ARC Launches Global Appalachia Export Initiative

The $1.5 million Global Appalachia export program will enhance small-business exporting in the 13 Appalachian states and support the export of Appalachia's unique products and assets. The program is projected to generate $150 million in export revenues over the next three years. Press release

Storm relief grant funding

[41 Pa.B. 5720]
[Saturday, October 22, 2011]

 The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) announces the availability of emergency Storm Relief Grant Funding of 50% up to $9,500 from the Commonwealth's Advantage Grant Program (Program) for small business pollution prevention. Small Business Storm Relief Advantage is a grant program which may enable a small business to implement pollution prevention project, must prevent or mitigate an imminent threat to public health or safety and can help small businesses cut costs and reduce the risk of potential regulatory problems. Costs incurred after August 26, 2011, and before December 31, 2011, are eligible for grant consideration.

 An eligible applicant must be a for-profit small business owner whose business or facility is located within this Commonwealth. All Commonwealth small businesses are eligible, including, but not limited to, manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining businesses and agricultural concerns. The project to which the grant will apply must be located within the applicant's Commonwealth facility.

 For a copy of the application to review the Program's eligibility requirements, contact Rhonda Brown, Office of the Small Business Ombudsman, (717) 772-8909. To ask a specific question concerning a project type, write to epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us before submitting an application. The Department will continue accepting applications until December 31, 2011, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.

 Applications are most quickly obtained from the Department's web site at www.dep.state.pa.us (DEP Keyword: sradvantage). Applications are also available by contacting the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of the Small Business Ombudsman, 15th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, P. O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772, (717) 772-8909. The application package contains the materials and instructions necessary for applying for a grant.

 Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered by 4 p.m. on December 31, 2011. Faxes or other electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Small Business Lending Fund

[from Senator Casey's website] Wednesday, September 28, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced that seven Pennsylvania community banks received over $24 million through the U.S Treasury Department’s Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) to help small businesses access capital and create jobs.

“All across Pennsylvania, small business owners are telling me that they want to expand and create jobs,” said Senator Casey. “These funds will help small businesses get the resources they need to put people back to work and move Pennsylvania’s economy forward.”

Pennsylvania community banks have received over $190 million through the SBLF program.

The Pennsylvania community banks receiving funding as part of today’s announcement include:

• The Reinvestment Fund, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA) -- $11.7 million
• First Resource Bank (Exton, PA) -- $5.1 million
• The Victory Bancorp, Inc. (Limerick, PA) -- $3.4 million
• Bridgeway Capital, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) -- $1.8 million
• The Progress Fund (Greensburg, PA) -- $1.1 million
• Community First Fund (Lancaster, PA) -- $862,000
• Northside Community Development Fund (Pittsburgh, PA) -- $250,000

There are over 275,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania that employ over 3.2 million people. 

Senator Casey wrote letters of support for three loans announced today, including The Progress Fund in Greensburg as well as Bridgeway Capital, Inc. and the Northside Community Development Fund in Pittsburgh.

The SBLF was established as part of the Small Business Jobs Act (SBJA), which Senator Casey fought hard to enact and the President signed into law on September 27, 2010. The SBJA encourages community banks to increase their lending to small businesses, helping those companies expand their operations and create new jobs.

The SBLF helps small businesses by providing capital to community banks that hold under $10 billion in assets. The dividend rate a community bank pays on SBLF funding is reduced as that bank increases its lending to small businesses – providing a strong incentive for new lending to small businesses so they can expand and create jobs.

Rural microentrepreneur loans / grants

 The purpose of RMAP is to support the development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and
microenterprises (businesses generally with ten employees or fewer and in need of financing in the amount of
$50,000 or less as defined in 7 CFR 4280.302). Assistance provided to rural areas under this program may include the provision of loans and grants to rural Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) for the provision of microloans to rural microenterprises and microentrepreneurs; provision of business-based training and technical assistance to rural microborrowers and potential microborrowers; and other such activities as deemed appropriate by the Secretary to ensure the development and ongoing success of rural microenterprises. See full announcement here.

PA Banks receive funds for small biz capital

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced that three Pennsylvania community banks received $32.1 million through the U.S Treasury Department’s Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) to help small businesses access capital and create jobs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Senator Casey. “I urged Treasury to expedite this funding to give community banks an incentive to lend to Pennsylvania small businesses, helping them grow and create jobs.”

