Happy Holidays from E-Magnify

E-Magnify Symposium: March 26, 2013

   

Save the date for E-Magnify's Building a Benchmark Business, a Women's Entrepreneurial Symposium. 

Date: March 26, 2-13
Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Location: Seton Hill University's Performing Arts Center, 100 Harrison Ave., Greensburg, PA

Full details and registration coming in the new year. For now, please mark your calendars and plan to join us for our signature event! 

Last Minute Holiday Marketing Tips

The holiday countdown is on, and the SBA has 12 low-cost holiday marketing tips to help your small business during this busy season, from fine-tuning your online campaigns to targeting the holiday crowd. Check them out on the SBA website here.

The SBA also has a guide to understanding overtime wage law, which is especially useful if your employees are working overtime during the holidays. You can find that information here.

CORE FOUR Business Course (January)

Seton Hill University's E-Magnify and Downtown Connellsville present CORE FOUR^® Business Planning Course  in January 2013.

Dates: Four Tuesdays in January (8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th)
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Come at 5:30 to join us for a light dinner.)
Location: ArtWorks Connellsville, 139 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA
Cost: $100* for all four classes. (All materials are included with registration.)

Registration deadline: January 4, 2013

Who should attend: Open to all entrepreneurs.

RSVP required: Please contact Michael Edwards at 724-626-0141 or downtownconnellsville@zoominternet.net.

About CORE FOUR^®
Developed in 1998 by the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, the CORE FOUR^® Business Planning Course is a culmination of years of experience training individuals in starting and growing their own small businesses. E-magnify has been presenting CORE FOUR since 2008.

The course focuses on the following four core bodies of knowledge that a business owner must have in order to operate a successful business:

• Marketing plan preparation;
• Business plan preparation;
• Cash flow projections; and
• Business operating procedures.

By helping participants develop an understanding of the four core bodies of knowledge presented in the course, CORE FOUR presents participants with the tools and knowledge needed to build a business plan. The knowledge gained allows participants to begin the process of gathering information needed to plan their business. Once participants have obtained the knowledge about how to plan a business, they can use it for any business idea, at any time, for the rest of their lives.
CORE FOUR is suitable for those who want to start a business, as well as those who desire to operate a business more effectively.


*Class fees (typically $300) are underwritten through a grant from Chevron and Community Foundation of Fayette County. This program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Small Biz Resource & Opportuities Forum (Dec. 7)

Join E-Magnify for the Small Business Resource & Opportunities Forum: Succeeding with Government and Commercial Buyers.

Date: December 7, 2012
Time: 7:30 a.m. - Noon
Location: University of Pitt-Johnstown Conference Center, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904
Registration: This event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, but PRE-REGISTRATION is required. Register online at http://caseyforum.eventbrite.com. 

U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey invites you to join his staff and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) for a free, half-day program offering a quick-hitting approach that allows you to do the following: 

• Access assistance for doing both government and commercial business. You can meet with representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration; local Small Business Development Centers; the U.S. General Services Administration; PA's Ben Franklin Program; Catalyst Connection; Seton Hill University's E-Magnify women's business center; the National Contract Management Association; the Association for Operations Management; and PTACs.
• Understand the basics of doing business with government agencies.
• Meet with supply chain reps from Conemaugh Health System, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Global Supply Chain to introduce your products and services.  
• Hear success stories from other small businesses. 
• Network with peers to find additional customers and teaming partners.

The event program includes an address (virtual) from Senator Casey, educational presentations, a small business owner panel discussion, and networking opportunities with business support organizations, companies looking for suppliers, and other attendees.


For more information, visit http://caseyforum.eventbrite.com or contact Bob Shark at 814-535-8675 or bshark@jari.com.   

Tomorrow: Shop Small! (Nov. 24)

Tomorrow (Nov. 24) is Small Business Saturday. This weekend, in-between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, please support your local community by shopping at small businesses. Visit shopsmall.com for more information about this national event, including maps of participating businesses, information on the importance of small businesses, and resources for shoppers, supporters, and business owners.

E-Magnify is a proud supporter of Small Business Saturday.

Disaster Preparedness for Business

Is your business prepared to withstand and recover from a disaster? Disaster preparedness is an important part of your business. As everyone has seen in the devastating wake of Hurricane Sandy, disasters can have widespread and unexpected results. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration has partnered with Agility Recovery to offer a range of disaster planning and preparedness resources through PrepareMyBusiness.org. The site offers educational resources, planning tools, testing advice, and information on disaster assistance. 

The SBA also has a web page with information for businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

Small Business Saturday: Nov. 24

American Express is offering free and easy-to-use tools to help small businesses get the most out of Small Business Saturday and tools for consumers to show their support. 

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is another day, one dedicated to the businesses that boost the economy and invigorate neighborhoods across the country. It’s Small Business Saturday, and this year, it’s happening on November 24th.

American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Last year, over 100 million people came out to shop at independently-owned small businesses on the day. Now, in its third year, Small Business Saturday will be even bigger.

To learn more and to get your free Small Business Saturday tools, visit ShopSmall.com.

Learn About Entrepreneurship (this Friday, Nov. 9)

All women interested in learning about business ownership are invited to attend this Friday's "Call to Entrepreneurship" event.

Who: All women (including women military veterans) interested in starting a business
Date: Friday, November 9, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe , 1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317
Cost: $50 ($35 with student ID)
Registration: Register online

Are you interested in starting a business? Join E-magnify and Business & Professional Women of Pennsylvania this Friday (Nov. 9) to explore entrepreneurship, network with women business owners, and learn about business tools and resources available to you.

Women veterans are especially invited to attend, but the information shared at this event will be useful and relevant to any woman who wants to start a business. 

Register for just $50. (Student registration with ID $35.)

This exciting event will include the following: 

• Morning session with Mary Moorhouse, Director, Special Projects, BPW Foundation;
• Networking with other women in business and entrepreneurs;
• Training sessions on what you need to change careers or to start a business; and
• A panel of women business owners discussing their business experiences and success stories.

