EnVision January 2008 Volume 2 Issue 2
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ANALYSIS AND IMPACT
Falcons Team Up With CVBI for Central Valley Entrepreneurship Night
Fresno, CA – The Fresno Falcons are teaming up with the Central Valley Business Incubator to host the first-ever Central Valley Entrepreneurship Night on Friday, Jan. 25. The evening will celebrate local startup businesses.
As part of the game’s activities, Falcons fans will have the chance to learn about new startup businesses and see demonstrations of developing technologies. The event is also an opportunity for participating businesses to network and host current and potential customers at the game.
During the game’s intermission, select participating businesses will introduce their company on the ice.
“Hockey players and entrepreneurs have a lot in common – they have to be fast, nimble, be able to execute a winning strategy, and of course, be able to withstand a good cross check into the boards,” CVBI CEO Craig Scharton said. “I think it is great that the Falcons are willing to set aside a night to honor and promote startup companies in the Central Valley. These are the folks that will do the most to create economic success and jobs for all of us in our region.”
The Falcons are playing the defending ECHL champions Idaho Steelheads. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
“The Falcons are proud to host this inaugural Entrepreneurship Night,” Falcons CEO John Tull said. “This is a great networking opportunity for area businesses, as well as an excellent chance for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses to the captive Falcons crowd.”
Central Valley businesses less than two years-old are invited to participate in the business showcase. For more information and to sign up, contact Anna Borgeas at (559) 292-9033 or anna@cvbi.org. Game tickets can be purchased by calling the Falcons at (559) 347-3615. Falcons Contact: Delane Williams, dwilliams@fresnofalcons.com, (559) 347-3615
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SBA Releases 2007 Year in Review
Marking Agency’s Accomplishments
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration today released a 10-page report marking the agency’s accomplishments during calendar year 2007. The Year in Review document is posted on the SBA Web site at: http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_homepage/sba2007_accomplishments.pdf
The agency’s accomplishments during the year enabled it to more effectively foster small business ownership and help people quickly get back on their feet after natural disasters.
Looking back on the year, it is clear the SBA has made substantial progress. Internal operations are more effective and efficient, with every SBA department taking on new challenges, goals and initiatives launched by Administrator Steve Preston, who took the reins at the agency in July 2006.
Looking forward, the SBA has much to do in 2008 to achieve Administrator Preston’s reforms, but 2007 was a turning point indicating positive results to come.
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SBA and Nationwide Launch Small Business Disaster Preparedness Guide
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company have teamed up to launch a disaster planning guide for small business owners. SBA Deputy Administrator Jovita Carranza and Nationwide's Associate Vice President for Safety Bill Windsor made the announcement today during an event at the National Press Club.
The 10-page guide provides information business owners need to develop an effective plan to protect customers and employees in the event of a disaster. The guide provides key disaster preparedness strategies to help small businesses identify potential hazards, create plans to remain in operation if the office is unusable, and understand the limitations of their insurance coverage.
"The most successful recovery efforts are always preceded by good planning," said Carranza. "The more preparation that businesses complete before a disaster, the better able they are to rebuild and reopen quickly after a disaster."
"Disasters can have a devastating impact on small businesses," said Windsor. "How quickly those businesses can get up and running after a disaster can have a significant impact on a community's ability to recovery. Understanding this, the SBA and Nationwide have created this guide to help business owners get their arms around the disaster planning process, and convince them to mitigate their risk."
Hard copies of the guide will be distributed by SBA field offices, its resource partners around the country and disaster field offices. Nationwide will make additional copies available to its agents for distribution. An electronic version of the guide will be available online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/disasterpreparedness/index.html, and at www.nationwide.com
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
The SBA is the federal government's primary post-disaster economic recovery agency. Homeowners may borrow at favorable rates up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate. Individuals may borrow up to $40,000 to cover losses to personal property.
Non-farm businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may apply for up to $1.5 million to repair or replace disaster damaged business assets and real property. Small businesses that suffered economic losses as a direct result of the declared disaster may apply for a working capital loan of up to $1.5 million. To learn more about the SBA's disaster assistance program, visit the Web site at http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html
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BUSINESS ATRACTION & MARKETING
The Veterans Business Outreach Center Presents: Marketing Techniques For Small Business
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 17, 2008) – The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) will present the Marketing Techniques for Small Business Workshop at the VBOC Conference Room located at 7270 East Southgate Drive, Sacramento, California on Thursday, January 17, 2008 commencing 5:30pm and ending 7:30pm.
This training is designed to provide marketing methodologies, sales strategies to increase customer base, advertising and promotion techniques to identify and target clientele base.
This course also includes free-one-to-one consulting services for your business development needs.
