Small Businesses & Individuals

Knight Foundation Awards $1 Million to JumpStart America

2012-02-13T05:37:00.000-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] JumpStart America, an initiative of Cleveland-based JumpStart, has announced a $1 million challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (http://www.knightfdn.org/).

The grant will help JumpStart America raise an additional $14 million to expand the program to twenty additional cities over the next three years. Part of the Startup America Partnership, the community-focused effort will build on regional partnerships to spur the creation of new jobs by developing, identifying, and supporting high-impact entrepreneurs.

In communities hit hard by job loss, JumpStart works to bring traditional economic development groups together with an array of entrepreneurs and other public, private, philanthropic, and institutional partners and leaders. The group then conducts research, develops frameworks and strategies, and helps raise resources and support for the entrepreneurs.

"JumpStart's approach is based on one simple truth: to succeed in creating an environment for innovation, we must deliberately focus on engaging the community in determining the best way forward," said Paula Ellis, the Knight Foundation's vice president for strategic initiatives. "Its focus on empowering transformational change while leveraging technological solutions like the online community IdeaCrossing demonstrates the type of innovative approaches we encourage."

“JumpStart to Promote Entrepreneurship in 20 New Cities With $1 Million in Support From Knight Foundation.” JumpStart Press Release 2/07/12.
Primary Subject

RMAP

2012-02-01T07:48:00.001-08:00

TheRural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) is a program administered through the USDA. Theprogram provides loan capital and technical assistance grants to small businessdevelopment organizations to make loans and provide support to startup andexisting rural business. To read more about the program and fundingchallenges from the Center for Rural Affairs, click here.

Women's Roundtable grant for women biz owners

2012-01-06T05:35:00.001-08:00

Gerry B Wallerstein was one of our founding members who proposed the idea of having a pool of money available for women business owners who may not qualify for, or have access to, more traditional funding sources. This idea became a reality in 1997 when the fund was established. Regrettably, Gerry lost her battle with cancer in 1999.The Fund was then named in her honor to recognize her unshakable spirit, passion and commitment to helping women business owners and entrepreneurs.

To be considered for a grant, you must meet several criteria and complete a grant application by March 1. To learn more, go to www.wrterie.org and click on “Wallerstein Fund” and the link to the grant application. Complete the form and mail it to: The Women’s Roundtable, Wallerstein Grant Application, P.O. Box 3922,
Erie, PA 16508.

ARC Launches Global Appalachia Export Initiative

2011-10-25T05:21:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-24T05:14:00.001-07:00

[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

2011-10-03T07:47:00.001-07:00

[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

2011-09-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-19T05:55:00.001-07:00

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.

###

Sen. Casey introduces bill for Veterans - small biz

2011-09-19T05:53:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-19T05:20:00.001-07:00

[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

2011-09-12T05:07:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-26T07:09:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-26T05:26:00.001-07:00

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")

2011-06-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-01T07:35:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

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:"

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.
Any of the 15,000 unlicensed patents and patent applications held by the National Laboratories will be available for licensing by startup companies
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.
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.
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.
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

2011-04-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

[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

2011-04-03T05:49:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-27T05:45:00.002-07:00

[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

2011-03-27T05:45:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

[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.

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

2011-03-14T18:50:00.001-07:00

[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

2011-03-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-21T10:07:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-01T05:28:00.001-08:00

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

2011-01-31T06:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-13T06:53:00.001-08:00

[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.

Dept. of Energy Small Biz Conference

2011-01-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the opening of registration for the 12th Annual Small Business Conference & Expo being held from May 10-12, 2011, in Kansas City, Missouri. The conference will feature educational workshops, an Exhibit Hall with over 200 exhibitors and sponsors, as well as sessions where Department procurement officers will help match businesses with opportunities within DOE.

The Obama administration and the Department of Energy have continued to reinforce the important role small business plays in strengthening America's economy. The goal of the conference is to increase the access small business has to government contract and partnership opportunities.

The 12th Annual DOE Small Business Conference & Expo provides an opportunity for Small Business owners, large companies and minority education institutions to network and gain access to federal, state and local government agencies. As the largest civilian contracting agency within the Federal government, DOE has allocated billions of dollars in contracts to small businesses.

This year participants have the opportunity to take advantage of early online registration. Last year's conference attracted over 1,500 people. The small businesses attending the conference will be able to meet DOE small business program managers and learn how to engage with the Department successfully. To register, visit the 12th Annual DOE Small Business Conference & Expo website.

Strategic planning for small businesses

2011-01-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

Strategic Planning is important for all businesses, yet entrepreneurs are so often caught up in the day to day aspects of running their business that they often lack the ability to figure out how to define and implement a strategic plan to grow their business.

Our approach is different. This 6 session workshop is designed for the entrepreneur who has an established business and knows that they need some help/structure to work on and focus on implementing their strategic plan, but yet lack the resources to hire a consultant to help them with a full strategic plan. This course will help your business develop its own strategic plan for a fraction of what it costs to hire a consultant!