The Pennsylvania banks receiving funding as part of today’s announcement include:

• Penn Liberty Financial Corp. (Wayne Pennsylvania) -- $20.0 million
• MileStone Bank (Doylestown, Pennsylvania) -- $5.1 million
• Franklin Security Bancorp, Inc. (Plains, Pennsylvania) -- $7.0 million

There are over 275,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania that employ over 3.2 million people. 

The SBLF was established as part of the Small Business Jobs Act (SBJA), which Senator Casey fought hard to enact and the President signed into law on September 27, 2010. The SBJA encourages community banks to increase their lending to small businesses, helping those companies expand their operations and create new jobs.

The SBLF helps small businesses by providing capital to community banks that hold under $10 billion in assets. The dividend rate a community bank pays on SBLF funding is reduced as that bank increases its lending to small businesses – providing a strong incentive for new lending to small businesses so they can expand and create jobs.

###

Sen. Casey introduces bill for Veterans - small biz

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today re-introduced the Help Veterans Own Franchises Act (S. 1540), a bill that establishes a tax credit for veterans who purchase a franchise.  Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) introduced a version of this bill in the House of Representatives.

“Veterans have made innumerable sacrifices in defense of our country, yet despite their training and experience, many are struggling to find employment in today’s labor market,” said Senator Casey. “This important legislation will help ensure veterans who fought for their country do not have to struggle to find a job when their service is complete. Franchises offer our veterans a path toward realizing the dream of small business ownership and stimulate economic growth by cultivating America’s small businesses.”

The bill provides a tax credit to veterans who choose to purchase a franchise and open a business in their local community, equal to 25 percent of the remaining franchise fee. The credit is capped at $100,000.

Startup America

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

Startup America Announces New Partners, Launches Online Platform

Created to fuel job growth by helping young companies expand, theStartup America Partnership has announced the launch of a new online platform and commitments from more than fourteen companies to provide U.S. entrepreneurs resources valued at some $330 million.

After registering to become verified Startup America firms, participating companies can use the platform to access and manage resources. Eligible companies will be designated as either a Startup, for young companies in the development phase; Rampup, for growing companies with at least five employees that already have a product or service being used by customers; or Speedup, for fast-growing businesses with more than twenty-five employees whose growth is being fueled by customer demand. The platform will also help potential investors identify and interact with relevant startup firms.

The new commitments, which boost the total value of resources to some $730 million, include access to online services valued at nearly $40 million from Biz2Credit; special offers from Dell worth up to $120 million; preferred membership rates from FoundersCard valued at more than $7.5 million; one year of free access to IdeaScale's idea management software; Reduced rates for LeadMaster's online, cloud-based customer relationship management software worth more than $36 million; and mentoring, training, and advisory services from the Alternative Board,Vistage International, Entrepreneurs' Organization, and the Young Entrepreneur Council.

"Since our launch at the White House in January, we've been delighted by how the private sector has stepped up and committed resources that will accelerate the growth of America's young companies," said Startup America Partnership CEO Scott Case. "We're excited to now provide direct access to these amazing offerings that will help maximize the success of startups."

“Startup America Partnership Open For Business.” Startup America Press Release 9/13/11.Cohen, Debprah. “Nonprofit Announces $330 Million in Startup Aid.”Reuters 9/13/11.

Advantage Grant Program

The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) announces the availability of grant funding in the seventh year of the Commonwealth's Advantage Grant Program (Program) for small business pollution prevention and energy efficiency projects. Small Business Advantage is a grant program providing up to 50% reimbursement grants, to a maximum of $7,500, to enable a small business in this Commonwealth to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Well designed energy efficient or pollution prevention projects can help small businesses cut costs and reduce the risk of potential regulatory problems, while simultaneously protecting the environment.

 An eligible applicant must be a for-profit small business owner whose business or facility is located within this Commonwealth. All Commonwealth small businesses are eligible, including but not limited to manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining businesses and agricultural concerns. The project to which the grant will apply must be located within the applicant's Commonwealth facility and save the business at least 25% annually in energy or pollution related expenses plus $1,000.

 For a copy of the application to review the Program's eligibility requirements, contact Rhonda Brown at the Office of External Affairs at (717) 772-8909. To ask a specific question concerning a project type, write to epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us before submitting an application. The Department will continue accepting applications until September 28, 2011, or until funds are exhausted.

  Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered by 4 p.m. on September 28, 2011. Faxes or other electronic submissions will not be accepted. Applications are most quickly obtained from the Department's web site at www.dep.state.pa.us (DEP Keyword: SBAdvantage). Applications are also available by contacting the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of External Affairs, 15th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, P. O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772, (717) 772-8909. The application package contains the materials and instructions necessary for applying for a grant.