There is a $30.00 fee for this workshop. Preregistration is required!!
The Veterans Business Outreach Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the California veteran small business community.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Contact: Mona Azevedo
916-393-1690
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BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION
Two Local Business Step-Up to Sponsor Event
The Second Annual Business Matchmaking and Networking Event is going to take place August 1st, 2008 at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall. It will be very similar to last year’s event with some changes to help it become more efficient in promoting Fresno small business growth.
The planning committee has begun to organize the event and plan the details of it. Through this effort and community outreach; two community businesses have stepped forward to sponsor the event. Univision has made a commitment to be a double platinum sponsor, as well as Business Street which will also be a sponsor of the event.
The resources and support provided by these sponsors will help to provide the necessary resources and supplies to ensure the event is a success again, and the committee is very thankful for their generosity.
The committee is currently pursuing other sponsorship and participation from buying organization.
For more information please contact Peggy Chiok at 621-8360 or Peggy.Chiok@fresno.gov.
A website is currently being constructed at www.fresnostartup.com look for the 2nd Annual Business Matchmaking link on the page.
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GREEN ENTERPRISE
PG&E Grant to Assist CVBI's WET Incubator in Developing New Water & Energy Technologies
FRESNO, CA - Efforts to establish the Central Valley as a world leader in water technology received a boost from a recent $25,000 PG&E grant awarded to the Central Valley Business Incubator to assist member companies in its Claude Laval Water and Energy Technology (WET) Incubator.
The grant, specifically directed toward CVBI's specialized WET Incubator, will be used to assist companies in the development of sustainable business models. The WET Incubator opened in March and is home to five on-site companies developing new technologies or businesses in the water and energy technology sectors.
"We are very grateful for the continued support that PG&E gives to entrepreneurship in the Central Valley," said CVBI CEO Craig Scharton. "The WET Incubator will use these funds to support companies who will affect our water, energy and environmental priorities for our region."
In working with the WET Incubator companies, CVBI's goal is the creation of new businesses that will lead to new jobs, a reduction in dependence on foreign fuels, and a cleaner environment. The WET Incubator has received international visits from heads of state from countries including Australia, Nigeria, China, Israel and Canada.
"We believe it is important to fund nonprofit organizations that provide important services to our customers," said PG&E's Government Relations Manager Al Galvez. "The Central Valley Business Incubator provides support to Valley-based clean energy startup companies, and those are exactly the type of programs PG&E wants to support."
About the Central Valley Business Incubator
The Central Valley Business Incubator is a public/private partnership fueled by community resources. CVBI helps startup companies launch successfully by creating an entrepreneurial community where people learn how to balance their passion and ideas with the structure of running a successful business. CVBI offers business development classes and houses five on-site members at each of its two facilities - the Launching Pad for mixed-use incubation and the Claude Laval Water and Energy Technology (WET) Incubator.
Founded in 1996, CVBI is a nonprofit organization that fosters economic development through entrepreneurship and job creation. It has worked with more than 3,400 entrepreneurs who have obtained more than $14.5 million in capital and created 2,030 direct, verifiable new jobs for Central Californians.
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ENTREPRENEAURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Veterans Business Outreach Center Presents: Business Basics Workshop (Serving Veterans In California)
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 9, 2008) – The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) will present the Business Basics Workshop at the VBOC Conference Room located at 7270 East Southgate Drive, Sacramento, California on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 commencing 6:00pm and ending 9:00pm.
This training is designed for individuals interested in starting a business or currently in business for two or less years. Course includes: business evaluation, market research, licensing and permit requirements, start-up costs, financing sources, insurance, cash flow analysis, legal structure, self employment analysis, cash management, customer profile, protecting your business idea, and reality of operating a business.
This course also includes free-one-to consulting services for your business development needs.
There is a $40.00 fee for this workshop.
The Veterans Business Outreach Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the California veteran small business community.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Contact: Mona Azevedo
916-393-1690
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INCENTIVES
The $50 Million New Market Tax Credit Allocation Is Here!
Fresno, CA- The National New Markets Fund (NNMF) has been awarded a $50 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Allocation from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI). NNMF uses its NMTC Allocation to channels private investment into economically distressed cities; neighborhoods and rural areas. NNMF bridges financing gaps in real estate development projects by providing equity and debt to developers. NNMF has identified four regions as target areas for its investments: the Central Valley of CA; Northwest Louisiana; New England; and the Gulf Opportunity Zone. Because its Allocation is national, NNMF has the flexibility to make investments outside of these regions.