The course will include the following sessions:

February 1, 11:30-1PM

“Where are we now?” Setting the Stage & Market Assessment Part 1

February 15, 11:30-1PM Session 2

Market Assessment Part 2

March 1, 11:30-1PM

Session 3: Vision of the Future: “Where do we want to be?”

March 2 through March 28

Session 4: Individual Company “Retreat”; Draft the Strategic Plan

March 29, 11:30-1PM

Session 5: Implementing the Strategic Plan Part 1: “How are we going to get there?”

April 12, 11:30-1PM

Session 6: Implementing the Plan: “Who is going to do what?” (And what gaps still exist)

This course will be presented both as a Webinar and an in-person seminar at our office located at 2402 West 8^th Street

COST: $1500 with Individual Planning Retreat

$1000 without Retreat

*Make checks payable to Strategy Solutions

2402 West 8 Street Erie, PA 16505

REGISTRATION: Call us at (814)480-8000 or e-mail: rachel@getstrategy.com

SBA Unveils New Web Site and Launches SBA Direct - A New Tool Delivering Personalized and Targeted Resources

2011-01-03T05:35:00.001-08:00

[From Be Spacific]

News release: "As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s mission to ensure that small business owners and entrepreneurs have access to accurate, timely and helpful information, SBA Administrator Karen Mills unveiled a newly re-designed SBA website. The new site also features the launch of SBA Direct, a dynamic new web tool with a variety of personalization features that will help small businesses start-up, succeed and grow. “With the launch of the new SBA.gov, we have reached a significant milestone in how the agency has evolved in using interactive web tools, social media and blogs to engage with, and better meet the needs of small business owners,” said SBA Administrator, Karen Mills...While the site features a variety of enhancements including a full re-design, new content, and improved navigation, the centerpiece is a dynamic new web tool called SBA Direct."

SBIR Grants Open

2010-12-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program at the Institute of Education Sciences (Institute) provides awards up to $1.05 million to small business firms and partners for the research and development (R&D) of commercially viable education technology products or tools. The program accepts proposals to develop products to improve student learning or to improve teacher efficiency in regular education delivery settings, products to improve outcomes among infants or toddlers in early intervention settings or K-12 students in special education settings, or tools used by researchers in the field of education.

FISCAL YEAR 2011 PROGRAM SOLICITATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

The Institute has released two Fiscal Year 2011 Fast-Track (Phase I and Phase II) solicitations.

Solicitation # ED-IES-11-0009 is a request for proposals for the research and development of education technology products used by students or teachers (or other instructional personnel) or for the research and development of education technology tools used by researchers.
This solicitation can be found at: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=89f8c19f6be3f4c296178385731bf49b&tab=core&_cview=0
The due date and time for the receipt of proposals is 11 A.M. EST on January 18, 2011.
Solicitation #ED-IES-11-R-0014 is a request for proposals for the research and development of technology products used by children, students, or teachers (or other instructional personnel or service providers) in special education.
This solicitation can be found at: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=60ef9f4664901460d375833585fd680c&tab=core&_cview=0
The due date and time for the receipt of proposals is 11 A.M. EST on January 20, 2011.

Challenge grant for small businesses

2010-11-30T10:39:00.001-08:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Opportunity International has announced the launch of a $1 million challenge grant designed to double the impact of corporate and small business contributions to the organization.

Through the end of the year, the Caterpillar Foundation will match new contributions or any gift in excess of a company's previous gift to Opportunity International, up to a total of $1 million. Donations from corporations and small businesses made through the initiative will be used to fund Opportunity International's various initiatives, including educational finance and rural and agricultural finance programs that are helping the working poor in sub-Saharan Africa, Mexico, India, Indonesia, and China achieve financial freedom, gain self-sufficiency, and feed their communities.

"Businesses have come to realize that they have an important, and even critical, roll to play in addressing many of the challenges that our world faces," said Caterpillar Foundation vice president Will Ball. "We are proud to be able to partner with businesses that are committed to solving complex and difficult issues, such as poverty, in supporting Opportunity International's efforts to provide savings-based microfinance services to the world's most marginalized citizens."

“Opportunity International and Caterpillar Foundation Launch $1 Million Corporate Challenge to Help Alleviate Global Poverty Through Savings-Based Microfinance Programs.” Opportunity International Press Release 11/15/10.

Small Biz Exporting Tool

2010-11-30T10:36:00.001-08:00

Small businesses interested in exporting now have a new online tool to help them tap into the global marketplace to grow their business. Developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration, Six Steps to Begin Exporting, www.export.gov/begin, is the latest tool in the National Export Initiative toolbox to help entrepreneurs begin exporting.

The six-step process begins with a self-assessment to help potential exporters gauge their readiness to successfully engage in international trade. The self-assessment is followed by sections on training and counseling programs; resources to create an export business plan; information on conducting market research; assistance for finding foreign buyers; and investigating financing for your small business exports, foreign investments or projects.