Learn more and register online today. 
 

This event is sponsored in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Huntington, Prudential, First Commonwealth, and Pittsburgh Business Times.

Calling Women Veterans

Presented by Business & Professional Women of  Pennsylvania and Seton Hill University's E-Magnify. 

November 9, 2012 (8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m)
Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe

Below is an overview of the sessions and presenters for this special event. Learn more about the presenters here and see the full agenda here.

Registration is now open.

• Morning Speaker: Mary Moorhouse, Director, Special Projects, BPW Foundation
• Morning Breakout Sessions
• "Presenting Your Best Foot Forward" (presented by Renee Starek, Director, CareerWorks, Seton Hill University; and Gina Jones, Instructor, Coordinator, Career Services and Internship Center, Penn State University, Fayette) 
• "Arming Up for Entrepreneurship" (presented by Debra L. Mason, Education and Training Manager, Seton Hill University E-Magnify)
• Luncheon and Keynote Speaker: Ana Recio Harvey, Assistant Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership
• Panel Session: "Clear and Present Strategies" (A panel of women veteran business owners will speak about their experience in business. Panelists include Katherine Daskivich, Lisa Beard, and LCDR Regina Koetters, USNR.)

Women veterans are natural entrepreneurs who possess the training, experience, and leadership skills to start businesses that will create U.S. jobs. Attend "Women Veterans Marching Forward: Call to Entrepreneurship" to explore entrepreneurship as a next step, to secure available business resources and tools, and to meet other women veterans who are business owners.

Registration fee: $50.00
Student registration: $35.00 (valid ID required)

Register online.

This event is sponsored in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Huntington, Prudential, First Commonwealth, and Pittsburgh Business Times.

Heinz Negotiation Academy for Women

The Heinz Negotiation Academy for Women will accept 30 women this fall. This program, presented by Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College, is tailored for the working woman who wants to expand her reach. The academy covers the following topics: 

• Excelling at negotiating smarter for you and your organization;
• Mastering a new paradigm for solving problems;
• Closing the gender gap;
• Asking for what you need to succeed;
• Negotiating to enhance relationship;
• Leveraging your talents and claiming your value; and
• Expanding your influence: Making a difference

The program begins in January 2013. Apply now and pay in full by November 1 to receive a $750 discount on the program cost. Learn more and apply online here.

Procurement Opportunities Fair (Oct. 24)

Visit the E-Magnify exhibit table at the 25th Annual Procurement Opportunities Fair on Oct. 24 in Washington, PA.

California University of Pennsylvania and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania are sponsoring GACO’s 25th Annual Procurement Opportunities Fair to assist businesses interested in pursuing government contracts and subcontracts. The fair provides an excellent chance for businesses to meet with government agencies and prime contractors seeking to identify potential vendors and suppliers. A number of government agencies, major corporations and local purchasing representatives will participate in the fair, offering a tremendous marketing opportunity for businesses.

Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton 340 Racetrack Road Washington, PA 15301

More information is available here.

Business Growth Expo in Pittsburgh (Oct. 22)

The 2012 Business Growth Expo, presented by the Pittsburgh Business Times, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Impact Initiative, will focus on "The New Local," how small and mid-size companies form -- and maintain -- long-term, profitable relationships with large regional companies.

Date: October 22, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: DoubleTree Pittsburgh, 1 Bigelow Square, Pittsburgh, PA

Agenda

• 8:00 a.m. Registration, tradeshow, and networking
• 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Ray Newhouse, CFO: How LANXESS is leveraging local relationships to support global
• 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. McGinnis Sisters local marketing approach and social networking strategies
• 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Break, tradeshow, and networking
• 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Jack Martis, APICS, panel discussion: Supply chain solutions for small businesses
• 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tradeshow and networking
• 2:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. VIP Lunch with luncheon keynote Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive

Who should attend? Business Owners, Managers, Directors, Sales & Marketing Professionals, Meeting Planners, and HR Professionals

Why attend? Discover new ideas. Find growth insights and strategies. Network with decision makers. Find business-building products and services. Get motivated.

Learn more and register online here.
 
For more information, please contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845. 

SBA Web Chats for Women Entrepreneurs

The SBA is hosting a month-long series of web chats for women entrepreneurs in honor of National Women's Small Business Month. The next web chat will take place  tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 16), at 3:00 p.m. (ET).

The topic of tomorrow's chat is “Contracting with the Federal Government” with John Shoraka, Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development. Learn more and register here.

The final web chat in the series will take place on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. (ET). “Business Opportunities for Young Women” will be led by Ana Harvey, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership. Information about the Oct. 25 web chat is available here.

To see archived web chats, visit http://www.sba.gov/content/monthly-web-chat.

SBA Administrator Tours Local Woman-Owned Business

Wendy Staso (left), President and CEO of Huckestein Mechanical Services, Inc., explains the workings of her company's North Side pipe fabrication facility to SBA Administrator Karen Mills. Mills was in Pittsburgh to celebrate National Women-Owned Small Business Month.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills Tours Huckestein Mechanical Services, Inc.

In honor of National Women-Owned Small Business Month, Karen Mills, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), toured Huckestein Mechanical Services, Inc., a woman-owned small business headquartered in Duquesne, PA, on Thursday, October 11. Mills travels weekly to visit small businesses around the country and chose Huckestein based on its thriving business model and use of SBA-sponsored programs and loans.

Huckestein Mechanical Services is owned by Wendy Staso, who purchased the company more than two years ago, restructuring and redefining the business to place the 60-year-old company on solid financial ground. Staso receives business counseling services from  Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify, an SBA resource partner and women’s business center.  In addition, she is a member of the Greensburg Chapter of the Women President's Organization hosted by E-Magnify.