"This is great news not only for West Fresno, but for the City, County and Central California. NNMF will assist developers in bringing projects to market which will create jobs and housing as well as convert abandoned, contaminated, or under utilized properties within under served communities for productive and beneficial use. NNMFs Allocation will support the development of real estate and the creation of employment opportunities for our community." said Mr. Keith Kelley; an advisory board member
(from Fresno) of National New Markets Fund and President/CEO Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development. "I am excited that the Fresno West Coalition is able to become a part of shaping these opportunities for our Central Valley."
NNMF is committed to economic development within low- and moderate-income communities and supports the incorporation of sustainable and green building practices in projects which it invests. NNMF is currently reviewing investment opportunities and is seeking to deploy its capital into impactful projects. Investment priority will be given to those projects that provide the greatest benefit to low-income communities, have strong community and public-sector support, and incorporate green building or smart growth development principles. National New Markets Fund is outreaching to developers in need of financing and/or technical assistance for projects which meet its investment strategy.
For more information on the National New Markets Fund and its investment strategy contact Kyle Walton at NNMF@sdsgroup.com
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NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY AND DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
San Joaquin Valley Housing Symposium
The City of Fresno is pleased to announce the first ever San Joaquin Valley Housing Symposium. This one day event will bring together housing professionals from across the valley and state to discuss, network and exchange ideas about land use topics that are vital to the future of California’s new frontier. It will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fresno Convention Center, 848 “M” Street.
This symposium will focus on sustainable growth strategies including educational tracks on regionalism, compact development and affordable housing.
We are pleased to announce that Lynn Jacobs, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development will be the keynote speaker for the morning plenary session. The renowned California author William Fulton, President and CEO of the Solimar Research Group, will be our lunchtime keynote speaker. The symposium will include a catered lunch and a networking reception hosted by the Urban Land Institute.
This Symposium is brought to you by the City of Fresno’s Housing and Community Development Division, in collaboration with the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, the San Joaquin Valley Regional Blueprint, and the Greater Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
Registration information is available online at www.sjvhousing.com.
Cost of Registration is $50.00 per person which includes breakfast, a catered lunch, and a networking reception hosted by the Urban Land Institute.
For more information, please visit the web site or call Stephen Sotomayor, at (559) 621-8511.
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TOURISM
Shows and Events Calendars in Fresno
If you are ever wondering what to shows and events are taking place at the Convention Center in Fresno there is a calendar and website to help you. You can visit http://www.fresnoconventioncenter.com/venues/Calendar.asp?nMonth=1&nYear=2008 to check out the actual convention center’s web calendar to help you find shows and events. For example this month will feature the Bride and Beauty Expo on the 6th, George Carlin on the 19th or the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra on the 26th. There are many others.
Other websites to check out is www.fresnocvb.org or http://www.fresno.gov/Visitors/ThingsToDo/Default.htm#category0
These should all give you a good start to find events and shows to get out in the community with. Also, if you have a special event some of the websites let you post your event on their site.
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TRADE, GLOBALIZATION & INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Basics of Exporting
01/15/2008 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM Fresno CA
Cost: $39.00
Curious about the advantages and risks associated with exporting? Need more information to take your next steps in the international marketplace? Have questions about your exporting your product or services?
This introductory workshop is for those considering international trade or for those interested in exploring the world of international business. The program will cover:
• Step-by-step export process
• Export documentation
• Methods of payment
• Terms of sale (incoterms)
Visit http://fresno.citd.org/Training/details.cfm?title_id=482 to register
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Importing into the United States
01/15/2008 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Fresno CA
Cost: $39.00
Are you familiar with the legal aspects of importing? Know when and how to use a customhouse broker? Is U.S. Customs causing delays in your shipment? Can your product can be imported quickly, economically and legally?
Learn the basic steps involved when importing products into the United States. Discover how you can overcome barriers to importing. The program will cover:
• Basic legal obligations
• Import requirements
• Import documentation
• Tariff classifications
Visit http://fresno.citd.org/Training/details.cfm?title_id=483 to register
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Shattering The Glass Ceiling--Web 2.0 Style
By: Maureen Farrell
www.forbes.com
Forty years after Gloria Steinem and Germain Greer, women are still a rarity in the corporate suite. Eager to curry favor with female customers, the investment community and the press, big companies now are looking to turn the tide. "Everyone in the U.S. is very focused on gender, and corporate boards are pushing for more equity [at the highest levels]," says Colleen O'Neill, partner at Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a unit of Marsh & McLennan.
Enter Harleen Kahlon, founder of DamselsInSuccess.com, a Web site featuring job postings, monthly columns and the opportunity for aspiring female executives to mingle online. "I was seeing books out there like Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office," says Kahlon, 34. "I wanted to hear first-hand experiences of women who succeeded."
Read more at: http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/entrehr/2007/05/22/mclennan-xerox-ebay-ent-manage-cx_mf_0522damsels.html
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