MICHAEL L. KRANCER, 
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 11-1561. Filed for public inspection September 9, 2011, 9:00 a.m.]

Webinar

EDA, ARC and DRA to Hold August 26 Webinar on “Promoting Rural Small Business Development”
Aug 25, 2011

Please join U.S. Assistant Secretary John Fernandez, along with Federal Co-Chairs Earl Gohl and Chris Masingill of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) for a webinar presentation entitled Promoting Rural Small Business Development. The presentation will outline each agency's small usiness development efforts and highlight a variety of best practice activities that have proven successful in strengthening the presence and foundations for small business development in rural areas.

www1.gotomeeting.com/register/402332904%3ERegistration

Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I Solicitation FY-2012

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.The SBIR program solicits proposals from the small business sector consistent with NSF's mission. The program is governed by Public Law 112-17. A main purpose of the legislation is to stimulate technological innovation and increase private sector commercialization. The NSF SBIR program is therefore in a unique position to meet both the goals of NSF and the purpose of the SBIR legislation by transforming scientific discovery into both social and economic benefit, and by emphasizing private sector commercialization. Accordingly, NSF has formulated broad solicitation topics for SBIR that conform to the high-technology investment sector's interests.The four broad topics are:Biological and Chemical Technologies (BC)Education Applications (EA) Electronics, Information and Communication Technologies (EI) Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Manufacturing (NM)For detailed description of the four topics reference section V. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions, A.10. Research Topic.

Link to Full Announcement

NSF Publication 11-577

Small Business Technology Transfer program

The Small Business Technology Transfer program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.The Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) requires researchers at universities and other non-profit research institutions to play a significant intellectual role in the conduct of each STTR project. These researchers, by joining forces with a small company, can spin-off their commercially promising ideas while they remain primarily employed at the research institution. The program is governed by Public Law 112-17.NSF seeks to help reach the nation's future broadband goals and the larger objective of alleviating growing pressure on limited radio spectrum resources. Innovative approaches, technologies, and policies are required to enable more flexible and efficient access to the radio spectrum. The stakes are high in technology development as the country that develops the key intellectual property to enable the efficient use of the spectrum and adopts new and effective spectrum regulations is expected to have strong competitive advantages in the manufacturing of new communications systems, and increased productivity in using this technology. For information reference section A.10.

Link to Full Announcement

NSF Publication 11-561

Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act ("PRIME")

Eligibility:

A microenterprise development organization or program (or group or Collaborative thereof) that has a demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise services to disadvantaged entrepreneurs with specific emphasis on women; A private, nonprofit entity serving or seeking to serve microenterprise development organizations; A mircroenterprise development organization or program that is accountable to a local community, working with a State or local government or Indian Tribe; or An Indian tribe acting on its own, if the Indian tribe can certify that no private organization or program referred to in paragraph in paragraphs (1) exists within its jurisdiction.

Agency Name

Small Business Administration

Description

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued Program Announcement No.PRIME-2011-01 to provide training and capacity building grant programs to microenterprise development organizations ("MDOs"). PRIME has several tracks for which SBA will consider granting awards under this program announcement. Track 1 - Technical Assistance calls for applications from qualified organizations wishing to obtain grant funding for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs.Track 2 - Capacity Building calls for applications from qualified organizations wishing to obtain grant funding for the purpose of providing training and capacity building services to microenterprise development organizations, programs and groups of such organizations to assist them in developing microenterprise training and services. The Act also authorizes a third track, Track 3, for the purpose of pursuing research and development and the establishment of best practices in the field of microenterprise and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged microentrepenurs. However, SBA will not seek Track 3 applications as part of this FY 2011 Program Announcement. See Program Announcement for complete details.Questions about this program announcement should be directed to the Office of Financial Assistance at prime@sba.gov.

Link to Full Announcement

http://www.sba.gov/financialassistance/prospectivelenders/prime/index.html

Venture Development Organizations

Speaking at the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Southwest Region Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Albuquerque, N.M., U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez today (May 11) unveiled a new website to connect Venture Development Organizations (VDO) in America's regions and accelerate economic development efforts that promote growth and job creation. The Regional Innovation Acceleration Network (RIAN) will bring VDOs together to share best practices and leverage resources that will strengthen regional economic ecosystems.

Developed in partnership with the State Science & Technology Institute, the new website - www.regionalinnovation.org -- highlights how VDOs are helping entrepreneurs turn their innovations into businesses by providing direct funding and increasing access to capital.