Huckestein is a certified woman-owned mechanical contractor serving the tri-state region’s HVAC mechanical contracting needs for the commercial, industrial, institutional, and high-end residential markets. The new business model focuses on HVAC service, design-build projects, energy management strategies, and specialized services and diagnostics. As part of this restructuring, Huckestein Mechanical Services recently utilized an SBA-backed 7(a) loan from Enterprise Bank for debt restructuring and permanent working capital, and an SBA CAPLines loan, which is a revolving line of credit that provides short-term working capital.

“Operating capital is everything to a small business,” remarked Staso. "The SBA-backed loans opened up opportunities and enabled our doors to stay open.”

Administrator Mills (in the blue gloves) is shown the ropes at Huckestein as President and CEO Wendy Staso looks on.

In Fiscal Year 2012, SBA approved 444 loans in Western Pennsylvania, supporting more than $122 million to Western Pennsylvania’s small businesses. Since President Obama took office, SBA has supported more than $12.4 billion in lending through more than 35,500 SBA loans to women-owned businesses.

Encore Entrepreneur Toolkit

If you're nearing retirement or just thinking ahead to what you'll do when that time rolls around, check out the Encore Entrepreneurs Toolkit from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This online toolkit includes a small business self-assessment, a free "starting a small business" e-course, information about business plans, and access to local resources.

E-Magnify offers no-cost, one-on-one business counseling for people (of all ages) who are thinking about starting a business, as well as for business owners who want to grow an existing business. Learn more about E-Magnify's business counseling services.

Women Veterans: Call to Entrepreneurship

Business & Professional Women of  Pennsylvania and Seton Hill University's E-Magnify invite women veterans to this special program on Friday, November 9, 2012. 

Women veterans are natural entrepreneurs who possess the training, experience, and leadership skills to start businesses that will create U.S. jobs. Attend "Women Veterans Marching Forward: Call to Entrepreneurship" to explore entrepreneurship as a next step, to secure available business resources and tools, and to meet other women veterans who are business owners.

Keynote Speaker: Ana Recio Harvey, Assistant Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership

Morning Speaker: Mary Moorhouse, Director, Special Projects, BPW Foundation 

Date: Nov. 9, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe, 1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317

Registration fee: $50.00
Student registration: $35.00 (valid ID required)

Register online here.

This event is sponsored in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Huntington, and Prudential.

Spark & Hustle Small Business Boot Camp

Find your business spark and hustle at this year's Pennsylvania Conference for Women on October 2.

The Pennsylvania Conference for Women has partnered with Tory Johnson, CEO of Women For Hire and Spark & Hustle, workplace contributor on “Good Morning America,” and New York Times bestselling author, to provide programming designed specifically for current and aspiring small business owners.

The Pennsylvania Conference for Women Spark & Hustle Small Business Boot Camp will feature solo presenters, panel discussions, interactive exercises, structured networking, and vendor tables.
In this fast-paced, advice-driven track, you'll tackle only the most important topics for entrepreneurial success. In addition to a keynote session, Tory Johnson will lead a line-up of small business owners who will open their playbooks to share the real-world marketing tactics and strategies that work. You’ll leave with fresh ideas to formulate an actionable marketing plan, as well as new contacts—called “BBFs” (business best friends)—to help fuel your small business success.

Learn more about the conference and business boot camp: www.paconferenceforwomen.org/small-business-boot-camp/. (E-magnify is proud to be a Supporting Organization for the conference. Use promo code PACP98 to save on individual and table registrations.)

National Encore Entrepreneur Day (Oct. 2)

Join us in one week for National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day.  
Date: October 2, 2012
Location: Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA


What's an encore entrepreneur? 

Someone who starts a business after leaving or retiring from another career path. 

If you're over the age of 40 and interested in receiving free information on the nuts and bolts of starting your own business, join us for this no-cost even.

  

Featured entrepreneurs include a former Mrs. USA, a fashion designer, and a health service executive who have all started "encore" careers by entering the business world after celebrating their fortieth birthday.

 Come out to hear their stories and learn about starting your own business.

Featured Entrepreneurs: 

• Steve Cohen: Keystone By Design
• Laura Roy: Laura Roy's Doll House, The Comfy
• Melanie Patterson, Former Mrs. USA & Former Mrs. Pennsylvania: Retro Retreat
• Dawn Chamberlain: Jean Marie's Flowers & Gifts

National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to promote entrepreneurship among individuals ages 50 and older. With one in four individuals ages 44 to 70 interested in becoming entrepreneurs and 63 percent of Americans planning to work during retirement, small business ownership is a good option. Small business owners with long-term counselors see bigger sales, hire more workers, and last longer.

There is no fee to attend this event, but please secure your spot by registering in advance.

Biobased Marketplace Online Seminar (Sept. 27)

Cultivating Opportunities in the Biobased Marketplace 
Discover the potential of the expanding BioEconomy. 
September 27, 2012 (1:30 - 2:30 EDT)

Attend this no cost, live seminar via streaming video or satellite downlink. Learn about business opportunities in the manufacturing and sale of biobased products, as well as Federal programs that assist you in meeting your business goals.

Experts will present information on the following topics: :

• Biobased product opportunities and growth industries
• An introduction to the USDA BioPreferred Program
• How the Federal Procurement Preference program stimulates demand for purchasing
• Federal resources available from the Small Business Administration, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program

This FREE training seminar is ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs, agriculturally based organizations, U.S. manufacturing companies, and Federal agencies that support these endeavors. Presented by the USDA BioPreferred Program.

Learn more and register for the September 27 event.

Market Research for Your Small Biz

SizeUp is a new online tool from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that helps small business owners research data and analytics to start or grow a business. Use it to identify new customers and compare your performance against other businesses in your industry with data collected from hundreds of private and public sources.  

The SizeUp tool provides data analysis in three key ways:

• Benchmarking an existing business to see how it sizes up by comparing performance to all other competitors in the same industry;
• A mapping feature to see where customers and suppliers are located; and
• Finding the best places to advertise by choosing from pre-set reports to find areas with the highest industry revenue and the most underserved markets. Custom demographic reports can also be created.

