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.