"The Regional Innovation Acceleration Network builds on President Obama's national innovation agenda by bringing Venture Development Organizations within America's regions together to help increase business development and competitiveness," Fernandez aid. "Across the nation, these organizations are helping to grow local economies and create jobs, and this new network will enhance their impact and efficiency."

The RIAN offers an interactive map designed to help economic development practitioners identify their regional innovation colleagues, where they operate, and connect with them. To facilitate the growth of existing innovation networks, the website provides technical assistance; and for those regions where networks have yet to develop, it provides the means for peer-to-peer sharing of information between existing and emerging VDOs.

VDO's are non-profit, business driven partnership organizations that include government, community foundations, universities and civic organizations that work together to promote technology and innovation-based development. They provide a multifaceted portfolio of services tailored to address the specific needs of the regional economy, helping to create 21st century jobs.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is one of many examples of a successful VDO that is boosting economic growth and job opportunities in its community. The organization invests in early stage technology entrepreneurs to help create sustainable technology jobs. They are currently expanding their Ben Franklin TechVentures facility in Lehigh Valley to support more innovative research and cutting-edge ideas. The project is expected to create up to 200 sustainable, high-paying technology jobs and retain 100 additional jobs at new, start-up companies in its first three years. TechVentures has already launched 44 successful companies, grossing more than $675 million in annual revenue and creating more than 4,000 jobs since 1983.

With the new RIAN, Ben Franklin Technology Partners can share its knowledge and experiences with emerging VDOs and find new partners as it works to foster business growth that supports economic prosperity and jobs in America's regions.

Startup America

Launched earlier this year in response to President Obama's call to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship, the Startup America Partnership has announced commitments from more than fifteen companies and nonprofits to provide resources valued at approximately $400 million to U.S. entrepreneurs.

Building on existing pledges of support from some two dozen companies, new corporate commitments include products and services valued at over $125 million from American Express; training worth more than $3 million from Cisco; $100 million from Google to help entrepreneurs promote their companies through Google advertising programs; discounts on HP products valued at $100 million; and free access for all qualified startups to Microsoft software and support through the company's BizSpark program.

In addition, new nonprofit partners include Palindrome Advisors, which pledged to connect a thousand first-time entrepreneurs with top industry advisors; the National Venture Capital Association, which will provide access to its more than four hundred venture capital firms, four thousand investors, and thousands of venture-backed company CEOs; the National Center for Women & Information Technology, which will help high-tech startups capitalize on the increased innovation and business benefits of gender diversity; and the Angel Capital Association and Angel Resource Institute, which together will work to increase access to investment capital by doubling the number of high-caliber investors in angel groups across the country.

"We're gratified by the response we've seen from the private sector since launching the Startup America Partnership less than ninety days ago," said Startup America Partnership chair Steve Case. "Today's announcement of new commitments highlights the progress we're making to provide entrepreneurs with resources to grow and scale. We're grateful for the companies that have stepped up to help celebrate and accelerate entrepreneurs and we look forward to adding additional partners in the near future."

“New Startup America Partnership Commitments From Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, American Express, Intuit and others to Support Tens of Thousands of U.S. Startups.” Startup America Press Release 4/20/11.

America's next top energy innovator challenge

Boston, MA - As part of the Obama Administration's Startup America Initiative, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" challenge, which will give start-up companies the opportunity to license groundbreaking technologies developed by the National Laboratories for $1,000 and build successful businesses. As part of this effort, the Department is reducing both the cost and paperwork requirements for start-up companies to obtain an option agreement to license some of the 15,000 patents and patent applications held by our 17 National Laboratories.

"America's entrepreneurs and innovators are the best in the world," said Secretary Chu. "Today, we're challenging them to create new businesses based on discoveries made by our world-leading national laboratories. Because we've cut the upfront fees and reduced the paperwork, we'll make it easier for start-up companies to succeed and create the new jobs our economy needs. Our goal is simple: unleash America's innovation machine and win the global race for the clean energy jobs of the future."

Currently, only about 10 percent of federal patents have been licensed to be commercialized. This initiative aims to double the number of startup companies coming out of the National Laboratories.