Upon completing the self-assessment, businesses receive a score indicating their level of readiness. Based on the score, additional resources are identified to fit their specific needs, including SBA and its nationwide resource partners SCORE and Small Business Development Centers, as well as Commerce's U.S. Export Assistance Centers, which provide individualized support.

News Release

Small Business Innovation Awards

2010-11-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

The Tibbetts Awards are presented to those small businesses and individuals judged to exemplify the best in the SBIR program. The award is named for Roland Tibbetts, acknowledged as the father of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, and is presented to companies and individuals that promote the mission and goals of the SBIR program and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR):

- to stimulate technological innovation;

- to use small business to meet federal research and development needs;

- to encourage diverse participation in technological innovation;

- to increase commercialization of Federal research.

Nominations for the 2011 Awards will be accepted starting November 15, 2010. The nomination period will close on December 15, 2010 at 5 PM EST. Anyone can nominate a company and/or individual for a Tibbetts Award – including self-nominations. For more information, visit the SBA Tibbetts Awards Website: http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/tibbetts/

For more information on EPA's SBIR program see: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/sbir

Follow NCER News and New Funding Opportunities on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EPAncer/

CDFI loan grants

2010-11-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] Citigroup, Inc. has announced that it will distribute $60 million to Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan funds by year's end to boost small business lending in low-income areas, the Associated Press reports.

The bank will award grants to CDFIs in thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia through a $200 million fund it established earlier this year with the Calvert Foundation and the Opportunity Finance Network. Eligible small business owners will be able to use the loans to hire new staff and/or expand their business.

In the past, community banks were the largest provider of credit to small businesses. But since the stock market crash of 2008, lending by community banks has fallen as many banks replenish their reserves in the face of an uncertain economy.

To that end, Citi is working to meet the financial needs of small businesses through the fund. For example, the fund recently made a loan to help a Chicago-based nonprofit open a sixty-seat restaurant that will serve inexpensive meals to low-income families. Citi told the AP that the nonprofit expects to add twelve full-time employees to its payroll as a result of the loan.

“Citigroup Grants $60M for Small Biz Lending.” Associated Press 11/03/10.

Retirement Plan Solutions for Small Businesses

2010-10-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

A new website to help small businesses choose the right retirement solution for their employees was launched this week by the Employee Benefits Security Administration and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. "Having the right plan will give small business owners a way to save for their own retirement while helping their employees save for a secure retirement," said EBSA Assistant Secretary Phyllis Borzi.

· Read the News Release

View the Website

Flexibility webcast

2010-10-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

The Department of Labor has announced an October 20 live webcast: National Dialogue on Workplace Flexibility -- Best Practices and Challenges for Small Businesses.

The webcast begins at 10 am ET/9 am CT and concludes at 1:30 pm ET/12:30 pm CT.

The webcast will be available at http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/live/wb.

National Dialogue on Workplace Flexibility Webpage

Treasury Announces State-by-State Funding Allocations to Support $15 Billion in Small Business Lending, Create New Jobs

2010-10-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

State Small Business Credit Initiative Critical Component of
Small Business Jobs Act President Obama Signed into Law This Week;

All 50 States, DC, and the U.S. Territories Now Eligible for Funds to
Help Local Entrepreneurs Expand Their Businesses and Put More Americans Back to Work;

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced individual State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding allocations for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories, which will support $15 billion in new small business lending through innovative local programs that help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create new jobs. These SSBCI funds are a critical component of the Small Business Jobs Act President Obama signed into law last week to help unlock credit and provide targeted tax cuts for small businesses. (A full listing of the state-by-state allocations announced today is included below.)

"Innovative local initiatives that support small business lending are under extraordinary pressure because of state budget difficulties," said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. "These funds will provide vital support to successful state-level programs that help local entrepreneurs obtain the credit they need to put more Americans back to work. President Obama fought hard for the Small Business Jobs Act because it will help ensure that small businesses continue to strengthen our nation's recovery and serve as critical engines for job creation."

Under the SSBCI, states are offered the opportunity to apply for federal funds for programs that partner with private lenders to extend greater credit to small businesses. States are required to demonstrate a minimum "bang for the buck" of $10 in new private lending for every $1 in federal funding. Accordingly, the $1.5 billion funding commitment that the federal government will make for this program is expected to support $15 billion in additional private lending.

The SSBCI allows states to build upon existing, successful state-level small business lending programs, including examples such as collateral support programs, Capital Access Programs (CAPs), and loan guarantee programs.

o Collateral Support Programs for Small Manufacturers: Collateral support programs help viable businesses that are struggling to get credit because the value of the collateral they hold has fallen, often due to the decline in commercial real estate values. These programs – which set aside funds to augment collateral the borrower already holds – provide banks greater confidence in extending credit to these borrowers, particularly in some of the communities hardest hit by the economic downturn.

o Capital Access Programs (CAPs): CAPs, which are already up and running in over 20 states, are loan portfolio insurance programs in which states provide a matching contribution to bank loan loss reserves when lenders extend credit to qualified small businesses. These reserve enhancements allow lenders to expand credit to new borrowers at a time when many of these lenders might otherwise pull back.

o Loan Guarantee Programs: Under loan guarantee programs, states provide partial guarantees on certain small business loans to give lenders greater confidence to extend credit.