Try it out at www.sba.gov/sizeup. 

Tomorrow: Alternative Financing Seminar (9/24)

Join E-Magnify and Sue Malone at this special event to learn how alternative financing can help you to start or expand your business.    

Date: Monday, September 24, 2012
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Administration Building, 3rd floor, Room 303, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA

Who should attend?  Those thinking about starting a business and current business owners

Meet Sue Malone
Sue Malone is the founder of Strategies For Small Business, and her sole mission for the last five years has been to help people obtain access to capital to start or expand their businesses. In doing so, one of her specialties has been small business start-up loans. And she has done so exceptionally well. She is the undisputed, number one SBA loan provider for the Community Express Loan Program in the nation. As of April 2008, she is responsible for closing more than 20,000 of these much needed loans.




Register today for just $10.
 
For more information, contact Debra Mason, E-Magnify Education and Training Manager, at (724) 830-4614.
 
This event is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Meet the Lenders Panel (Oct. 3)

Presented by the Center for Family Business, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

Date: October 3, 2012
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex 
711 Pratt Drive, Indiana PA 15701

Do you want to learn what today’s lenders have to offer and how to match a lender to your business growth needs? Then bring your questions and meet the lenders. This informative panel discussion by lenders and business experts will be followed by personal roundtable discussions with WPA business lenders. Business owners and advisors are encouraged to attend. Roundtable hosts will include Indiana First Bank, Enterprise Bank, S&T Bank, FCFC, MC Bank, PNC, and SBA. Panel Experts will include Dave Miller, Enterprise Bank; Byron Stauffer, Jr., Indiana County Loan Fund; Jonathan Levine, S&T Bank; and Dan Rohal, Indiana First Bank.

Registration required: $20.00 per person. More information and registration is available at www.iup.edu/page.aspx?id=132629.

E-Magnify is proud to be a partner for this event. 

Free Business Teleclass with Tory Johnson (9/24)

September 24, 9:00 p.m. (ET)
Free Teleclass: 3 Success Secrets of Women Who Know How to Hustle
Presented by Tory Johnson, presenter of The Pennsylvania Conference for Women Spark & Hustle Small Business Boot Camp.

Tory Johnson is one of more than 100 speakers at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, which is coming up in Philadelphia on October 2. Whether or not you'll be at the conference, consider joining Johnson on this free teleclass as she shares her exclusive insider advice on everything from knowing your numbers to identifying ideal collaborators using example.

Johnson built her own small business into a multi-million dollar corporation, while also serving as a “Good Morning America” contributor, a New York Times bestselling author, and a contributing editor at SUCCESS magazine.

Learn more about the free Sept. 24 teleclass. 

Learn more and register for the Oct. 2 Pennsylvania Conference for Women in Philadelphia. (Use the E-Magnify promo code PACP98 to save on individual and table registrations.) 

E-magnify is proud to be a Supporting Organization for the conference.  

Are You an Encore Entrepreneur?

What's an encore entrepreneur? 

Someone who starts a business after leaving or retiring from another career path. 

If you're over the age of 40 and interested in receiving free information on the nuts and bolts of starting your own business, join us on October 2 for National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day. 

  

Featured entrepreneurs include a former Mrs. USA, a fashion designer, and a health service executive who have all started "encore" careers by entering the business world after celebrating their fortieth birthday.

 Come out to hear their stories and learn about starting your own business.

National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to promote entrepreneurship among individuals ages 50 and older. With one in four individuals ages 44 to 70 interested in becoming entrepreneurs and 63 percent of Americans planning to work during retirement, small business ownership is a good option. Small business owners with long-term counselors see bigger sales, hire more workers, and last longer.

There is no fee to attend this event, but please secure your spot by registering in advance.

Small Business Owner Stories

A new SBA platform lets small business owners tell their stories through video. “Small Business Owners Speak” is an interactive platform featuring videos by entrepreneurs from across the country who have started or grown a business with the help of the SBA. The videos featured on the "Small Business Owners Speak" website were submitted during SBA’s 2012 National Small Business Week video contest. You can search for videos geographically (via an interactive map) or by topic (such as capital, counseling, federal contracting or disaster loans).

Want to submit your own video? You can! Learn more about submitting your business story to "Small business Owners Speak." 

* * *

E-Magnify features successful local women entrepreneurs in the Success Stories column. Read some of their inspiring stories (and learn how to nominate yourself or someone else to be featured).

Alternative Financing to Start/Grow Business

Join E-Magnify and Sue Malone at this special event to learn how alternative financing can help you to start or expand your business.    

Date: September 24, 2012
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Reeves Theatre Administration Building, 3rd floor, Room 303
Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA [updated 9/21/12: please note venue change]

Who should attend?  Those thinking about starting a business and current business owners

Meet Sue Malone
Sue Malone is the founder of Strategies For Small Business, and her sole mission for the last five years has been to help people obtain access to capital to start or expand their businesses. In doing so, one of her specialties has been small business start-up loans. And she has done so exceptionally well. She is the undisputed, number one SBA loan provider for the Community Express Loan Program in the nation. As of April 2008, she is responsible for closing more than 20,000 of these much needed loans.




Register today for just $10.
 
For more information, contact Debra Mason, E-Magnify Education and Training Manager, at (724) 830-4614.
 
This event is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

QuickBooks Clinics

Learn QuickBooks this fall! 

E-Magnify is hosting three upcoming QuickBooks Clinics. Register for individual sessions, or save 10% when you register for all three. 

• Session I (Sept. 17) – QuickBooks Navigating, Accounting Review, Sample Company, Chart of Accounts, Set–Up QuickBooks, Working with Lists
• Session II (Oct. 1) – Sales-Invoicing, Payments-Deposits, Entering and Paying Bills
• Session III (Oct. 8) – Bank Accounts, Inventories Payroll, Estimating and More

Instructor: Maureen Ciarolla

Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (for all sessions)

Location: Maura Hall, Second Floor, Room 235, Seton Hill University, 1 Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601

Registration (register online)

• Regular Rate: $50 per session
• Triple Session Discount: $135 for all three sessions (save 10%) 


• Student Rate: $40 per session

Learn more and register for any or all of the clinics. 