Specifically, as part of "America's Next Top Energy Innovator:"

1. On Monday, May 2, 2011, the Department will kick off the challenge by posting a streamlined template option agreement online for entrepreneurs to submit to Laboratories. Entrepreneurs must identify the technology of interest and submit a business plan to be considered for the program. Participants will have until December 15 to make their submission to the Laboratory.
2. Any of the 15,000 unlicensed patents and patent applications held by the National Laboratories will be available for licensing by startup companies
3. From May 2 to December 15, the Department will reduce the total upfront cost of licensing DOE patents in a specific technology to a $1,000 upfront fee for portfolios of up to three patents. This represents a savings of $10,000 to $50,000 on average in upfront fees.
4. Other license terms, such as equity and royalties, will be negotiated on a case by case basis and will typically be due once the company grows and achieves widescale commercial success. These fees help support the Department's continuing research activities to develop new technologies.
5. The Department will simplify the licensing process and establish a standard set of terms for start-ups, who generally lack the resources, time or expertise to negotiate individual licensing agreements. This will significantly reduce both the time and cost required to process the license, allowing faster access to the Department's patents and enabling the Department to process more licenses in a shorter amount of time.
6. Entrepreneurs who complete the process and demonstrate progress toward executing their business plan and commercializing the technology will have the opportunity to be showcased at the 3rd Annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in 2012, which brings together leading technology startups and clean energy investors from around the country.

In addition to these steps, the Department is making it easier for companies to use the world-leading facilities at our National Laboratories to conduct collaborative research and development activities. Previously, companies had to make an upfront payment covering the first 90 days of research work - a requirement that was often difficult for start-ups to meet. Today, the Department is lowering the advance payment requirement to 60 days. This change will benefit all companies - not just start-ups - but could be valuable for those participating in the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" challenge.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating can already view the available technologies on the Department's Energy Innovation Portal.

Social Impact Investing in Small and Growing Businesses on the Rise, Report Finds

[from Philanthropy News Digest] Despite record levels of investment in small and growing businesses (SGB) in the developing world, additional capital and better data on social impact are needed if the sector is to reach its full potential, a report from the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs finds.

According to the 2010 ANDE Impact Report (44 pages, PDF), between 2001 and the first half of 2010, 199 funds raised a total of $10.6 billion to invest in emerging market SGBs. Over the past year, ANDE — a global network of more than 110 investors — has grown by thirty-seven members and expanded into eighteen additional countries.

Collectively, ANDE members manage sixty-three SGB funds, accounting for some $900 billion across 2,500 investments. Since the network's inception, ANDE members have supported more than 11,000 SGBs through capacity development, direct equity, or debt investment.

"Increasingly, the development community is recognizing that market-based approaches offer a more effective model for providing key products and services to needy populations," said ANDE executive director Randall Kempner. "Meanwhile, the traditional investment community is recognizing the potential of making financial returns while improving society. This convergence is leading to a greater understanding of the power of SGBs as well as increased capital flows into the sector."

“Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Releases Second Annual Impact Report.” Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Press Release 4/29/11.

Erie Innovation Fund Accepting Applications

There’s still time to apply to the Erie Innovation Fund. The purpose of the fund, which is a partnership between the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and Ben Franklin Technology Partners, is to give Erie’s tech-based entrepreneurs and small manufacturers access to local investment capital.

To date, more than a dozen companies that are involved in new product/process development have inquired about the application process. Screening of the applicants and the subsequent review of the proposals will be based on Ben Franklin’s existing due diligence process. However, a local panel of experts and potential investors is being convened to help evaluate submitted proposals.

Companies that receive funding will also have the opportunity to get business mentoring and support from the Ben Franklin Transformation Business Services Network.

Business owners who are interested in applying for funding, or potential investors who want to participate in the Advisory Board, should contact Ben Franklin’s Erie Office at 898-6650.

PA Small Businesses

PITTSBURGH, PA — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), joined small business leaders from the Pittsburgh region to provide an overview of the federal procurement process and resources available to small businesses.

David Ehrenwerth, Regional Administrator for the General Services Administration, and Barbara Weaver of the Small Business Administration’s Office of Government Contracting joined Senator Casey to provide an overview of the federal procurement process to small businesses from Western Pennsylvania and Ohio representing a range of industries, including military contractors, industrial manufacturers, energy companies and engineering firms.

In remarks to the group, Senator Casey highlighted the importance of Pennsylvania’s small businesses that employ nearly 2 million people. Each year, federal agencies provide more than $500 billion in contracting, $400 billion of which is considered small business eligible. Senator Casey expressed his desire to give Pennsylvania companies the tools and resources needed to navigate the procurement process and gain an edge in innovation and competition.

Earlier this month, Senator Casey secured passage of an amendment to the Small Business Innovation Research reauthorization bill he introduced to protect small businesses. It will prevent contractors from adding subcontractors to bids without the intention of following through to deliver work to listed subcontractors.

As the Chairman of the JEC, Senator Casey is meeting with business leaders across Pennsylvania to discuss job creation strategies.

