundreds of billions of dollars in goods and services to Asia, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Africa.. "Exports are the underrecognized opportunity for many American small businesses," says SBA Administrator Steve Preston. USA TODAY
Small Firms Find Credit Is Tightening
Lenders’ credit woes are starting to take a toll on small businesses. Though it may be too early to determine how hard small businesses will be hit, some national surveys show that the businesses are encountering more restrictions at lending institutions, making it harder to get the credit necessary to expand or, in some cases, stay afloat.. The New York Times
Key Words Assure Message Will Be Understood
Discovering the key words and phrases your customers use is important to getting a message across in a press release. To figure out what these words are, use online keyword research tools, look at the words your competition is using, avoid jargon and test them out by entering them into a search engine. MSNBC/Entrepreneur
60-Second Guide to Collecting Payments
Collecting late payments is a downside of being an entrepreneur, but establishing operating procedures can make the task easier to do. Experts advise setting policies to prevent late payments and consistently enforcing a late policy. Entrepreneur
Campus Life….
TAB
The Alternative Board (TAB) hosts monthly and are facilitated by Bill Vrettos. While BIC offers this program at no cost to Client Companies, normal TAB participation costs $500 per month. Please take advantage!
Topic: "Time Wasters"
Where & When: Wednesday, April 9 at 1:30pm in the small conference room.
Client Company Lunch
Topic: So you have a website up and running, now what? How to generate value from this marketing tool.
Speaker: Andrew BE, Elegant Technologies - http://www.elegantwebsitedesign.com/
Where & When: Tuesday, April 15 at noon in the training room
Spring Cleaning Week
As the weather warms, it is time to think about spring cleaning again. As part of our annual “dump week”, we will have extra trash bins and recycling options for everyone. We will also have a work crew from the Sherriff’s Department here on April 12th to clean the grounds. New this year will be a paper shredding option!
When: The week of April 21st
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Learn How To Protect Your Invention / Idea / Logo
Are you an inventor, artist or writer? Do you have a new company name or logo? Have you designed a new technology? Come learn from the pros how to protect your intellectual property through trademarks, patents and copyrights. Presented by David F. Dockery, Attorney At Law, Marsh Fischmann & Breyfogle, LLP who specializes on the formulation and execution of technology and identity protection strategies. Cost, includes lunch: $55.
When: Friday, April 18, 9 AM to 5 PM
Upcoming Events….
Entrepreneurship Day at Mesa State
An entire day of great presentations on a variety of topics including:
· Panel discussions by local entrepreneurs
· Breakout sessions on entrepreneurship
· A banquet honoring Entrepreneur of the Year
When: Thursday, April 10, 9 AM to 9 PM
Where: W.W. Campbell College Center at Mesa State
Banquet Tickets: $27.50 per person
The Women’s Foundation of Colorado – A Luncheon Honoring Women
This Annual event honors local women for their leadership and contribution to the community. This year’s honorees are Judy Burford (former Chair of the Mesa County Republican Party), Kellie Caldwell (Supper Solutions) and Christy Whitney (CEO, Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado).
When: Thursday, April 10, 11:30 AM
Where: Two Rivers Convention Center
Tickets: $45
Small U.S. Firms Make Big Global Sales
A rising wave of U.S. small businesses and start-ups are going cross-border and selling hundreds of billions of dollars in goods and services to Asia, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Africa.. "Exports are the underrecognized opportunity for many American small businesses," says SBA Administrator Steve Preston. USA TODAY
Small Firms Find Credit Is Tightening
Lenders’ credit woes are starting to take a toll on small businesses. Though it may be too early to determine how hard small businesses will be hit, some national surveys show that the businesses are encountering more restrictions at lending institutions, making it harder to get the credit necessary to expand or, in some cases, stay afloat.. The New York Times
Key Words Assure Message Will Be Understood
Discovering the key words and phrases your customers use is important to getting a message across in a press release. To figure out what these words are, use online keyword research tools, look at the words your competition is using, avoid jargon and test them out by entering them into a search engine. MSNBC/Entrepreneur
60-Second Guide to Collecting Payments
Collecting late payments is a downside of being an entrepreneur, but establishing operating procedures can make the task easier to do. Experts advise setting policies to prevent late payments and consistently enforcing a late policy. Entrepreneur
Campus Life….
TAB
The Alternative Board (TAB) hosts monthly and are facilitated by Bill Vrettos. While BIC offers this program at no cost to Client Companies, normal TAB participation costs $500 per month. Please take advantage!
Topic: "Time Wasters"
Where & When: Wednesday, April 9 at 1:30pm in the small conference room.
Client Company Lunch
Topic: So you have a website up and running, now what? How to generate value from this marketing tool.
Speaker: Andrew BE, Elegant Technologies - http://www.elegantwebsitedesign.com/
Where & When: Tuesday, April 15 at noon in the training room
Spring Cleaning Week
As the weather warms, it is time to think about spring cleaning again. As part of our annual “dump week”, we will have extra trash bins and recycling options for everyone. We will also have a work crew from the Sherriff’s Department here on April 12th to clean the grounds. New this year will be a paper shredding option!
When: The week of April 21st
Upcoming Workshops at the Incubator….
Learn How To Protect Your Invention / Idea / Logo
Are you an inventor, artist or writer? Do you have a new company name or logo? Have you designed a new technology? Come learn from the pros how to protect your intellectual property through trademarks, patents and copyrights. Presented by David F. Dockery, Attorney At Law, Marsh Fischmann & Breyfogle, LLP who specializes on the formulation and execution of technology and identity protection strategies. Cost, includes lunch: $55.
When: Friday, April 18, 9 AM to 5 PM
Upcoming Events….
Entrepreneurship Day at Mesa State
An entire day of great presentations on a variety of topics including:
· Panel discussions by local entrepreneurs
· Breakout sessions on entrepreneurship
· A banquet honoring Entrepreneur of the Year
When: Thursday, April 10, 9 AM to 9 PM
Where: W.W. Campbell College Center at Mesa State
Banquet Tickets: $27.50 per person
The Women’s Foundation of Colorado – A Luncheon Honoring Women
This Annual event honors local women for their leadership and contribution to the community. This year’s honorees are Judy Burford (former Chair of the Mesa County Republican Party), Kellie Caldwell (Supper Solutions) and Christy Whitney (CEO, Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado).
When: Thursday, April 10, 11:30 AM
Where: Two Rivers Convention Center
Tickets: $45
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