PA Conference for Women: Oct. 2

Are you attending the Pennsylvania Conference for Women on October 2? This year's theme is Imagine: Find your purpose, make a difference.

E-magnify is proud to be a Supporting Organization for the conference. Use promo code PACP98 to save on individual and table registrations.

Held in Philadelphia, this is the largest women’s conference in the state. The event offers community and connection, information and inspiration, motivation and momentum. In addition to dozens of breakout session speakers, this year's conference will feature the following keynote speakers:

• Barbara Bradley Baekgaard (co-founder of Vera Bradley)
• Charlotte Beers (advertizing mogul & former Undersecretary of State)
• Arianna Huffington (president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group)
•  Tory Johnson (fouunder & CEO, Women for Hire and Spark & Hustle)
• Sonia Sanchez (award winning poet, activist, and scholar)
• Cheryl Strayed (#1 New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Wild)
• Stanford Thompson (musician and educator)

Of special note for E-Magnify readers is the Spark & Hustle Small Business Boot Camp, which will be offered on the day of the Conference at no additional charge. The Boot Camp includes the main conference morning general session, the featured keynote lunch session, as well as specialized breakout sessions focusing on the needs of the small business owner. Breakout sessions will focus on branding, funding, pricing, social media, muscle marketing, public relations, sales and entrepreneurial success.

Learn more about the conference and the business boot camp, and register at www.paconferenceforwomen.org. (Remember to use promo code PACP98 to save on individual and table registrations.)

Growing Your Business Passion

If you missed August's SBA web chat about growing your business passion, you can access the archived chat here. This month's web chat was hosted by Martha Ross-Rodgers, co-owner of Rodgers’ Banana Pudding Sauce and one of SBA’s video contest winners for National Small Business Week 2012.

The web chat series from the U.S. Small Business Administration provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders, and successful entrepreneurs.

D'Imperio's & Macy's Celebrate WBO

 E-Magnify is pleased that D'Imperio's is celebrating 35 years in business with a focus on women-owned and led companies! Join D'Imperio's and Macy's on August 15 for "Accents of Autumn," a creative dressing workshop for the professional woman. 

 

D'Imperio's invites E-Magnify clients and friends to stop by the restaurant during August for a special menu and a free personal loaf of artisan bread and oil dip, homemade in their kitchen.

Report: The State of Women-Owned Businesses

The number of women-owned firms crossing the $1 million threshold has gone up in recent years, reports the Wall Street Journal. But while the number has gone up, the percentage has stayed the same. According to a 2011 report published by American Express OPEN, 1.8% of women-owned firms had $1 million or more in revenues in 2011, which is the same percentage as in 1997.

The study shows the greatest growing pain for women-owned businesses is between $250,000 and $499,000 in annual revenue. The study suggests that at these stages, firms may be struggling with management systems because owners and operators may be transitioning to a chief-executive position.

Read the full article here. 

Money Smart for Small Businesses

A Financial Education Program 

 

Money Smart for Small Business provides an introduction to day-to-day business organization and planning and is written for entrepreneurs with limited or no prior formal business training. It offers practical information that can be applied immediately, while also preparing participants for more advanced training. This program was developed in partnership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Money Smart for Small Business curriculum is free and available online at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/index.html.

Women Entrepreneurs Creating Jobs

According to the U.S. government, women own 30 percent of small businesses. Forty years ago, that number was just 5 percent. Today, women own a total of 7.8 million companies generating $1.2 trillion a year in sales.

StartUp America, the Council on Women and Girls, and the White House Business Council have put together an interactive tool to introduce you to some of the women entrepreneurs who are helping our country succeed. Some of these small business owners are on the cutting edge of social media, advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. Others have opened traditional “main street” establishments, such as stores and restaurants. All of them have created jobs, and made their communities better places to work and live. Learn more about the women behind some of the country's 7.8 women-owned businesses.

E-Magnify is proud to spotlight local women entrepreneurs in our Success Stories column. Check them out, and look for new featured entrepreneurs in the coming months.

Entrepreneurship Resources for Military Veterans

A variety of government and non-profit associations offer resources and programs designed to help U.S. military veterans who are interested in launching their own businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has compiled a list of information, tools, and assistance programs for veterans who want to become entrepreneurs. These resources include small business guides, outreach centers, low-interest small business loan programs, and assistance with government contracting and franchising opportunities

According to the latest SBA data, of the 27.1 million non-farm businesses in the U.S., 2.4 million are owned by veterans. Statistics show that the success rate of these veteran-owned businesses is higher than other start-ups – perhaps a reflection of the discipline, skills, and leadership experience acquired in military service.

Learn more about entrepreneurship resources for military veterans. 

Computer Security Workshops

Small businesses around the country can take advantage of free computer security workshops to help strengthen their information security, determine their readiness against security breaches, and safeguard their business information from computer attacks.

These workshops are being presented by U.S. Small Business Administration, Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s InfraGard.

Small business owners will learn how to protect themselves from intentional attacks or unintentional damage, guard themselves from decreased productivity caused by security breaches and evaluate the needed security tools and techniques. Participants will also learn useful and practical steps to take to protect their business’ operations.

Although no workshops are scheduled locally for Pennsylvania, several are scheduled to take place in Ohio  in September.

For additional information, including dates and locations, please visit http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SMA/sbc/workshops.html.

This Friday (6/22/12): Federal Procurement Seminar

Join E-Magnify this Friday morning (June 22) for an important program: A free federal procurement seminar presented in collaboration with Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.