Virtual Neighborhood Watch grant in Erie

[from Erie Blogs]

Erie County District Attorney Using Markham Winery Grant Funds To Create A Virtual Neighborhood Watch

Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri will announce a cooperative effort between his office and the Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies to provide every Erie County citizen with a virtual neighborhood watch alert network tomorrow, March 24, 2011 at 2:15 P.M. at the Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies building at 3928 Wayne St., Erie, PA.

”The Markham Winery grant is allowing us to provide scholarship funds to Mercyhurst College students that participate in the monitoring of emergency radio traffic and then post the information to the “ErieAlerts” account on Twitter, where people can follow the activity on their smart phones or computers, says Daneri. This kind of program makes it very easy for each and every citizen of Erie County to become a member of the the neighborhood watch program and enhance our quality of life as one large community”.

InnovateErie competition

People are inventing the future everyday, and some of them are right here in
Pennsylvania. If you’re one of them, there’s a chance to take your bright idea and turn it
into a reality.

Now in its third year, InnovationErie Design Competition is a collaborative effort
among professionals in the science, art, manufacturing, engineering and design (SAM &
ED) industries, and emerged to encourage local economic development by allowing
people to showcase their product ideas, with the possibility of taking them to the next
level: the marketplace. The competition seeks ideas for products that can be
manufactured in the Erie region.

The contest is open to all individuals, 18 and over, whose product design could be
manufactured in the Greater Erie Area. The contest begins by submitting an electronic application to InnovationErie@gmail.com by midnight, May 11, 2011. Design entries
will be juried by an independent panel of competition judges who will select semifinalists. Semi-finalists will exhibit works at the Erie Art Museum July 16-October 16,
2011 and compete for the Grand Prize, over $10,000 worth of assistance prizes.
Interested candidates can find out more information and download an application by
visiting www.innovationerie.net.

The 2011 InnovationErie Sponsors include Civitas, Edinboro University, Erie Art Museum, Gannon University, Keystone Innovation Zones, MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton, Paradign Design, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, StARTup Incubator.

Cinereach Film grants

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Cinereach is a not-for-profit film production company and foundation that supports fiction and nonfiction filmmakers from all over the world through grants and awards, the Reach Film Fellowship, an internal productions department, and partnerships with the Sundance Institute and other organizations.

Through its grants program, Cinereach supports feature-length nonfiction and fiction films that are at the intersection of engaging storytelling, visual artistry, and vital subject matter. Cinereach seeks to support films that utilize cinematic artistry and storytelling to provide insight and spark dialogue,challenge prejudice and advance human rights, discover humanity and hope, and foster global community.

Through its grants program, Cinereach supports feature-length nonfiction and fiction films that are at the intersection of engaging storytelling, visual artistry, and vital subject matter. Cinereach seeks to support films that utilize cinematic artistry and storytelling to provide insight and spark dialogue,challenge prejudice and advance human rights, discover humanity and hope, and foster global community.

Cinereach does not award multiyear grants, grants for capital or endowment campaigns, or individual scholarships for study or travel. Cinereach is not currently accepting applications for organizational support or to support a project's outreach or distribution activities.

In order to receive support from Cinereach, a prospective grantee must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

There are two grant cycles per year (summer and winter). Within each cycle, between five and fifteen projects are selected to receive support.

Cinereach requires all prospective applicants to submit an initial letter of inquiry, and will consider full proposals only by invitation. The LOI deadline for the Summer 2011 grants cycle is June 1, 2011.

Visit the Cinereach Web site for complete program guidelines, application procedures, and the online LOI form.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Angel Investing 101 at Edinboro U

[from Erie Times News]

EDINBORO -- Have you ever thought about starting your own business?

"Angel Investing 101," a program hosted by Edinboro University's Business & Economics Department, can provide budding business owners with a head start.

Catherine Mott, CEO of BlueTree Capital Group, will discuss the differences between angel investors and venture capitalists for financing startup businesses during "Angel Investing 101."

The event will be held Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. in Room 117 of Wiley Arts & Sciences Center. This interactive presentation is especially appropriate for would-be entrepreneurs.

A two-time alumna of Edinboro University, Mott was a high schoolteacher for eight years before she began working in finance. She founded BlueTree Capital Group in 2003 as a way to support new businesses and coach entrepreneurs throughout the process of launching a company.

"Angel Investing 101" is free and open to the public. It is offered as part of the Business Speaker Series sponsored by Edinboro's Department of Business & Economics, and is also supported by the Delta Mu Delta business honor society.

For more information, contact Michael Hannan, associate dean of Science, Management & Technology, at hannan@edinboro.edu.