If a state does not have an existing small business lending program, officials can establish one in order to access this funding. States must provide plans for utilizing their funding allocations to Treasury for review and approval.

The amount of SSBCI funds a state is eligible to apply for is determined based upon formulas in the Small Business Jobs Act that take into account each state's respective unemployment rate and decline in employment relative to other states.

In addition to the State Small Business Credit Initiative, the Small Business Jobs Act includes a number of important provisions to support small business job creation. The Act includes eight new small business tax cuts that went into effect immediately upon becoming law last week; creates a $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund to help small and community banks provide new loans to small businesses; extends and expands existing Small Business Administration loan programs; and delivers other important benefits for small businesses. For more information on the Small Business Jobs Act, please visit, link.

A full listing of State Small Business Credit Initiative allocations by state, as well as the amount of expected new lending that those allocations are expected to produce, are included below:

REPORTS

Full listing

Bank of America Small Biz grants

2010-10-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] Charlotte-based Bank of America has announced forty grants totaling more than $3.7 million to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other nonprofit lenders to help spur lending to small businesses and expand their lending programs into new communities.

The grants represent the first round of funding through a $10 million Bank of America initiative designed to provide nonprofit lenders with loan loss reserves, an initiative that could unlock as much as $100 million in low-cost, long-term capital for small businesses nationwide over the next year. In the six weeks the grants have been available, CDFIs have used the funds to access nearly $27.5 million in microloans and other lending capital from the Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. With the new capital, the CDFIs expect to make 2,000 new microloans to small businesses and start-ups and help retain or create nearly 4,000 jobs in local communities across the nation.

The grantees serve small businesses in urban and rural communities in seventeen states. Early results include $5.5 million in microloans and capital leveraged by six nonprofit lenders in New York using $900,000 in Bank of America grants and $5.6 million leveraged by nine nonprofit lenders in California that received $790,000 in grants.

“Bank of America Awards First Round of Grants to Nonprofit Community Lenders for Microloans to Small Businesses.” Bank of America Press Release 10/06/10.

Small Biz Advantage grant--applications due Nov. 5

2010-10-05T03:57:00.000-07:00

DEP: Advantage Grant Program Opens to Small Businesses Looking to Increase Profitability by Reducing Energy Costs and Pollution --Grants up to $7,500 Available to Increase Energy Efficiency

HARRISBURG -- Small-business owners in Pennsylvania seeking to improve energy efficiency to save money and prevent pollution can apply for a Small Business Advantage Grant through the Department of Environmental Protection. Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching grants of up to $7,500 to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or processes.

Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. The grant-supported project must be located within a Pennsylvania facility owned by the applicant and save the business at least 10 percent annually in energy or pollution-related expenses.

Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. Examples of eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery systems, waste recycling systems and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.

Nov. 5 is the application deadline. Faxes and electronic submissions will not be accepted. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Since Governor Edward G. Rendell launched the program in 2004, the Small Business Advantage Grant Program has awarded more than $5.8 million to 1,041 businesses across the state. The application package, including guidance, instructions and application form, is available at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Small Business Advantage, or by calling 717-783-8411.

Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., P.O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772. ATTN: Small Business Advantage.

For questions or concerns regarding project eligibility, contact the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Small Business Ombudsman’s Office at 717-783-8411 or at epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us before submitting an application.

IBM helps small businesses

2010-09-21T11:44:00.001-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] The IBM International Foundation has announced a grant of more than $10 million to establish a free, public Web site designed to help small businesses sell goods and services to global companies.

The funding is part of a commitment by IBM, AT&T, Bank of America, Citigroup, Pfizer, and UPS to standardize and simplify the application process required of small and midsize U.S. suppliers to compete for the nearly $150 billion in contracts collectively awarded by the companies each year. To be created and maintained by IBM, the Supplier Connection Web site will provide users with a single, streamlined electronic application form. Small vendors need only complete the application form once to become potential suppliers to the participating companies, enabling vendors to more easily connect with opportunities to sell their goods and services in the almost two hundred countries where the participating corporations operate. The site is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2011 and eventually draw a number of additional participating businesses.

According to a recent study by the Center for an Urban Future, small businesses often experience a dramatic increase in revenues and significantly increase their workforce after becoming a supplier to a large corporation. But the application process for small businesses hoping to supply large companies can require significant investments of time, money, and expertise.

"Everyone says that small business is the engine for economic growth. We believe opening up new markets for goods and services — in the billions of dollars spent by large companies — can be the fuel that will allow those small businesses to grow," said Stanley S. Litow, vice president of corporate citizenship and corporate affairs at IBM and president of the IBM International Foundation. "I liken the mechanism we're unveiling to a universal college application, which simplified the way in which students could spend less time filling out redundant forms and focus more on academic excellence. That's what we're trying to do here — let small businesses do what they do best, grow their businesses, and not get bogged down in red tape."

