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