SBIR

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.The SBIR program solicits proposals from the small business sector consistent with NSF's mission. The program is governed by Public Law 112-1. A main purpose of the legislation is to stimulate technological innovation and increase private sector commercialization. The NSF SBIR program is therefore in a unique position to meet both the goals of NSF and the purpose of the SBIR legislation by transforming scientific discovery into both social and economic benefit, and by emphasizing private sector commercialization. Accordingly, NSF has formulated broad solicitation topics for SBIR that conform to the high-technology investment sector's interests.The four broad topics are: Biological and Chemical Technologies (BC) · Education Applications (EA) · Electronics, Information and Communication Technologies (EI) · Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Manufacturing (NM)For detailed description of the four topics reference section V. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions, A.10. Research Topic.

Link to Full Announcement

NSF Publication 11-691

Young Entrepreneurs supported

The Hitachi Foundation, which seeks to discover and expand business practices that create tangible and enduring economic opportunities for low-wealth Americans, their families, and the communities in which they reside, has opened the application process for the foundation's Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program. The program seeks to identify five entrepreneurs, awarding each $40,000 over two years, and providing technical resources to strengthen their businesses.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 and no more than 29 when they launched their business. Businesses must be one to five years old and have been generating revenue for at least the past twelve months. The award is open to businesses organized as either for- or nonprofit with an earned-income revenue model. In addition, the enterprise must create jobs, supply goods or services, or use internal management practices that offer low-wealth individuals in America an opportunity to improve their economic mobility.

In addition to the cash prize of $40,000 over two years, Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs will benefit from a partnership with Investors' Circle — a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to catalyze the flow of investment to support entrepreneurs that address major social and environmental issues. Investors' Circle will match an IC member mentor with each of the Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs, creating relationships based on entrepreneur needs and mentor expertise.

Complete program information and application materials are available at the Hitachi Foundation Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

White House campaign for Small Biz

Jan. 31 (Bloomberg) -- AOL Inc. co-founder Steve Case will lead a White House campaign seeking to increase private sector investments in startup companies and small businesses as part of President Barack Obama’s directive to promote entrepreneurship. Emily Chang reports on Bloomberg Television's "Fast Forward." (Source: Bloomberg)

AOL Inc. co-founder Steve Case will lead a White House campaign seeking to increase private-sector investments in startup companies and small businesses as part of President Barack Obama’s directive to promote entrepreneurship, the administration announced.

“The story of America really is the story of entrepreneurship,” said Case, who met with Obama in the Oval Office before an event intended to kick off the initiative. “That really is the core underpinning that makes this nation great.”

Case’s appearance today at the White House for the administration’s “Startup America Partnership” was part of a week-long series of events aimed at encouraging investments by U.S. businesses in small firms. Carl Schramm, the president and chief executive officer of the Kauffman Foundation, a nonprofit promoting entrepreneurship, will be a founding board member of the private-sector led campaign.

The initiative includes pledges from companies including Facebook Inc., Intel Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., and International Business Machines Corp. to increase their investments in startup companies.

As part of the initiative, Intel will commit $200 million in new investments in U.S. technology companies, IBM will invest $150 million to fund programs for entrepreneurs and HP is investing more than $4 million in a learning initiatives.

Government-Private Partnership

Case, who created the Case Foundation in 1997, a charity that pays for after-school technology programs for poor children, was be joined by entrepreneurs, business leaders and administration officials at today’s event. Administration officials will include Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Small Business Administrator Karen Mills, Director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling, and the White House’s chief economist Austan Goolsbee. The president won’t be at the event.

In his Jan. 25 State of the Union address Obama said part of his plan to “out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world” includes more investments in education, technology and infrastructure to reduce unemployment and ensure the U.S. can compete with economic rivals.

“America leads the world in pure raw innovation. We have the best research universities and research institutions. We also have the most creative entrepreneurs,” Chu said. “These are engines of job creation and economic growth and by unleashing this potential we can compete, we can win in a global market.”

Criticism on Taxes

Republicans argue that the president’s pledge to fight to end tax cuts for the wealthy would lead to a huge tax increase on small businesses.

“The president’s job-crushing tax hike would have hit 750,0000 small businesses and 50 percent of all small business income in America,” Brendan Buck, spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, said in an e-mailed statement.

Obama’s fiscal 2012 budget, set for release Feb. 14, will include a proposal to make the elimination of capital gains taxes on certain investments in small businesses permanent, according to the announcement. The budget will also include an expansion of the New Markets Tax Credit to help encourage investments in startup companies and small businesses based in low-income areas.