“Six Large Corporations Aim to Boost Economy With New Supplier Program.” IBM Press Release 9/14/10.

Government resources in communities for small biz

2010-09-16T06:35:00.001-07:00

Historically women and minority business owners have been underrepresented in the business world, but there are many resources that try to help change that. For the month of August, Business.gov asked its Community members “What government resources have you found in your community or on the web that help women or minorit...

State and local government contracting

2010-09-13T05:12:00.000-07:00

Getting Started in State and Local Government Contracting – A Small Business 101
By Caron_Beesley - September 2, 2010
State and local government contract opportunities are abundant and, since most states “set-aside” a certain amount of contracts to small business each year, the opportunities can often be a good fit for small business. Here are seven tips for getting started in the state and local government marketplace. Read more...

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

2010-09-02T05:12:00.001-07:00

The SBIR program solicits proposals from the small business sector consistent with NSF's mission. The program is governed by Public Law 106-554. 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 a broad solicitation topics for SBIR that conform to the high-technology investment sector's interests.

The four broad topics are:

Biotechnology and Chemical Technologies (BC)
Education Applications (EA)
Information and Communication Technologies (IC)
Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Manufacturing (NM)

Dahlkemper Introduces New Plan to Help Small Business Increase Exports, Expand into New Markets

2010-07-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

[From Rep. Dahlkemper's website] Friday, 23 July 2010
Washington—Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-3) has introduced new legislation to help small businesses expand through exports. The Small Business Export Enhancement Act of 2010 will help small businesses gain access to new markets and increase their exports by strengthening and improving Export Assistance Centers.

Export Assistance Centers, operated jointly by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, provide small- and medium- sized businesses with direct, personalized support with exporting. Rep. Dahlkemper’s bill will ensure that the Centers are fully staffed with export finance specialists and expand the number of specialists available to small businesses within two years. The legislation also directs the SBA to analyze the gaps in coverage by the export finance specialists to ensure that all areas are being served by the Export Assistance Centers.

“Exporting has allowed our business to grow by a significant margin,” said Michael L. Noble, President of HERO BX in Erie. “Helping small- and medium- sized businesses break into exporting accelerates growth and gives businesses access to an entirely new consumer and client base. Rep. Dahlkemper’s plan will surely help businesses in Western Pennsylvania.” Hero BX was recently awarded the U.S. Commercial Service’s Export Achievement Award.

Currently, less than one percent of our nation’s nearly 29 million small businesses export their goods and services; yet, that one percent accounts for about 31.3% of our nations export volume, totaling more than $311 billion in FY2009. According to a study by Comptia, the Computing Technology Industry Association, 86% of small businesses that are exporting reported their export sales are growing faster than their domestic sales.

In FY 2009, the SBA provided over 1,500 loans totaling over $600 million to exporters. On average, over the last five fiscal years, every dollar invested in SBA Export Assistance programs has resulted in $382 in export sales.

Services offered through Export Assistance Centers include three SBA trade and export loan programs targeted towards small business:

* International Trade Loan Program (ITL): The ITL program offers term loans to small businesses that plan to start or continue exporting, as well as to small businesses that have been adversely affected by competition from imports.
* Export Working Capital Program: SBA’s Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) loans are targeted to small businesses that are able to generate export sales and need additional working capital to support their sales.
* Export Express Loan Program: SBA Export Express helps small businesses develop or expand their export markets. The program provides exporters and lenders a streamlined method to obtain SBA-backed financing for loans and lines of credit up to $250,000.

DOE Announces $30 Million in New Small Business Funding to Help Commercialize Clean Energy Technologies

2010-07-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

Washington, DC- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that $30 million in funding from the Recovery Act and FY 2010 budget appropriations will be made available to qualified small businesses to support the commercialization of promising new technologies. Today's funding announcement builds on the Department's existing efforts under the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer program (STTR) to develop near-term clean energy technologies and support American small businesses that will play an important role in building the clean energy economy of the future. This is the first time DOE has offered Phase III awards under these small business programs.

Small companies previously awarded Phase II grants through DOE's Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) or the Small Business Technology Transfer program (STTR) are eligible. Projects that include developed technologies with a strong potential for commercialization and impact on U.S. manufacturing and job creation are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants may receive up to $3 million over 3 years to research, develop and deploy new technologies.

Applications are currently being accepted for the following technology areas of interest:

Biomass Technologies; Buildings Technologies; Fuel Cell Technologies; Geothermal Technologies - High Temperature Tools and Sensors; Industrial Technologies; Solar Technologies - Lowering the Cost of Photovoltaics through Innovative Augmentation;
Vehicle Technologies; Wind Technologies; Fossil Energy; Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability; and Nuclear Energy.

