Friday, September 23, 2011

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance for NC and SC Counties

SBA’s Deadline is October 18 for Physical Damage

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damages caused by the severe storms and flooding that occurred on Aug. 5, 2011. The deadline to file an SBA disaster loan application for physical damage is Oct. 18, 2011.

Anyone with insured losses should not wait for an insurance settlement before applying to the SBA. “If someone does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, the SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided they agree to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Low-interest disaster loans are available in Mecklenburg County, and the neighboring counties of Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union in North Carolina; Lancaster and York in South Carolina.

Interest rates are as low as 2.5 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets the loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

For additional information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955; (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan application forms can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at http://www.sba.gov/. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Those affected by the disaster may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical damage is October 18, 2011. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 19, 2012.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Kauffman Foundation Expands Global Scholars Program . . .

U.S. Graduates Invited to Apply
Media Contacts:
Barb Pruitt, (816) 932-1288 or bpruitt@kauffman.org
Sarah Brewster, (816) 842-8111 or sarah@trozzolo.com

Applications available online, due Oct. 17, 2011

(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) Sept. 22, 2011 — A world-class opportunity awaits U.S. college graduates with innovative ideas for a new business. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is expanding its successful Global Scholars Program to include up to 10 recent graduates from U.S. colleges and universities who will join Scholars from around the world.

During the first five years of the Global Scholars Program, Kauffman hosted students sponsored by governments and organizations from five countries representing 11 nationalities. In 2012, the expanded Program will enable selected U.S. Scholars to learn and network with an international group of fellow aspiring entrepreneurs.

"It is essential that countries seek to educate global citizens whose vision, knowledge and reach extend beyond their own national boundaries," said Wendy E.F. Torrance, Global Scholars Program director. "By inviting U.S. Scholars into this Program, we can engage our next generation of entrepreneurial talent at a global level."

The Global Scholars Program is now accepting applications from outstanding U.S. college students or recent graduates with business ideas in the science, technology and engineering fields who are U.S. citizens or legal U.S. residents. Applications can be submitted at www.kauffman.org/USglobalscholars, and must be completed by Oct. 17, 2011. The U.S. Scholars will be selected in November 2011 and will begin the six-month Program in January 2012.

The participants will ultimately develop their entrepreneurial skills, ideas, competencies, and capabilities to start a business.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

"Steps to Starting a Business" Workshop

Florence SBDC will be hosting the workshop "Steps to Starting a Business". This workshop provides the basic information needed to start a small business, write a business plan and apply for financing.


Cost: $15 per client
(make check out to Winthrop University - SBDC)

Dates Offered:  

March 12, 2012  - 3pm – 6pm
March 26, 2012 - 6pm – 9pm

The topics covered will be:
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit 
  • What are the characteristics of an entrepreneur?
  • Do you have what it takes?
  • Feasibility Plan
  • What will starting a business cost me personally?
  • Marketing Research 
  • Know your customer, competition and industry. 
  • Financing your Business 
  • How will this work and where will it come from?
  • Legal Implications
  • What kind of business do I want to be?
  • What does that mean for me legally?
  • Business Plan Outline 
  • My business on paper.
  • Financial Statements 
  • An overview of Startup Cost, Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statements.
  • Final Checklist 
  • Avoiding common pitfalls, keys to success and key takeaways.
To Register, call the Florence SBDC at (843) 661-8175.

2011 Emerging Business Opportunities Conference - September 20, 2011

Hosted by: GE Healthcare – Florence, SC

Featuring: Progress Energy, Premier, Inc., Johnson Controls,

Sonoco, Monster, QVC, and others

Agenda:

 Registration/Breakfast

 Welcome (Lt. Governor Ken Ard)

 Welcome (Mike Eggleston, GE Healthcare)

 Session I – Panel (How to do business with)

 Session II – Panel (Supply Chain Strategy/Emerging Opportunities)

 Signup for Breakout Sessions – Lunch

 Breakout Sessions begin (15 minute matchmaking sessions – 5 min. rotation)

 Tours of GE
Who should attend? This event, hosted by GE Healthcare, will connect local businesses with global corporations including GE Healthcare, Progress Energy, Premier, Inc., Sonoco, Johnson Controls, Monster, QVC, Honda, McLeod Health, Carolinas Hospital System and the City of Florence. Throughout the day, participants will discuss the inclusion of minority, women, veteran and small businesses into their supply chains, emerging business opportunities and the future of procurement. The agenda was developed for local business owners and procurement professionals. LIMITED SEATING
Register for the conference by going to www.flochamber.com or complete the back of this flyer and fax to 843-662-2010.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Gerry Madison 843-665-0515 ext. 128

Email: gmadison@flochamber.com

Nuclear Energy Supplier Training - September 15, 2011

Export 101 – The Basics of Exporting

Summary: The global nuclear energy industry has opportunity for small companies as export suppliers. Companies interested in the exporting of their products and services need to understand the rules, regulations and customs that govern international trade. The SC Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in collaboration with The Carolinas’ Nuclear Cluster, the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Commercial Service are offering a seminar to a limited number of small firms who seriously want to explore the potential to export their products.

What it is:

• A half-day session in which experts explain the basics of exporting to companies that have little to no experience in international trade.

• Learn about trade finance and how to limit your business risks.

• Gain a basic understanding of export logistics and payment methods.

• Hear overviews on international markets and learn the abc’s of export marketing.

• Participants are introduced to local trade experts who can help long term with export   challenges and opportunities.

When/where:
• September 15 in Rock Hill at Winthrop University.

• The session runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free of charge.
Who:

• Who is managing this: The SC SBDC in collaboration with the Carolinas’ Nuclear Cluster, under its SBA ‘Innovative Economies’ contract to enhance small business involvement with the nuclear energy industry. Government and industry experts will provide guidance and instruction on exporting.

• Who should consider enrolling: Small companies that have done some work or are considering work with nuclear utilities, engineering firms, or Department of Energy sites, and who are looking to expand into exporting. The sessions will accommodate 20-25 people in each class.

How to get more information:

• Contact: Beth Smith, Columbia Small Business Development Center at the USC Incubator, Columbia. Smithem6@mailbox.sc.edu 803-777-4550.

• The sessions are free to those companies who qualify and commit to attend. Companies will have post class follow-up and opportunity for additional assistance.