Date: June 22, 2012

Registration: 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Program: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Seton Hill University, 
Cecilian Hall,
 1 Seton Hill Drive
, Greensburg, PA 15601 

Cost: Free

 

The seminar will include information regarding the Women Owned Small Business Procurement Program and 8(a) Certification Programs, how to identify business opportunities that are available to women-owned and other small businesses, registration requirements, and subcontracting opportunities. The draft agenda currently includes presentations by General Services Administration (GSA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and small business owners who will share their experiences with regard to federal government contracts.



Please join us to learn more about the federal procurement process and how you can do business with the federal government. A panel discussion will provide an overview of procurement assistance available, followed by an opportunity for networking with agencies and institutions that offer specialized resources.

There is no fee to attend this seminar, but registration is required.

For more information, please contact Debra Mason at 724-830-4614.
 

Thanks to the following Program Partners: Allegheny County Department for Minority, Women, & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise; California University of PA / PTAC; Diversity Business Resource Center; Johnstown Area Regional Industries PTAC; PA Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities; PIC of Westmoreland/Fayette PTAC; Southwest PA Commission PTAC; U.S. Small Business Administration; and Western PA Minority Supplier Development.

Capabilities Statement Briefing

Date: June 28, 2012

Time: 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Location: California University of PA, Convocation Center 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419

Sponsored by: Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO), PTAC of California University of PA Government Contracting Assistance Center (GCAC), PTAC of Slippery Rock University of PA

A Capability Statement is a marketing tool designed to highlight your company's experience, expertise, resources, and the products or services that you provide. This document tells potential customers who you are, what you do ,and how you are different from your competitors. Many government agencies require a Capability Statement be included when responding to solicitations, sources sought notifications, and Request for Information (RFI). It is important to create one that stands apart from your competitors.

At this free briefing, Ray Vargo and Dana Mattern will discuss the importance of a capability statement, key elements to include, and what companies or agencies look for when reviewing one. Learn more and register for this free event here.

Startup America

Have you heard about Startup America? This initiative from the White House was launched to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. A new report from the initiative, the Startup America: Reducing Barriers report (pdf), focuses on several key areas of business, including people, money, ideas, customers, and government process. The study summarizes feedback from 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and other participants from eight communities. Find out more, including how you can get involved with the Startup America Partnership.

SBA & AARP Resources for Entrepreneurs

The U.S. Small Business Administration and AARP are launching a strategic alliance to provide counseling and training to entrepreneurs over the age of 50 who want to start or grow a small business. Through SBA’s online training courses and its nationwide network of business mentors and counselors, the two organizations expect to train 100,000 “encore entrepreneurs,” men and women over 50 who are starting or running a small business.

The initiative's website includes a self-assessment tool to help potential small business owners understand their readiness for starting a business and information to help with business planning, shaping a winning business idea, professional counseling, financial services, and information to find local resources.

“No matter what your age, if you have an idea or a business that’s ready to move to the next level, the SBA wants to make sure you have access to the tools you need to start and grow,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “We know that working side-by-side with AARP, we will be able to reach baby boomers and Americans over the age of 50 who have years of professional experience working for others and are ideally positioned to step out and become their own boss. And, in doing so, they will become job creators and drivers of economic growth in their communities.”

SBA and AARP also will jointly develop and host a customized online course, self-assessment, and webinar series for older entrepreneurs.  SBA already offers a suite of online courses for people who want to start and grow their business. To take a course, go to http://www.sba.gov/training under “online courses.”  Course topics include start-up basics, finance strategies, marketing tactics, overseas trade, and more.

Federal Procurement Seminar (June 22)

casey.senate.gov

Presented by E-Magnify in collaboration with Senator Robert P. Casey

Please join us to learn more about the federal procurement process and how you can do business with the federal government.

Date: Friday, June 22, 2012

Location: Cecilian Hall, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA

Agenda: 

•  8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Registration
• 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Program

There is no fee to attend this event, but preregistration is required. Please click here to register.

Employment Law at 50,000 Feet

Presented by Indiana University of Pennsylvania Center for Family Business and Indiana County Bar Association. E-Magnify is pleased to be a co-sponsor of this event.

Date: Thursday, May 24, 2012
Location: Eberly College of Business & Information Technology 664 Pratt Drive Indiana, PA 15701

Agenda: 

• 11:00 Presentation/Instruction (Alan Blanco, Attorney, Rothman Gordon, P.C.)
• 12:00 Questions & Answers (Melissa Gormly, Attorney, Jackson Kelly, PLLC Alan Blanco, Attorney, Rothman Gordon, P.C.)
• 12:30 - 1:00 Lunch

Who Should Attend? Attorneys, Business Owners, Employers, Professional Advisors

This seminar is approved by PACLE for 1 Substantive CLE credit.

Registration is required; $20 per person. For more information and to register, please call 724-357-2323, email Center-familybusiness@iup.edu, or visit www.iup.edu/centerforfamilybusiness.

Business Matchmaking

SBA Hosts Business Matchmaking to Link Small Businesses with Federal Contract Opportunities during National Small Business Week

The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a business matchmaking event allowing small businesses to discuss procurement opportunities with major corporations and federal agencies during National Small Business Week on May 22 in Washington, DC.

The event will give small businesses from across the country gathered for National Small Business Week an opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with prime contractors and federal agencies to learn about specific contracting and subcontracting opportunities. This is part of SBA’s Procurement Day which will also feature federal contracting panels on gaining access to federal prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities.

Business Matchmaking provides a unique opportunity for small business to discuss procurement opportunities with major corporations and government agencies. These meetings are 15 minutes in length and allow small business owners to obtain insight on specific contract opportunities based on their qualifications. Participating small businesses must be registered for National Small Business Week and have to meet eligibility requirements, including having DUNS number (www.dnb.com/us) and being registered with Central Contract Registration (www.ccr.gov)

For more information about the Matchmaking event, visit https://nsbw.mybusinessmatches.com.

Winners' Circle Awards (May 16, 2012)

Join us on Wednesday, May 16, for the annual Winners' Circle Awards Luncheon. 
 