The White House also will announce that the Small Business Administration will direct $2 billion in existing guarantee authority over the next 5 years to match private sector investments in lower-income areas.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kate Andersen Brower in Washington at kandersen7@bloomberg.net

JPMorgan Chase supports CDFIs

JPMorgan Chase has announced grants totaling $25 million to five Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to help spur small business lending and job creation.

Awarded as part of the bank's $100 million commitment to strengthen CDFIs serving hard-to-reach communities, the grants — which range from $2 million to $5 million — will double, in most cases, the recipients' existing capital base, enabling them to grow in a way otherwise not possible in the current economic climate. The recipients include ACCION Texas-Louisiana; the Los Angeles-based Valley Economic Development Center; the Opportunity Fund, which serves the San Francisco Bay Area; the First State Community Loan Fund in Wilmington, Delaware; and Enterprise Cascadia, a creditor and consultant to small businesses, community facilities, nonprofits, and consumers in Washington and Oregon. Additional grants will be announced at a later date.

Over the last three years, Chase has provided more than $1 billion in loans, grants, and investments to CDFIs and their affiliates. Last year, the bank committed a total of $100 million, including $50 million for charter schools, in conjunction with a larger $325 million charter school initiative; $25 million to small businesses; and $25 million for other community needs.

"Small businesses are critical to our economy and they need permanent capital to strengthen their balance sheets in order to grow," said JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. "Our $25 million funding initiative, when leveraged with private capital and government programs, will increase lending to small businesses by $125 [million] to $250 million."

“Chase Donates $25 Million to Support U.S. Small Businesses.” JPMorgan Chase Press Release 1/28/11.

Educational Improvement Tax Credit

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Tax Credit are administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It authorizes the award of tax credits to businesses that make contributions to Scholarship Organizations and/or Educational Improvement Organizations and/or Pre-K Scholarship Organizations contained on a list published by the Department. $60 million tax credits are available this year.

Qualifications: Businesses* subject to the following taxes:

• Corporate Net Income Tax
• Capital Stock Franchise Tax
• Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
• Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
• Insurance Premiums Tax
• Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax
• Personal Income Tax of S Corporation Share holders, or partners in a general or limited partnership

*Businesses must be approved to make contributions.

Applications accepted beginning July 1, 2010
Program Guidelines

Small Business Teaming Pilot grant

Program Announcement No. GCBD-2011-01, U.S. Small Business Administration/Office of Government Contracting (GC) OPENING DATE: January 11, 2011 CLOSING DATE: February 25, 2011 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issues Program Announcement No. GCBD-2011-01 to invite applications from eligible organizations, as authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-240, Section 1314. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-240) was enacted by Congress to authorize the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration to disburse up to $5,000,000 to make grants to eligible organizations “to provide assistance and guidance to teams of small business concerns seeking to compete for larger procurement contracts.” This initiative is specifically tailored to enhance SBA’s efforts to advocate for small business concerns in the federal procurement marketplace while at the same time seeking to strengthen small businesses and help them expand by increasing opportunities for them to participate in the federal procurement arena. Potential projects will be designed to assist and guide teams of small business concerns through training, counseling, and/or mentoring activities designed to enhance their ability to compete for larger procurement contracts. Such assistance and guidance must address (among other things) customer relations and outreach, team relations and outreach, and performance measurement and quality assurance. Recipients of awards made under this Announcement will be expected to help small business concerns find other firms that may be interested in teaming with them, assist small business concerns with the formation and execution of teaming arrangements, aid teams of small business concerns with identifying appropriate larger contracting opportunities, and assist teams of small business concerns with the preparation and submission of bids and offers. SBA is responsible for general management of this initiative to ensure the effective delivery of assistance to the small business community. Questions about this program announcement should be directed to the Office of Government Contracting at GCBDgrants@sba.gov.

Link to Full Announcement

www.sba.gov/teaming

Microfinance directory

[From "Free Money Ate My Brain" blog] In these days of economic doldrums and tight credit, people are in dire need of sources of money to start a business. For very small businesses, a microloan, given by a lender who understands the peculiarities of a one-man shop that is brand new, could make all the difference. But often, banks don't do this kind of lending. So where do you find an alternative?

FIELD, the microenterprise Fund for Innovation, Effectiveness, and Learning Dissemination set up just such a directory a couple of years ago. It is searchable by name of organization, state, and focus. However, take the information with a grain of salt: apparently, it hasn't been updated recently, so the information is a couple of years old. But it could point you to an organization in your area that can loan you small amounts of start-up money. Some of the organizations also offer technical assistance and mentoring. While it's NOT "free money," it's useful and nothing to sneeze at.