The deadline for submission of applications is August 4, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. EST.
For more information about the DOE FY 2010 Phase III Xlerator Program please visit the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

EDA i6 Challenge

2010-06-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

The i6 Challenge is a new $12 million innovation competition administered by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF). EDA will award up to $1 million to each of six winning teams with the most innovative ideas to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in their regions. NIH and NSF will award a total of up to $6 million in supplemental funding to their SBIR grantees that are associated or partnered with the winning teams. We encourage entrepreneurs, investors, universities, foundations, and non-profits to participate in the i6 Challenge. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2010. For more information, email i6@doc.gov, check out our Frequently Asked Questions, and join the upcoming i6 Challenge conference call in June.

New rural small businesses program

2010-06-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Small Business (SBA) Administrator Karen G. Mills have announced that the two agencies have signed an agreement to encourage sustainable growth and development of rural small businesses. The announcement was made during the National Summit of Rural America, which gathered agricultural leaders, farmers, ranchers, community leaders, and residents of rural communities to share their vision and ideas that can help rebuild and revitalize rural America.

The agreement between the SBA and USDA is designed to reach out to people and places in rural areas and small communities with underserved financial needs. Prospective small businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans also are expected to benefit from this joint effort to encourage sustainable growth and development. USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Service will provide loan guarantees, loans and grants; the Small Business Administration will provide loan guarantees.

The MOU will remain in effect for three years. Under the agreement, USDA Rural Development and SBA will use their respective resources to provide small businesses in rural areas with loan guarantees and technical assistance to help build diverse and sustainable economies, reverse population decline, create and sustain jobs, and improve quality of life. The agreement is expected to:

Improve opportunities for small businesses to start and grow;
Improve coordination in the delivery and development of programs; and
Increase the number of small business loans guaranteed by USDA and SBA.

News Release

Free Workshops Planned for Veteran-, Minority- and Women-Owned Small Businesses to Participate in Recovery Act Opportunities

2010-05-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

The departments of General Services and Environmental Protection will hold free workshops in May to help veteran-, minority- and women-owned small businesses to identify potential business opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Learn more.

Erie: Monday, May 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Gannon University Small Business
Development Center, 120 W. Ninth St

$200 million loan fund for small biz

2010-05-06T05:11:00.001-07:00

[From Philanthropy Today] The banking giant Citigroup is teaming up with two nonprofit organizations on a $200-million loan fund for small firms in low- and moderate-income areas, The Washington Post writes.

Citigroup will put up $199-million for the Communities at Work Fund, with the rest coming from the Calvert Foundation, a nonprofit investment group, and the Opportunity Finance Network of community lenders. Calvert will manage the fund.

Youth Social Entrepreneurs

2010-03-30T05:56:00.001-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] Each year, YouthActionNet selects twenty young social entrepreneurs to participate in its Global Fellowship Program. Participants are chosen for the program based on their records of success in achieving positive change in their communities, their innovative approaches, and their ability to mobilize their peers and community members in support of their social change efforts.

The year-long fellowship program includes a seven-day leadership retreat, year-long skills-building programs and resources in leadership and organization management, and networking opportunities.

The program is open to all young people between the ages of 18 and 29 (as of September 1, 2010). Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of an existing organization, or a project within an organization, with a demonstrated one-year track record of leading societal change. Proficiency in English is required; applications must be submitted in English.

Applicants must be available to attend the program's full retreat, October 1-8, 2010, in Washington, D.C. (all expenses paid).

Visit the YouthActionNet Web site for complete program guidelines and an application form.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Small biz and clean energy report

2010-03-19T05:45:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy today released a new report highlighting the benefits of the Recovery Act to small businesses throughout the clean, renewable energy industry and environmental management sector. The report found that as of early March 2010, small businesses have been selected to receive nearly $5.4 billion in funding across a number of Recovery Act and related programs, including loans, loan guarantees, grants, contracts and tax incentives, in partnership with the Department of Treasury. The report highlights 26 small businesses in a range of clean energy technologies, such as wind, solar, biofuels, along with critical new infrastructure, like Smart Grid, advanced batteries, energy storage, and energy efficiency tools. It also notes small businesses that are helping advance responsible environmental clean-up efforts.

Read the full report.

Scholarships for Federal careers

2010-03-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

[From Philanthropy Today] The Robertson Foundation for Government is establishing a scholarship fund to encourage graduate students to pursue careers in federal service, The Washington Post reports.

The foundation, operated by heirs to the A&P supermarket fortune, will provide full financial support to students in the fields of national security, foreign policy, and international development who pledge to work at least three years for a federal agency within five years of graduating. The foundation will select four or five partner universities in the coming weeks, director Bill Robertson said.

The Robertson family was involved in a protracted donor-intent fight with Princeton University during the past decade over Princeton's use of a $35-million, 1961 gift intended to prepare students for careers in public service. The case was settled last year, with the university agreeing to pay some $60-million to the foundation.

Read a Chronicle of Philanthropy article about the Robertson/Princeton dispute.

Small Business Technology Program

2010-03-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

The small business programs stimulate 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 research institutions to play a significant intellectual role in the conduct of each STTR project. These university-based researchers, by joining forces with a small company, can spin-off their commercially promising ideas while they remain primarily employed at the research institution.