Now in its 17th year, the Westmoreland County Winners' Circle Awards recognizes outstanding men, women and businesses who advocate for women, women-owned businesses, and our community.

• ATHENA Award®: Susan L. Nelson, CFTA Senior Vice President & Senior Trust Executive, First Commonwealth Bank
• Seton Hill University Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Steven Gifford, Executive Director, Greensburg Community Development Corporation
• Award for Community Service: Jane Murtland, Volunteer Supervisor/Trainer, American Red Cross
• YWCA Rising Star Award: Hayley Chemski-Horwat, Co-Owner & Group Fitness Coordinator, Building Bodeez Fitness Center

Location: Ramada Greensburg Hotel and Conference Center (Formerly Four Points by Sheraton), Route 30 East, Greensburg, PA

Networking and registration begin at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon and awards program takes place 12:00-1:45 p.m.

Please make reservations ($35 per person) by May 9. Group tables are available. Please visit www.WCWinnersCircle.com for details and to register.

Business Succession Planning

E-Magnify is pleased to partner with Indiana University of Pennsylvania Center for Family Business for an upcoming event.

Event: Succession Planning For the Next Generation of Your Business
Date: Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Location: Fairman Center, 101 W. Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney, PA

Agenda: 
5:30 p.m. Networking and Refreshments
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Presentation, Panel Discussion (Bill Lestitian, Attorney, Rothman Gordon Brien Wall, Family Business Specialist John Prushnok, Dave Prushnok, P&N Coal Pamela Miller Creighton, Miller Bros. Furniture)

Who Should Attend?  Business Owners, Family Members and Advisors

Reservations are required. Registration is $10 per person. For more information and to register, please call (724) 357-2323, email center-familybusiness@iup.edu, or visit www.iup.edu/centerforfamilybusiness.

Navigating Supplier Diversity & Procurement

        
Successful Strategies for Navigating Supplier Diversity & Procurement

Date: April 27, 2012

Location: Omni William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA

Cost: $40 (WBENC Certified WBE Attendees); $50 (all other attendees)

Registration deadline: April 20, 2012

• 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration/Networking
  
• 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Business to Business Breakfast and Program (Moderator: Jaymie Mitchell, Bank of America; Panelists: Beverly Bortz, The PNC Financial Services Group, Mike Frazier, Chevron and Yvette Porter, Highmark, Inc. )
  
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Roundtable Discussions: Hear how to gain access and build relationships using WBENC certification as a marketing tool, understand the impact of the U.S. SBA Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification and contracting program, and meet with regional service providers and public sector agencies.
  
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MatchMaker Sessions: Companies participating to date include  Bank of America, Chevron, EQT Corporation, FirstEnergy Corporation, Highmark, Inc., The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, The PNC Financial Services Group and UPMC. (You must be registered for event by 4/13/2012 and be a WBENC Certified WBE to participate in MatchMaker Sessions) 

This event is supported by E-Magnify and presented by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council, a marketing, procurement and certification assistance council that facilitates the relationship between corporations, government, and women-owned businesses to provide growth and sustainability. As an affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the leading third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States, WBENC advocates for the advancement of women-owned businesses as suppliers to the nation’s corporations.

More information and registration are available here. Register by Friday, April 20. 
   
    

Enter SBA's Video Contest

Calling all small businesses that gave been helped by SBA: Enter the National Small Business Week Video Contest!



To kick off National Small Business Week 2012 the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is holding a  video contest for small business owners and entrepreneurs to share their success stories.

Deadline: 5:00 p.m. EDT on May 11, 2012. 

How to participate: Contestants should produce a short (1-2 minutes), original video to share their story.  The list of Contest Rules provides additional details on the required video content and format.  All eligible videos will be judged by SBA senior officials on the inspirational nature of the message for potential small business owners and the creativity or uniqueness of the video concept. Submit your video through Challenge.gov

Winning Videos: Three winning videos will be featured during National Small Business Week and shown during a Google+ Hangout hosted by SBA and the White House on May 24. The winners can participate in the event and help Karen Mills, SBA Administrator, answer questions from small businesses around the country.  Qualifying videos that don’t win will be showcased on SBA’s YouTube page.

More info: For more information on the National Small Business Week Video Contest, please visit .  http://smallbizvid.challenge.gov.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women

The fifth annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program is a national competition and executive leadership program that identifies a select group of high-potential women entrepreneurs whose businesses show real potential to scale — and then helps them do it.

Program eligibility: Entrepreneurial Winning Women applicants are women who own or have founded their companies within the last 10 years and have achieved at least $1 million in revenue in the past two years.

Application deadline: The application period closes on April 30, 2012. 


To learn how to apply, visit 
www.ey.com/us/entrepreneurialwinningwomen.

Supplier Connection

The Supplier Connection is a new online tool for to help small businesses sell to large companies. Created by the IBM Foundation, this online portal works like a universal—or common—college application.  You fill in the supplier form once, and then you’re in the supplier databases of all the large companies using the portal.

The Supplier Connection portal is open to U.S. Small Businesses with either less than $50M in Revenue or fewer than 500 employees, and that  that provide the following goods or services:

• Chemicals
• Connectivity
• Construction and Outside Plant work
• Consulting Services
• Educational Services
• Facilities Maint & Design
• Financial Services
• Fleet / Auto Parts
• HR Services
• I T Products, Services and Maintenance
• Legal
• Logistics
• Marketing communications
• Market Intelligence / Research
• MRO / Supplies / Office Supplies
• Packaging Materials and Services
• Printed Material and Services
• Software
• Security / Security Systems / Security Services
• Temporary / Complementary / Sub Contractor Workforce

Currently, 15 large companies are participating in Supplier Connection, including Citi, Facebook, and major American manufacturers like John Deere and Caterpillar. The participating companies have a combined supply chain of more than $300 billion, and they are looking to work with more small businesses.

Learn more about and register for the Supplier Connection here.

State Certification & Business Seminar

Doing Business with the Commonwealth and Certification Made Simple

Presented by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. Co-sponsored by E-Magnify and the Small Business Development Center at Saint Vincent College.
 
Date: April 19, 2012
Location: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA
Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Doing Business with the Commonwealth: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Lunch: On your own (available for purchase on campus)
Certification Made Simple: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  
Cost: Free
CPE Other Credits available

Grow your small business with state contracting and learn about state certification of minority-owned and women-owned businesses. This workshop is recommended to any business owner interested in doing business with the government, but minority and women business owners are especially urged to attend.

Doing Business with the Commonwealth (9:00 a.m. - noon) will cover the following topics: 

• how to find and bid on state contracting opportunities;
• how the state purchases goods and services;
• using state contracting to "grow" a small business and what resources are available;
• state programs to help small businesses make use of contract and subcontracting opportunities; and 
• a short segment on obtaining state certification as a minority- or woman-owned business. 

Certification Made Simple (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.) is a hands-on, interactive, step-by-step walk-through of the certification application. Those who attend this segment of the program will be able to go back to their offices, gather the required attachments, and submit a comprehensive application.

For more information and to register, call Saint Vincent College SBDC/CGC at (724)537-45872.

Marcellus on Main Street

The Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) has unveiled the first online business directory -- Marcellus on Main Street -- designed exclusively to connect the natural gas industry with small- and medium-sized businesses across the region. This new, interactive web-based portal (www.MarcellusOnMainStreet.org) will bring together entrepreneurs and small businesses with energy and services companies, contractors, and suppliers in New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Marcellus on Main Street is a business directory to support shale gas development by connecting the natural gas industry and its employees to local vendors, suppliers, and service. Interested businesses are encouraged to visit the site -- or contact mainstreet@marcelluscoalition.org -- for more information.

E-Magnify Symposium Recap

A big thank you to everyone who made this year's E-Magnify Women's Entrepreneurial Symposium a success! If you weren't able to join us on March 9 for “Building Strategies for Sustainable Growth,” here's a quick recap of what you missed.

Keynote speaker Mary Cantando, President of The Woman's Advantage, gave a two-part presentation. She brought her insight and energy to the symposium stage with  Make This Your Best Year Ever...in Business! Make This Your Best Year Ever...in Life! Mary's sessions were based on her widely acclaimed Woman's Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar. She drew on the work she does with women entrepreneurs around the world to inspire and motivate audience members.  

Jayne Huston, E-Magnify Director; Mary Cantando, Symposium Keynote Speaker; Dr. Mary Ann Gawelek, Seton Hill University Provost & Dean of Faculty

In addition to the keynote presentation, symposium attendees heard from local women business owners during the panel discussion “Solutions That Work.” Attendees were eager to learn tried-and-true business tips from their peers. The panel was a great success, with glowing reviews coming in from attendees. 

Betsy Benson, panel moderator; Panel members: Wendy Staso, Danielle D'Alessandro, Sandy Burkett

Here are a few highlights from the panel.

Danielle D’Alesandro, Owner of My Posh Baby & Kids, discussed how to use social media to grow your business. She offered sound advice on time management and ways to streamline your social networking initiatives. And Danielle should know, since 70% of her sales take place online.

Sandy Burkett, President of Vital Signs, shared examples of her guerrilla marketing techniques. She emphasized the need to do your research before embarking on anything new and the importance of staying open to new strategies. As one attendee put it, Sandy “offered practical advice that can be used right away.”

Wendy Staso, President and CEO of Huckestein Mechanical Services, Inc., discussed the difficult decisions business owners must make to ensure their success. When Wendy needed to save the company from going out of business, she employed a strategy of restructuring and downsizing.  As painful as that was, she said, the company is now back on track and profitable.

Debra Mason, E-Magnify Education and Training Manager; Karan Waigand, Economic Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration; Jayne Huston, E-Magnify Director; Lyz Marshall, E-Magnify Business Counselor

Again, thank you to all who attended, spoke, and volunteered!

April 2: WOSB Federal Contractor Forum

Attention Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contractors! The Federal government wants to meet with you.

What: WOSB Training and Opportunity Forum
Date: April 2, 2012 Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Location: US Department of State, George C Marshall Conference Center, 2201 C Street, NW (21st Street Entrance) Washington, DC 20520

Join the Department of State’s Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) and American Express OPEN’s Give Me 5 Program on April 2, 2012 in Washington, DC, for the WOSB Training and Opportunity Forum.

This forum will bring together government and women-owned businesses for a unique one-day program. At the meeting, women-owned small business owners will receive training on the program from the SBA and have the opportunity to listen to and meet federal agencies that will detail their acquisition strategies for potential women business owner opportunities and forecasts. The meeting will include the following:

• A WOSB program update and training from the SBA
• An opportunity to hear from and meet the OSDBU Directors and procurement representatives from the following agencies (invited): 
• State Department
• USAID
• Air Force
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of the Interior
• General Services Administration
• An Opportunity to meet other WOSB and EDWOSB Businesses working in your field

Agencies will announce forecasted contract opportunities making this an event you do not want to miss. Space is limited, and limited to women owned small businesses, so register early!

More information and registration are available here.

March 22: WBO Web Chat with SBA

SBA’s March Web Chat Offers Tips and Advice for Women-Owned Small Businesses

Topic: Ask the Expert: Women's Small Business Open Forum    
Host: Ana Harvey, Assistant Administrator, SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership
Time: Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
 
In recognition of National Women’s History Month, SBA’s March web chat will feature an open forum on Women’s Business Ownership.  The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership helps to promote growth of women-owned businesses through SBA programs offering business training and counseling, access to credit and capital, and business and networking opportunities.  It also administers a nationwide network of Women's Business Centers that provide training and counseling to entrepreneurs.

SBA's Online Business Chat is a live Q&A session with small business experts. Submit your question before or during the chat discussion. You cannot submit question after Closing Remarks for the chat. No registration is needed for the web chat.

Learn more and submit your question.