Small Businesses Helping Investigators to Fuel the Translation of Scientific Discoveries

2010-03-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

Purpose. The primary objectives of the SHIFT SBIR initiative are: (1) to foster research that is translational in nature and (2) to transform academic scientific discoveries into commercial products and services. Academic researchers can be a driving force for new products and services in a small business concern (SBC). A major feature of the SHIFT program includes the requirement for an investigator who is primarily employed by a United States research institution at the time of application to transition to a small business concern (SBC) and be primarily employed (more than 50% time) by the SBC by or at the time of award. A SHIFT SBIR grant enables an SBC to increase both its scientific research staff and its core competencies. The Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) may also facilitate SBC licensing of intellectual property (IP) from the PD/PIs prior academic institutions, promote collaboration opportunities with academic investigators, and enable better access to academic resources. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the SBIR (R43/R44) grant mechanisms for Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track applications. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the quality, duration, and costs of the applications received. More details are available here.

ARRA and Small Biz workshop in Erie

2010-02-18T18:11:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg – The Department of General Services and the Veterans Business Advocates Committee will hold free workshops to assist veteran-owned businesses in identifying business opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA.

· Erie, Friday, Feb. 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at Gannon University, Waldron Campus Center, Yehl Ballroom, 124 West 7th St.

The workshops will provide an overview of ARRA, discuss available business opportunities, outline resources to assist small business, and provide an opportunity to network with state agency personnel and other veteran-owned businesses. They will also include panel discussions on small business resources. Personnel will be available to provide direction on the ARRA Veteran-owned Business Enterprise certification process as well as general information on doing business with the commonwealth.

To register or for more information, visit www.recovery.state.pa.us, or contact DGS
at (717) 783-3119.

Express Loan Program

2010-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

[from Go Crawford County] As part of their ongoing efforts to bolster the small business community, the nation's leading engine for economic growth, Congresswomen Kathy Dahlkemper, D-3rd Dist., introduced The Express Loans Improvements Act, H.R. 4598, to increase the availability and utility of SBA Express loans, a vital source of working capital for small businesses.

"Small businesses are the foundation of our economy; when small businesses succeed, they create jobs and opportunities in our communities. The tight credit market has limited small businesses' ability to grow and create new jobs in the process. This plan will give small businesses better access to credit and help community banks provide the lending our local economies need to prosper," Dahlkemper said.

The Express Loans Improvement Act would make changes to the Small Business Administration's Express Loans program, which gives an established network of lenders greater loan approval responsibility with less bureaucracy and shorter approval times. Under current law, the SBA guarantees up to 50 percent of the loan and the maximum loan size is $350,000. The proposal would raise guarantees to 75 percent for two years to address the immediate credit crunch, then to 60 percent in subsequent years, while raising the maximum Express loan value to $1 million.

To protect taxpayers, the bill directs the SBA to strengthen collateral rules and requires annual reporting to Congress on progress toward default rate reduction. The Express Loans Improvement Act has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, Small Business Council of America, American Bankers Association, the American Small Business League and the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Tax relief for small employers/nonprofits

2010-02-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

[Chronicle of Philanthropy] President Obama plans to announce on Friday a proposal to help small employers-including nonprofit groups-hire workers and raise wages. The plan, part of a broader White House effort to bring down soaring unemployment, would give companies or charities a $5,000 federal tax credit for every net new employee they add in 2010 and reimburse them for any taxes they owe to Social Security because they have a bigger payroll.

Nonprofit groups, which are exempt from income tax, would qualify because the credits will be applied to federal payroll taxes that employers pay on behalf of their employees, a senior administration official told reporters. The official said the White House expects more than one million businesses to take advantage of the credits, for an estimated cost of $33-billion. President Obama favors using projected savings in the Troubled Asset Relief Program-the bank bailout program, which will not cost as much as expected-to pay for the effort, he said.

Think Entrepreneurs

2010-02-01T02:08:00.000-08:00

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has released Training and Employment Notice (TEN) 25-09 which describes the release of Think Entrepreneurs: A Call to Action - Integrating Entrepreneurship into the Public Workforce System throughout America.

In July 2008, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) awarded the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education a grant for a period of one year to analyze current entrepreneurship operations and policies in the public workforce system, and collect information on ways Workforce Investment Boards and One-Stop Career Centers currently provide support for developing entrepreneurs. Utilizing this information, the Consortium developed an online clearinghouse and a report to broadly share best practices on entrepreneurship activities within the public workforce system.

The new publication encourages the workforce investment system to make entrepreneurial/self-employment training opportunities available for people interested in self-employment under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

NEW Energy Idea Contest

2010-01-28T08:58:00.001-08:00

The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP)and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA (BFTP) announce their sponsorship of the NEW Energy Idea Contest. The grand prize of $35,000 will be awarded to either an entrepreneur or one early-stage, pre-revenue company in the process of developing a new energy or alternative energy related product/process improvement.

Prize money for the contest is being provided by Ben Franklin and PennTAP through funding made by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). To qualify, contestants must have a viable, new energy/alternative energy related product or process improvement idea and cannot have received BFTP funding in the past. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2010.

Small Biz Technology grant

2010-01-19T05:45:00.000-08:00

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, administered by the National Institutes of Health, is intended to stimulate a partnership of ideas and technologies between innovative small business concerns (SBCs) and non-profit research institutions through Federally-funded research or research and development (R/R&D). By providing awards to SBCs for cooperative R/R&D efforts with non-profit research institutions, the STTR program assists the small business and research communities by commercializing innovative technologies. More details on funding priorities can be found in the guidelines.

Companies supporting arts nominations

2010-01-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

[Philanthropy News Digest]: The Business Committee for the Arts is accepting nominations for the BCA Ten: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America. Announced annually, the BCA Ten is a national list created to recognize businesses of all sizes for their exceptional involvement with the arts. Anyone — individual, arts organization, or company employee — may nominate a company for the award. Companies, both large and small, that support the arts in the United States are eligible for nomination. Nominations for THE BCA TEN 2010 are open until Friday, February 26, 2010.

10,000 Small Businesses initiative

2010-01-12T07:36:00.001-08:00

Goldman Sachs recently announced their "10,000 Small Businesses" program, a $500 million initiative that will unlock the growth and job-creation potential of 10,000 small businesses across the United States through greater access to business education, mentors and networks, and financial capital. It is based on the broadly held view of leading experts that a combination of education, capital and support services best addresses the barriers to growth for small businesses.

Small Business Advantage Grants

2009-12-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is currently accepting applications for the Small Business Advantage Grant program. These 50% matching grants can help a small business reduce energy consumption or address pollution issues with funding up to $7,500. Applications are due by January 15, 2010, and full guidelines can be found here.

Arts Incubator hopes to support arts jobs and businesses

2009-12-28T06:49:00.000-08:00

A team including Edinboro University and the town of Waterford are managing a grant to implement an Arts Incubator to work with arts entrepreneurs and spur job creation. The Housing and Urban Development grant was supported by U.S. Representative Phil English, as reported by the Erie Times News.

Sample Post

2009-12-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is a test.

Small Businesses & Individuals

Knight Foundation Awards $1 Million to JumpStart America

[from Philanthropy News Digest] JumpStart America, an initiative of Cleveland-based JumpStart, has announced a $1 million challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (http://www.knightfdn.org/).

RMAP

Women's Roundtable grant for women biz owners

ARC Launches Global Appalachia Export Initiative

Storm relief grant funding

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

Small Business Lending Fund

Rural microentrepreneur loans / grants

PA Banks receive funds for small biz capital

Sen. Casey introduces bill for Veterans - small biz

Startup America

Startup America Announces New Partners, Launches Online Platform

Advantage Grant Program

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

Webinar

Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I Solicitation FY-2012

Link to Full Announcement

Small Business Technology Transfer program

Link to Full Announcement

Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act ("PRIME")

Eligibility:

Agency Name

Description

Link to Full Announcement

Venture Development Organizations

Startup America

America's next top energy innovator challenge

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

Erie Innovation Fund Accepting Applications

PA Small Businesses

Virtual Neighborhood Watch grant in Erie

InnovateErie competition

Cinereach Film grants

Angel Investing 101 at Edinboro U

SBIR

Link to Full Announcement

Young Entrepreneurs supported

White House campaign for Small Biz

JPMorgan Chase supports CDFIs

Educational Improvement Tax Credit

Small Business Teaming Pilot grant

Link to Full Announcement

Microfinance directory

Dept. of Energy Small Biz Conference

Strategic planning for small businesses

SBA Unveils New Web Site and Launches SBA Direct - A New Tool Delivering Personalized and Targeted Resources

SBIR Grants Open

Challenge grant for small businesses

Small Biz Exporting Tool

Small Business Innovation Awards

CDFI loan grants

Retirement Plan Solutions for Small Businesses

Flexibility webcast

Treasury Announces State-by-State Funding Allocations to Support $15 Billion in Small Business Lending, Create New Jobs

Bank of America Small Biz grants

Small Biz Advantage grant--applications due Nov. 5

IBM helps small businesses

Government resources in communities for small biz

State and local government contracting

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Dahlkemper Introduces New Plan to Help Small Business Increase Exports, Expand into New Markets

DOE Announces $30 Million in New Small Business Funding to Help Commercialize Clean Energy Technologies

EDA i6 Challenge

New rural small businesses program

Free Workshops Planned for Veteran-, Minority- and Women-Owned Small Businesses to Participate in Recovery Act Opportunities

$200 million loan fund for small biz

Youth Social Entrepreneurs

Small biz and clean energy report

Scholarships for Federal careers

Small Business Technology Program

Small Businesses Helping Investigators to Fuel the Translation of Scientific Discoveries

ARRA and Small Biz workshop in Erie

Express Loan Program

Tax relief for small employers/nonprofits

Think Entrepreneurs

NEW Energy Idea Contest

Small Biz Technology grant

Companies supporting arts nominations

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